Essentials
Money in Korea
Best exchange rates, ATMs & how to pay
Read guide →Western food has been localized in Seoul over decades, emerging as something distinctly Korean in the process. Demi-glace pork cutlets, cream pasta with kimchi, and French-style brunch menus sit alongside Italian pizza and American burgers in Seoul's eclectic restaurant landscape. Many younger Korean chefs trained abroad and returned to open restaurants that blend European technique with Korean ingredients and sensibility.
Gangnam-gu is Seoul's upscale business and entertainment district south of the Han River. Home to K-pop entertainment companies, COEX Mall, and the Apgujeong-Rodeo shopping strip, it attracts young professionals, tourists, and K-drama fans. Restaurants here tend toward the polished and premium, with a density of international cuisine, high-end Korean dining, and trendy cafés.
Behind the Lotte Department Store near Hanti Station A wide selection of appetizers and snacks to pair with makgeolli. Visit here to sample makgeolli from various regions, making for a truly rewarding experience. The owner is passionate about makgeolli, and often allows additional fermentation time after stocking.
Korean blogger posts. Links open original posts on Naver.
