jongno
Highlights
Seoul Lantern Festival
A spectacular winter light festival illuminating Cheonggyecheon Stream with 500+ traditional hanji paper lanterns, modern LED installations, and kinetic art, creating a magical 1.3km night walk through downtown Seoul.
The Pter Coffee
A charming three-story cafe in the heart of Sind ang-dong that perfectly blends vintage Korean aesthetics with modern coffee culture. Known for its distinctive oriental interior design featuring antique furniture, vintage record players, and mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinets, this hidden gem has become a favorite among locals seeking a nostalgic yet Instagram-worthy coffee experience.
Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)
A prestigious Michelin one-star restaurant specializing in authentic Korean Buddhist temple cuisine. Located on the 5th floor of the Temple Stay Information Center directly across from Jogyesa Temple, Balwoo Gongyang offers a refined dining experience rooted in 1,700 years of Korean Buddhist culinary traditions. The restaurant serves beautifully presented, completely plant-based cuisine that excludes the five pungent aromatics (garlic, onion, green onion, leeks, and chives) in accordance with Buddhist dietary principles. Each dish reflects the philosophy of mindful eating and respect for nature, presented with exquisite attention to detail. This is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic cultural dining experience and a deeper understanding of Korean temple food traditions.
Simsejeong
A charming bakery cafe housed in a converted 1959 grain warehouse, preserving its vintage industrial atmosphere. The spacious interior maintains the original warehouse character while serving fresh bread and quality coffee near Chungmu Art Center.
Magpie Brewing Euljiro
A trendy craft beer taproom located on the 4th floor near NM+ Euljiro, hidden in Seoul's vibrant retro district. One of Korea's most respected craft breweries, Magpie opened this location in May 2025, offering a curated selection of their signature brews in a stylish setting tucked away in a neon-lit alley.
Mosaic Seoul
A unique vinyl record shop and cafe in Sindang-dong that combines retro music culture with specialty coffee. Mosaic Seoul is run by DJ 6TS and specializes in rare groove, jazz, world music, and psychedelic records, creating a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for music lovers.
Seoul Upcycling Plaza
Seoul Upcycling Plaza is a pioneering cultural center dedicated to promoting sustainability and creative reuse through upcycling. This innovative space showcases how waste materials can be transformed into beautiful, functional products, offering visitors both education and inspiration.
Teumari
A charming rooftop café tucked away on Seosunra-gil, Teumari offers stunning views of Jongmyo Shrine from its unique rooftop terrace. This traditional hanok building, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, has been beautifully renovated into a modern café while preserving its historical character.
The Forest Choso Chaekbang
A unique bookstore cafe perched on Inwangsan Mountain, housed in a beautifully converted old police station from 1968. The space features stunning glass walls that frame panoramic views of the Seoul skyline, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for reading and relaxation. Known for its freshly baked bread and desserts, Choso Chaekbang also hosts occasional book talks and intimate music concerts, making it a cultural hub as well as a serene retreat.
Bar Cham
A cocktail bar that beautifully bridges Korean tradition and modern mixology, Bar Cham operates inside a renovated hanok in the atmospheric Seochon neighborhood. Ranked No. 28 on Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2022, the bar has gained international acclaim for its creative use of Korean spirits and ingredients. Owner and bartender Lim Byung-jin crafts thoughtful cocktails that celebrate Korea's regions and seasonal produce, turning traditional ingredients into contemporary drinking experiences.
Seoul Museum of Art (Seosomun)
The main branch of Seoul Museum of Art, where Renaissance-era architecture of the former Supreme Court building harmoniously blends with modern design. Located in the heart of Jeong-dong along Deoksugung Palace's stone wall path, SeMA showcases contemporary art exhibitions and serves as a cultural landmark in central Seoul.
Seoullo 7017
A stunning elevated linear park transformed from an old overpass into a beautiful urban garden walkway connecting Seoul Station to Namdaemun.
Cheong Su Dang
Step into a serene bamboo forest in the heart of Ikseon-dong at Cheong Su Dang, one of Seoul's most aesthetically pleasing hanok cafes. This hidden gem features a stunning bamboo entrance with a small pond, stepping stones, and traditional lanterns, creating an enchanting atmosphere that transports you away from the bustling city.
Asoto Bakery
A charming Japanese-style bakery cafe hidden in the retro printing district of Euljiro, designed with a 1980s kissaten concept. Famous for its signature melon bread filled with rich custard cream and a variety of artisanal Japanese-inspired pastries displayed like works of art.
National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관)
Located within the historic grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea offers visitors a journey through Korea's rich cultural heritage. This free museum presents an immersive experience of traditional Korean life, from the Joseon Dynasty to the modern era, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to understand Korean culture.
Dotori Garden Anguk
A charming cafe located in a renovated traditional Korean house in Anguk-dong, featuring a beautiful garden atmosphere. Dotori Garden offers a unique blend of traditional Korean architecture and modern cafe culture, with split-level seating between the 1st and 2nd floors. Known for their delicious Greek yogurt, hearty brunch items, and variety of freshly baked breads and pastries. The cafe provides a peaceful retreat near Bukchon Hanok Village.
Arc N Book
A modern lifestyle bookstore and cultural complex in Euljiro's historic district, combining curated books with design products and a cozy cafe. Famous for its stunning "book tunnel" entrance and blend of literary culture with contemporary lifestyle offerings.
Artist Bakery (아티스트 베이커리)
A must-visit bakery in Seoul's Anguk-dong neighborhood, Artist Bakery has gained legendary status for its signature salt butter breads. Created by the team behind London Bagel Museum, this artisanal bakery combines traditional baking techniques with contemporary flavors, drawing locals and tourists alike to its doors near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Seoul Cooking Club
An upscale Korean cooking experience led by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs, offering an immersive journey through traditional and contemporary Korean cuisine. Located conveniently near Jonggak Station in the heart of Seoul, this premium cooking studio blends culinary education with a delightful three-course dining experience.
24hr Robot Cafe
Experience the future of coffee culture at Seoul's innovative 24-hour robot cafe, where cutting-edge automation meets artisanal coffee. This unique establishment combines the convenience of round-the-clock service with the novelty of robot-powered beverage preparation, offering visitors a glimpse into Seoul's technological advancement in the hospitality sector.
Gwanghwamun Christmas Market
Seoul's signature Christmas market featuring over 100 artisan booths, handmade crafts, festive decorations, food trucks, and a giant Christmas tree at the heart of Gwanghwamun Square.
Bukak Skyway Palgakjeong Pavilion
A spectacular observation pavilion perched at 345 meters altitude on Bugaksan Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul including Namsan Tower, the Han River, and the city's modern skyline alongside ancient fortress walls.
MXL
An atmospheric natural wine bar hidden on a remote street in Euljiro's printing and packing district. Step inside and you'll find everything bathed in red light, creating a distinctive Hong Kong cinema-inspired vibe that draws a young, hip crowd. MXL stands out in Seoul's natural wine scene for its bold aesthetic and carefully curated all-natural wine list that changes based on what's available in the Korean market.
Olden Brown Dongmyo
A spacious rooftop cafe in Dongmyo-dong featuring a generous outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding Jongno area. Olden Brown offers a relaxing retreat from the bustling city streets below, with comfortable seating both indoors and on the rooftop terrace. The cafe is known for its expansive multi-level space, making it ideal for groups, study sessions, or simply unwinding while enjoying Seoul's skyline.
Mailroom Sindang
A uniquely themed espresso bar with a post office concept where you retrieve your coffee from mailboxes using keys. Featured on Korean TV show "Alssulshinjab", this trendy cafe offers a memorable experience from the first floor to the rooftop terrace.
Photography Seoul Museum of Art (Photo SeMA)
Korea's first public museum dedicated solely to photography, Photo SeMA opened in May 2025 in Dobong District. This specialized institution houses over 20,000 works and archival materials, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through the history and contemporary practice of photographic art.
Arario Gallery Seoul
A leading contemporary art gallery in Seoul's Anguk district, representing both established and emerging Korean and international artists. The gallery features rotating exhibitions across multiple floors, showcasing works in various media including painting, sculpture, and installation art. Located in a beautiful traditional Korean hanok-style building, Arario Gallery provides a unique blend of historical architecture and contemporary artistic expression.
CDT Coffeebar
A stylish pet-friendly cafe in Sindang-dong with a cool, spacious interior that's perfect for relaxing with your furry friend. CDT Coffeebar is known for its welcoming atmosphere where dogs are not only allowed but celebrated, creating a unique community space for pet lovers.
The Hanok Smith Likes
A unique Korean-Italian fusion restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated traditional hanok in Samcheong-dong. Selected for the Michelin Guide Seoul 2023, this charming venue blends traditional Korean architecture with contemporary Italian cuisine, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light while maintaining the hanok's historic character.
Jean Frigo
Discover Seoul's most cleverly hidden speakeasy bar disguised as a fruit and vegetable shop near Dongdaemun. Push through the refrigerator door at the back of what appears to be an ordinary produce stall to reveal a sophisticated underground cocktail bar serving creative drinks and French-inspired small plates.
Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink
Seoul's iconic outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of the city, transforming Seoul Plaza into a winter wonderland right in front of City Hall from December to February.
Changdeokgung Secret Garden
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a stunning hidden garden that served as the royal family's private retreat. The secret garden (Huwon) showcases traditional Korean landscape architecture with serene ponds, pavilions, and ancient trees covered in winter snow.
Seoul Museum of Craft Art
Korea's first public craft museum, opened in July 2021, dedicated to preserving and showcasing traditional and contemporary Korean crafts. The museum features three exhibition halls with over 816 pyeong of space, an outdoor craft courtyard, and a children's museum called "Craft Village" where families can experience hands-on craft activities. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural destination for everyone.
Ham's Brot Bakery (함스브로트과자점)
A legendary bakery in northern Seoul run by Master Pastry Chef Ham Sang-hoon, Korea's 8th certified Master Pastry Chef. For over 30 years, this beloved neighborhood institution has been crafting exceptional French-style pastries and breads using traditional techniques and premium ingredients.
Korean Saekdong Museum — Traditional Color and Textile Heritage
The Korean Saekdong Museum (한국색동박물관) is a charming specialty museum dedicated to *saekdong* — the vibrant multicolored striped fabric traditionally used in Korean children's hanbok, ceremonial garments, and festive attire. Nestled in a quiet alley in Jongno-gu near Gyeongbokgung Palace, the museum is a visual feast of color and craft.
Tips
Explore the alleyways where locals go. You can find hidden restaurants and cafes!