12 Best Restaurants in Seoul, South Korea

Opened in 1965, Hakrim Dabang is widely considered the oldest running coffee shop in the area (dabangs are old-school Korean establishments that primarily served coffee and non-alcoholic drinks). Not much has changed since then, including the shelves of vinyl, vintage photographs of Seoul on the walls, and velvet lined seats; walking up the creaky, wooden stairs to the shop almost feels as if you’re traveling into the past. Its name is fitting as Hakrim, meaning “forest of learning,” was once where intellectuals gathered and students secretly organized. The Seoul Metropolitan Government designated Hakrim Dabang as a Seoul Future Heritage site for its role during the Democracy Movement, guaranteeing its preservation for future generations.

"Good times" are had by all who order hand-twisted donuts and dessert-like coffee from this trendy shop on Songridan-gil. Choose from flavors like Oreo mint, tiramisu, lotus, or almond chocolate and multiply the sweetness with a caramel salted latte while you sit on the outdoor patio.

Bukchon may have no shortage of cafes, but thanks to its funky and laid back feel, fresh baked bread, and coffee roasted on premises, Double Cup Coffee stands out. Stop by around lunch and the shop offers satisfying vegetarian or pastrami sandwiches. While it makes for a good stop in the middle of a day wandering Bukchon, Double Cup is also one of the few coffee shops in the neighborhood open at 8 in the morning, making it a good place for coffee-lovers to fortify themselves before a day of sightseeing.

What started as a homemade ice cream venture in a basement in Boston in 1975 has become a global rock ‘n’ roll-themed frozen treat enterprise. There are seven locations in South Korea and the DDP shop features the usual lineup of whimsical flavors and cones inspired by rock stars. They also purvey smoothies, sorbet, and yogurt.

This café on the first floor of Insadong's Kong Art Space serves excellent classic Korean sweets. Chef Yong-il Sin has used his experience at the Swiss Consulate and high end restaurants to reinvent classic desserts like sweet tteok and ju-ak rice cakes. There are only a few seats in the tiny café, but on a nice day it is a perfect take-out snack to have while wandering the streets of Insadong.

If you have a sweet tooth or need a burst of energy while exploring, swing by this French patisserie for a delicate blueberry tart or classic madeleine. The shop has rows of macarons in standby flavors like vanilla, pistachio, and rose as well as some more unusual flavors like chocolate yuzu, oolong caramel, and olive.

This cool yet friendly coffee bar sits two blocks away from the main strip of the Songridan-gil cafe street, which means it retains its own charms while eschewing the lines and crowds found at the area's more well-known establishments. The interior is sleek yet inviting, with tables and an island espresso bar where solo diners will feel welcome.

While this Seattle-based coffee behemoth boasts more than 500 stores in Seoul, this branch in the Han River Park may be the shiniest diamond in the crown. Occupying the first floor of the Seoul Wave Art Center, this is the only floating Starbucks in Korea, and surely the most Instagram-able. Sip on a cafe latte or Venti Frappuccino as you gaze out on the lazy flow of Seoul's major river. Afterward, make sure to explore the art and Korean culture gallery that shares the same space. 

The Sinsa branch of this Seoul coffee company is hip, elegant, and focused on the most important thing: the coffee itself. Located on a side street just a few minutes up from the Garuso-gil shopping street, Tailor exudes sophistication, while also managing to be inviting. They also play jazz, which is a rarity in the Korean cafe world, which often pumps out K-pop and overwrought ballads. 

Great pastries, creative coffee drinks, and even a few select cocktails are served at this hip dessert cafe. The clientele tends to be young and fashionable in a way that appears like they're not even trying.

This gorgeously designed bookshop and cafe is the neighborhood’s best kept secret. Follow the white staircase down to a bright courtyard in front of the building’s entrance to peruse a curated book selection that changes monthly based on the theme. What differentiates this cafe from others in Seoul is that everyone is reading books and there’s no phone in sight.

Cool off in the summer (or any time of year, really) with a scoop or two from this gelato shop, one of the best in Seoul. Flavors of the creamy Italian-style ice cream rotate but could include old standbys like stracciatella, pistachio, passion fruit sorbet, and chocolate, as well as unique flavors like gamtae (seaweed), sweet corn, butter, and matcha. There's not much seating in the shop, so it's best to take your cup to go.