Essentials
Money in Korea
Best exchange rates, ATMs & how to pay
Read guide →Japanese cuisine has deep roots in Seoul, shaped by geographic proximity and a long shared history. Seoul-style Japanese restaurants range from affordable sushi conveyor belts and ramen shops to high-end omakase counters. Quality fish is flown in daily, and Korean chefs often put their own spin on Japanese classics — thicker broths, spicier condiments, and seasonal Korean ingredients woven into traditional recipes.
Seongbuk-gu is home to Bukchon's quieter neighbour and Seoul's most literary neighbourhood, with independent bookshops and traditional restaurants tucked between old residential alleys. Ssangmun-dong's street food markets and the traditional teahouses of Samcheong-dong are highlights of this culturally rich but less-touristed district.
I don't usually write reviews, but this was so bad I had to leave one. The service wasn't great, and the food (basil mazesoba) was so bad it was uneatable... I've never left a restaurant without a meal because the food was so bad. This was a special experience.
