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Discover 9 hidden gems in Seoul, including traditional Hanoks, scenic cafes, and local foodie hotspots. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences!
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Traveling to Seoul for the first time can be equally exciting and daunting, as you consider the endless options of things to do and see.
You might gravitate to the more touristy side of things but how about taking a local approach and unlocking a new side of Seoul that only locals know?
At All About Seoul (AAS),
we don’t just craft exceptional Korea medical tours; we’re your ultimate Seoul travel guide, curating insider access to the city's hidden gems that even some locals cherish in secret.
From hidden foodie havens to serene escapes, we help you uncover the Seoul most visitors miss.
Drop us a message through our contact form, and let’s plan an authentically yours trip.
Ready to explore?
Let’s dive into the city’s most unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences!
Honestly, there is no time like the present. Except for the rainy season from mid-June to July, Seoul is a travel destination with many charms depending on the time of the year.
Whether you want to galavant among the cherry blossoms in spring or build a snowman outside a temple for a special winter in Korea activity, any time of the year is a great time to be in Seoul.
If you want to read more about the best months to visit Korea, check out our feature which also recommends the best medical procedures to get done depending on the season.
For instance, if you’re in the market for eyelid surgery and a liposculpture, we’d strongly recommend getting it done in the summer because it’s a minimally invasive surgery that will have little impact on your recovery travels thereafter.
Seoul has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world.
With options between several bus routes and subway lines, you can get to any destination in Seoul within an hour.
Just looking at the Seoul subway map can serve as a travel map in itself, that’s how well-organized the city’s transportation is.
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government
The same goes for taxi rides. When navigating your Seoul travel guide map, there are many options on how to get around Seoul.
Source: Seoul Tourism Organization
Alternatively, you can book a private car to drive you around Seoul at your convenience.
Who better to help you get around your Seoul travel guide itinerary than AAS?
Make sure to ask us about transportation options.
Source: Glad Hotels
If you’re looking for an affordable but still top quality hotel then the Glad Hotels chain would be the perfect recommendation for you.
With various branches across Seoul in Yeouido, Mapo District, and the Gangnam Coex Center, the hotel is located in many accessible locations around Seoul - perfect for whatever itinerary you might have planned.
Address: Various
Source: Airbnb
Since Korea is a country rich in tradition, what better way to make your stay special than sleeping in one of the Korean traditional houses that you see in the Hanok villages?
Not only can you fulfill your K-drama dreams (if you’re a fan) but you can also enjoy the gorgeous aesthetic of modernized hanoks.
SonghyunDami Hanok Stay is one of the best areas for experiencing all things traditional Korea, including the royal palaces.
There is also a jacuzzi with a herbal bath additive to add to your relaxation after a day of exploring. How perfect!
Address: 40-21 Yulgokro1gil, Jongno District, Seoul
If you want a more luxurious itinerary in Seoul or are looking for luxury hotels to stay in, make sure to include that in your inquiry with AAS.
We can help you, regardless of your budget!
It wouldn’t be a Seoul travel guide without the best foodie recommendations, would it?
Source: Visit Seoul
Cafe Pokpo, as in Cafe ‘Waterfall’ - yes, we mean a literal waterfall, is the newest hot spot in Seoul as it is one of the only places where you can see a waterfall in the middle of the city.
The waterfall is the Hongjecheon Artificial Falls and you can not only zone out whilst staring at it but they have various events with live music at the cafe, as well.
In the winter, they even set up igloos to block out the cold.
Address: 262-24 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Source: Starbucks
If you’re craving Starbucks but feel a little bit iffy about going to Starbucks instead of an aesthetic Korean cafe, then we’ve got you covered!
One of the most aesthetic and unique Starbucks cafes in Seoul is none other than the Starbucks Kyungdong 1960 which can be found in the historical 60’s sentiment-filled Kyungdong Theater.
You can enjoy the vintage aesthetic and a warm cuppa at the same time.
Your support will also have a special meaning to the local community as this cafe was initially built to support the community of the Kyungdong Market.
Address: 1036 Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Source: Hong Kong Milk Company Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CtiPeKQp0yv/?hl=en
This cafe is one of the most underappreciated cafes in Seoul as it is absolutely stunning but hidden among the alleyways of the Changshin-dong neighborhood - which is not that popular even among locals.
This means that you can enjoy the gorgeous glass-stained windows and views overlooking the city in a peaceful setting.
We’d personally recommend that you have one of the puddings along with the milk tea when you visit because they have an authentic and delicious taste regardless of the flavor you get.
Address: 53 Changsin 12-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
Source: Kyeonghyang Newspaper
If you want to try unique Korean dishes where each menu is a surprise and made for you, then you need to try out Korean omakase at the Cheerful Drinking Table restaurant.
The restaurant is run by Netflix “Culinary Class Wars” contestant Auntie Omakase #1 and has gained quite a spike in popularity since the show.
Address: 341 Nohae-ro, Dobong District, Seoul
If you’d like to read more about the restaurants from “Culinary Class Wars” that you can visit, check out our feature article about it, too!
Source: TripAdvisor
A hit among local Koreans, Jongno Dodam is a must-visit if you’re looking to delve into the world of Korean bossam and kimchi-jjim dishes.
Whilst Dodam has more than one restaurant, each restaurant has its charm.
Jongno Dodam has one of the most lively atmospheres out of the restaurants and even adds to the authenticity of your experience by offering bottomless rice wine with certain meals.
The restaurant is quite large which means that you can take in the buzz of locals enjoying Korean drinking culture, as well.
Address: 46 Cheongjin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul
Source: dhsy0619 Naver Blog
Everybody knows that tteokbokki is one of the essential Korean menus to try when visiting Seoul, but did you know that there’s a famous tteokbokki alley in Sindang-dong?
The entire street is filled to the brim with restaurants that specialize in the spicy rice cake dish.
One of the most famous stores there is Jongjeom which has been around for decades. They serve a tteokbokki with a unique taste that we dare to say you can only find there.
The taste has made them so famous that they’ve even created meal kits that you can buy to replicate it at home - the perfect souvenir to commemorate your foodie trip!
If you’re feeling brave, you can also try their spicy chicken feet - another specialty that has made the store famous for so long.
Address: 217-1 Dasan-ro, Jung District, Seoul
Next, we have the essential to-do list found on any Seoul travel guide itinerary.
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Deoksugung Palace is one of the many royal palaces that people consider visiting when in Seoul.
One of the perks of choosing this palace to visit is getting to see the Jeongdong Observatory, as well.
Everyone loves a good 2-for-1, right?
The Jeongdong Observatory also has a cafe where you can get a refreshing drink while you take in the breathtaking overhead views of Deoksugung, seeing it from a new perspective.
Address: 15 Deoksugung-gil, Jung District, Seoul
Source: Visit Seoul Official
What better way to see Seoul than from the heart and center of it - the Han River?
If you’d like to experience the Han River in a way that not even many Seoul citizens have, then we highly recommend a once-in-a-lifetime experience of taking a yacht tour on the Han River.
The River Marina near the Banpo Hangang River is a private dock that offers tours and also has a cafe and restaurant for a magical experience on the water.
Address: 39 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho District, Seoul
All About Seoul wants to help you solve your aesthetic and wellness needs by introducing you to the best doctors in Seoul, whether you’re looking to get a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) in Seoul or even looking into liposculpture procedures or other treatments - we’ve got your back!
If you would like to incorporate any of these places into your medical tour itinerary then All About Seoul is the place to contact!
Send us an inquiry and we’ll help make your medical tourism dreams come true.
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Premium Medical tourism in Seoul
Copyright 2024. All About Seoul
Company Name: JABEZ Ltd.
CEO: GI HEE KIM
Business Registration #: 488-81-01644
Address: Nonhyeon-ro 154-gil,
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Zip Code 06025
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