Wangbijib

Why go?

From Korean Tourism Organization:
Wangbijib is a Korean restaurant specializing in grilled meat

How to go?

Branches:

• Myeongdong branch (63-3 Chungmuro 2(i)-ga)
• Myeongdong No. 2 branch (2F. 34-1 Myeongdong 1-ga)
• Jongno branch (Gwancheol-dong, Jongno-gu)

When to go?
11:30 to 23:00

Cuisine
Korean - Grilled meat

Tips

Website
http://www.wangbijib.com (Korean, Japanese only)

Wonjo Namsan Wang Donkatsu

Why go?

Namsam specialty

How to go?

By subway

• Myeongdong station (Line 4) Exit 3. Walk toward Pacific Hotel and continue uphill for 10min. After a long flight of stairs, it is on the right 

When to go?
08:00 to 22:00

Cuisine
Korean - Fried pork cutlet

Tips

• The spicy pork cutlet is really spicy!
• Have lunch or dinner at this place when visiting N Seoul Tower

Websites
http://nsdon.iw2000.com/

Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel

Why go?

From Korea Tourism Organization
Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel is the third Sheraton Hotel to be opened in Korea. The new Sheraton Hotel (operated by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc.) is a top-tier accommodation in southwestern Seoul offering high-quality services and a prime location. This five-star hotel has 269 guestrooms, 12 meeting rooms, a Grand Ballroom, restaurants, a bar, a café, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. The hotel is located at the top of the D Cube building and is directly linked to the D Cube Department Store, D Cube Art Center and D Cube Park, enabling a new lifestyle of shopping and culture and leisure activities all under one roof. Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel has a variety of innovative features, but the most unique trait is that the lobby, restaurant, and bar are located on the very top of the building on the 41st floor! The 269 guestrooms are also located in the upper levels of the D Cube structure, allowing for a bird’s-eye view of the city.

Facilities include

• Golf simulator room
• Gym
• Indoor swimming pool
• Spa

How to go?

By subway

• Sindorim Station (Seoul Subway Line 1,2), Exit 1

Accommodation Type
Hotel

Tips

• Served by airport bus - check out the departure timings from hotel
• Try the golf simulator. Remember to bring along sport or golf shoes. Free rental for sport attire and golf clubs

Websites
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3569
Tripadvisor
KTO

Jongmyo Shrine

Why go?

From Wikipedia:
Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine dedicated to the perpetuation of memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Korean Joseon Dynasty(1392–1897). According to UNESCO, the shrine is the oldest royal Confucian shrine preserved and the ritual ceremonies continue a tradition established in the 14th century. Such shrines existed during the Three Kingdoms of Korea period (57-668), but these have not survived. The Jongmyo Shrine was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995.

Also mentioned in

• World Heritage Site

How to go?

By subway

• Jongno-3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1) Exit 11. 10-min walk from station.

When to go?
Closed on Tue

Duration required
1-2 hours

Tips

• There are different timings for guide tours of different languages. Joining guide tour is required to enter Jongmyo Shrine 

Websites
http://jm.cha.go.kr/n_jm/index.html
Tripadvisor
KTO

Kidzania Seoul

Why go?

From Korea Tourism Organization:

Kidzania, located in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, is a unique family entertainment space especially for children age 3 to 16. The theme park provides children with a chance to experience jobs that they might want to have when they grow up! The park, which originated in Mexico and has spread throughout the world, opened its doors in Korea in February of 2010. Kidzania has a total of three floors and lets children experience over 57 different jobs. By experiencing a variety of realistic role playing jobs (all of which are included in the entrance fee) children can learn about real-life economic principles in a unique and interesting environment. Job experiences include working as a policeman, flight attendant, firefighter, or chef (uniforms are provided). When you work hard in Kidzania, you get paid in Kidzo (a virtual currency). You can put your money in the bank for your next visit or purchase goods at the department store. Kidzania mimics a real city environment, has diverse jobs, and is full of events. When there is a fire, a fireman rushes to help, and a news reporter covers the story. While 911 paramedics give first aid to fire victims, in another part of “town” delivery personnel are dropping off packages. Kidzania teaches the next generation how to live as responsible members of society and gives them an introduction to how the economy works. In order to make the environment as realistic as possible, every building, car, and tree is reduced to 2/3 its real size, helping children feel more adult-like in their new world!

How to go?
By subway

• Jamsil Station (Subway Line 2) Exit 4. Do not exit, but follow the signboards and cut through the Lotte Departmental Store (left of Exit 4)

When to go?
10:00 to 20:30 - Weekdays
09:30 to 20:30 - Weekends/Holidays

Duration required
2 sessions in a day. You cannot complete all the 60+ jobs even with 2 sessions. 1 session should suffice for most people.

Tips

Websites
http://www.kidzania.co.kr/web/eng/home
KTO

Myeongdong Kyoja

Why go?

From Korea Tourism Organization:
Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자) is a noodle restaurant located near Myeongdong Cathedral that has been in business for about 40 years. The restaurant is known for their knife-cut, handmade kalguksu noodles, which is its main menu item. These lovingly prepared noodles are served in a deep and flavorful broth with meat and vegetables, making for a delicious meal. Also popular are the mandu (dumplings), bibim guksu (noodles with vegetables and red hot pepper paste), and kongguksu (noodles in cold soy milk broth).

Also mentioned in

• Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

How to go?

By subway

• Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) Exit 8. Upon exiting the station, turn left onto Myeongdong 10-gil Road.Go straight about 150m to arrive at Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자) on the right.

When to go?
Open every day

10:30 to 21:30

Cuisine
Korean - Kalguksu (hand-rolled noodle soup)

Tips

• Another branch is just a few shops, opposite the street
• Only a few selection on the menu, but all are very yummy!

Websites
http://www.mdkj.co.kr/en/
Tripadvisor
KTO

Hello Kitty Cafe Hongdae

Why go?

How to go?

By subway

• Hongik University Station (Line 2) Exit 9. Go straight 150m, cross the road, and turn left onto Hongik-ro Street. Go straight 120m, and turn right down the third side street (after TONYMOLY). Continue going 100m. Hello Kitty Cafe is on the left, slightly up the slope. Note: The Starbucks in the map does not exist any more

When to go?

11:00 to 24:00

Cuisine

Cafe

Tips

Websites

http://www.hellokittycafe.co.kr/

Tripadvisor

Gwangjang Market

Why go?

From Korea Tourism Organization:
The Gwanjang Market is the nation's first market and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The second floor if the market provides silk satin, and linen bed-sheet stores, which are the largest and most famous in Seoul. Many of the stores in the area even have their own factories supplying fabrics to the Namdaemun Market, Pyoung Hwa Market, and even to some department sotres. Even though the goods are not brand-name products, the wide selection of thigh-quality goods at inexpensive prices makes it an enjoyable shopping experience.

It is also Seoul's largest food alley, with 200 stalls

How to go?

By subway

• Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1) Exit 8
• Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2, 5) Exit 4

When to go?
07:00 to 22:00
Operating hours differ for each shop and food store. Most shops will close by dinner time

Duration required
2-4 hrs

Tips
Street food to try

• Bindaetteok 

• Mayak Kimbap

• Sundae

Websites
http://www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr/ (Korean only)
Tripadvisor
KTO

Somerset Summer Palace

Why go?

From Korea Toursim Organisation:
Somerset Palace is managed by ‘Ascott International’, which currently holds 40 residences in 17 countries worldwide. Somerset Palace is located near the political and economic center of Gwanghwamun, to the north of Seoul’s Hangang River. Many foreign embassies and foreign corporations lie near the area, with the cultural street of Insa-dong only being a 5-minute walk away.

Also mentioned in

• Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence
• South Korean Green Guide Michelin
• World Travel Awards - South Korea Leading Serviced Apartment

Facilities include:

• Gym
• Children's playroom

How to go?

By subway

• Auguk Station (Line 3) Exit 6

Accommodation Type
Service Apartment

Tips

• If you have luggage and plan to check-in into the hotel by taking subway, take note that there is still quite a distance to walk from the station

Websites
http://www.somersetpalace.co.kr/en/main/main.asp
Tripadvisor
KTO

Bukchon Hanok Village

Why go?

From Wikipedia:
Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village with a long history located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The traditional village is composed of lots of alleys, hanok and is preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Now it is used as a traditional culture center and hanok restaurant, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty.
Also mentioned in:

• CNN Travel
• Lonely Planet

How to go?

By subway

• Anguk Station (Line 3) Exit 2. Walk for 300m

When to go?
Any time, but different experience workshops, museums and galleries have different opening hours

Duration required
2-4 hours, depending on your interest level of the experience workshops, museums and galleries

Tips

• Get a Buckhon map from the Tourist Information Centre (open at 10am) or print the map above to plan your trip
• You may want to experience to stay in one of the Hanok Guest House

Websites
bukchon.seoul.go.kr

Maple Tree House

Why go?
Also mentioned in

• CNN Travel

When to go?
11:30 to 22:00

How to go?
Branches:

• Itaewon branch (Hamilton Hotel 2F, 116-1 Itaewon dong)
• Samcheong branch (31-1, Samcheong dong) 
• Myeongdong branch (8-1 B1, Myeong dong 1ga)

Cuisine
Korean - Galbi (Grilled dish made of marinated beef or pork)

Tips

• Make reservation to avoid disappointment

Websites
http://www.mapletreehouse.co.kr (Korean only)

T.um - SK telecom Ubiquitous Museum

Why go?

CNN Travel

How to go?

When to go?

Duration required

Tips

Websites
http://tum.sktelecom.com/eng

Galleria's Gourmet 494

Why go?

Located at the basement of Galleria Department Store

Also mentioned in

• CNN Travel

How to go?

By subway

• Apgujeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) Exit 2. Head towards the corner where the KDB Bank is located and turn right. Walk for 250 to the bus stop and take bus 4318. Get off at Apgujeong-dong Hanyang Apt bus stop. The department store is located across the road

When to go?

Cuisine

Tips

Websites
www.gourmet494.com

JinOkHwa Halmae Dakanmari

Why go?

From Korea Tourism Organization:
Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari first opened its doors in 1978 and has continued to be a much-loved restaurant on Jongno 5-ga for the past 30 years. The restaurant only uses fresh young chickens, which are about 35 days old, and minimal seasoning to allow diners to fully enjoy the tenderness of the meat. Dip your chicken in the special marinade sauce and couple it with a helping of Kalguksu (a noodle dish) for a perfect meal combination.
Also mentioned in

• South Korea Green Guide Michelin

How to go?

By subway

• Dongdaemun Station (Subway Line 1, 4) Exit 9. Go straight 160m and turn left at the Industrial Bank of Korea (기업은행). Go straight 50m and turn onto the first side street to the right. Continue 100m straight until you see the restaurant, or
• Jongno 5-ga Station (Subway Line 1) Exit 6.Turn left onto the first side street and walk 300m.

When to go?
Open every day

10:00 to 23:00

Cuisine
Korean - "One Chicken" (Dakhanmari)

Tips

Websites
Tripadvisor
KTO

Tosokchon

Why go?

From Korea Tourism Organisation:
Tosokchon is a Korean restaurant known for its signature samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup) made with glutinous rice, gingko nuts, ginseng, garlic and jujube, as well as 30 different types of medicinal herbs and grains. The restaurant, located near Gyeongbokgung Station, was also frequented by Late President Roh Moo-hyun.

Also mentioned in:

• Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

How to go?

By subway

• Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) Exit 2. Go straight about 170m and turn left onto Jahamun-ro 5-gil Road. Tosokchon (토속촌) is located 10m ahead on the left.

When to go?
Open every day

10:00 to 22:00

Cuisine
Korean - Ginseng Chicken (Samgyetang)

Tips

Websites
Tripadvisor

Braai Republic

Why go?

Also mentioned in

• Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

How to go?

By subway:

• Itaewon Station (Line 6) Exit 4.Walk straight and turn left at the alley, just before the McDonald’s. Go through the intersection, past the Juliette clothing store. Braai Republic will be on the left, located on the second floor.

When to go?
Closed on Mon

17:00 to 21:30 - Tue to Thu
12:00 to 21:30 - Fri to Sun

Cuisine
African

Tips

Websites
http://braairepublic.com/
Tripadvisor

NANTA

Why go?

From Wikipedia:
Nanta (Hangul: 난타; Hanja: 乱打秀, also known as Cookin' or Cookin' Nanta) is aSouth Korean non-verbal comedy show that incooperate traditional samul nori rhythm. It premiered in October 1997 in Hoam Art Hall in Seoul.

Also mentioned in

• Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

How to go?

Myeongdong Theatre - by subway

• Euljiro 1-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) Exit 6. Go straight for 220m and turn left onto Myeongdong gil. The threatre Unesco Building) is 120m ahead on the right
• Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) Exit 6. Go straight for 300m along the Myeongdong 8 gil. Turn left in front of Woori Bank. The theatre is 100m ahead on the left

When to go?
Show times:

• Mon to Fri, Sun & Holidays - 17:00, 20:00
• Sat - 14:00, 17:00, 20:00

Duration required
2 hours

Tips

Websites
http://nanta.i-pmc.co.kr/Nanta/en/About/AboutNanta.aspx
Tripadvisor
KTO

Noryangjin Fish Market

Why go?

From Wikipedia:
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market or shortly Noryangjin Fish Market is an extensive farmers fish market in the neighborhood of Noryangjin-dong in Dongjak-gu,Seoul, South Korea. Noryangjin Fish Market was established in 1927 as Gyeongseong Susan (경성수산) on Uijuro(의주로) in Jung-gu near Seoul Station and moved to its current location in central Seoul in 1971. In a poll of nearly 2,000 foreign visitors, conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Governmentin November 2011, stated that visiting the Market is one of their favorite activities in Seoul.

How to go?
By subway

• Noryanjin Station (Subway Line 1) Exit 1. Walk 100m over the bridge that crosses the train tracks

When to go?
Open every day

Duration required
2-4 hours, depending if you are having a meal there

Tips

• You can buy the seafood from any stalls and there are restaurants nearby that you pay to cook

Websites
http://www.susansijang.co.kr/index/index.do (Korean only)
Tripadvisor
KTO

Lotte World

Why go?

From Wikipedia:
Lotte World is a major recreation complex in Seoul, South Korea. It consists of an indoor theme park, which is open all year around, an outdoor amusement park called "Magic Island", an artificial island inside a lake linked by monorail, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, and movie theaters. Opened on July 12, 1989, Lotte World receives over 8 million visitors each year and is considered, along with Tokyo Disney Resort, as one of the most world-class theme parks in Asia.

Used to be world largest indoor amusement park, superseded by Ferrari World in 2010.

Also mentioned in

• Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

How to go?

By subway

• Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 or 8) Exit 4.

When to go?
Open every day

09:30 to 22:00 or 09:30 to 23:00 - check out website for opening hours on specific days

Duration required
1 full day

Tips

• You may get discount voucher for admission tickets from the airport or buying T-money

Websites
http://global.lotteworld.com/main.asp
Tripadvisor
KTO

Samsung d’light

Why go?

From Korea Tourism Organisation:
Located within the Samsung Electronics building in Seocho-dong, Seoul, ‘Samsung d’light’ is a global exhibition space that showcases the latest product lineup by Samsung Electronics. The name d’light combines the words ‘digital’ and ‘light’ to correlate with the company’s vision of being ‘a guiding light to the digital world’ and sharing the excitement and delight of digital technology through interaction with visitors. The ‘d’ also carries with it the connotation of ‘dynamic,’ ‘dream,’ and ‘diversity.’ The three-storied exhibition space is not merely a display of electronic products, but a space of interaction that allows visitors to experience new life patterns through state-of-the-art digital technology categorized by theme. A variety of hands-on features are available at the digital lounge (B1F), the mobile plaza (1F), and the global gallery (2F).

How to go?

By subway

• Gangnam Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 or SinBundang Line) Exit 8. Direct underground link to Samsung building

When to go?
Closed on Sundays and national holidays

10:00 to 17:00

Duration required
1-2 hours

Tips

• Check out the latest Samsung products

Websites
http://www.samsung.com/us/experience/dlight/main/main.html
KTO