Eating & cafés in Seoul
Restaurants close earlier than you think, BBQ alone is harder than it looks, and cafés are part of the day, not just a coffee break.
Eating in Seoul is one of the best parts of being there. But a few small things caught me off guard.
Don't go to the restaurant too late
You'll notice that everything closes quite early.
It was hard to find a restaurant at 9 PM in Seoul. Plan in advance, or enjoy the food market in Myeongdong that stays open quite late.
Korea is amazing for food, but check what kind of restaurant it is
Something I loved in Korea is that food felt generous: side dishes, big portions and a lot of variety.
But some restaurants are harder to navigate if you're alone or if you don't speak Korean. For example, BBQ restaurants can sometimes be more difficult alone, and some places expect you to order a minimum portion.
So I'd check a bit in advance if the restaurant works for your situation.
Enjoy cafés as part of the experience
Cafés in Seoul are not just places to drink coffee. They are really part of the experience.
Some cafés are super aesthetic, some have amazing desserts, and some are just nice places to rest between activities. I'd really recommend adding café breaks to your planning, especially because you'll probably walk a lot.
Don't be afraid to eat at food courts or convenience stores
Food courts in malls and convenience stores can be really useful, especially when you're tired or don't know where to go.
In Seoul, I felt like there were always easy options, even when I didn't want to sit in a proper restaurant.
Leave time for random discoveries
Some of the best moments in Seoul can come from just walking around and finding a café, a shop, a street or a restaurant you didn't plan.
So even if I'd still prepare a list of places in Naver, I wouldn't plan every minute. I'd keep some time to just explore.