13 Things You'Ve Got To Do in Seoul - CNN Travel
13 Things You'Ve Got To Do in Seoul - CNN Travel
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Korea's tourism industry may be scrambling (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul-tourism-attempts-take-advantage-
gangnam-style-697301) to harness the newfound fame of the Gangnam district south of the Han
River, but the truth is the coolest experiences from a visitor's perspective are concentrated in the
northern part of the city.
2. T.um
Run by Korea's largest telecommunications provider, SK
Telecom, T.um (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/play/tum-809028)
offers an amazing look at the technology we'll be using in
the very near future.
4. Gwanghwamun station
5. Insadong
The traditional Insadong
(http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/visit/insadong-art-nostalgia-and-boho-
550899) district has been through some major changes.
Recently, it's shed its tourist trap image of crummy
souvenirs to become a cool artsy spot with a new crop of
galleries and modern tea shops.
6. Korean galbi
When it comes to grilling, Koreans don't mess around.
Knowledgeable staff will help you get galbi (juicy cuts of
beef) smoking perfectly.
Maple Tree is a budget-friendly, cheerful barbecue joint with branches in both Gangnam and
Gangbuk. Here are more of our barbecue recommendations (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/eat/city-
essentials/seoul%E2%80%99s-5-best-bbq-583679) .
31-1 Samcheong-dong, Jongro-gu; +82 2 730 7416; moderate; the restaurant has two more
branches in Itaewon and Dogok-
dong; www.mapletreehouse.co.kr
(http://www.mapletreehouse.co.kr/)
7. Glam
More lounge than club, Glam is one of the few stand-and-
mingle bars in Seoul, and certainly among the hottest
nightlife spots of the moment.
http://twitter.co
8 J.J. Mahoney's
Surprisingly, there aren't that many bars with great views
in Seoul -- non-stuffy ones, anyway.
(mailto:?subject=13 things
ou've got to do in J.J. Mahoney's in the Grand Hyatt caters to a slightly older
Seoul&body=http://travel.cnn.com/top- crowd than the average nightlife venue in Seoul, but it's a
hings-do-and-see-seoul-915321) fun place for cocktails and live music -- especially in
summer.
9. Octagon
Octagon is the hottest club in the city right now -- having forced the crown from the ridiculously
massive Ellui.
Although Korean clubs are famous in the region for "booking (http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/play/seoul-
booking-made-slightly-less-awkward-157143) culture," don't expect any here (in fact, the whole trend
has been dying out). Periodic laser shows and constant crazy dancing are the big draws.
New Hilltop Hotel, Gangnam-gu, Nonhyun-dong 152; +82 2 516 8847; cluboctagon.co.kr
(http://club octagon.co.kr/)
11. Vatos
We like to take foreigners here -- mostly to watch their
skeptical expressions ("Mexican food in Asia? Ugh!") turn
to surprise and delight. There's a reason why waits can
take up to three hours on weekends.
13. Bongeunsa
This temple in Gangnam is a wonderfully serene spot in
the middle of the city, providing striking views of the
traditional city juxtaposed with the modern skyline.
(/author/frances-cha)
Tags:
KOREAN TRAVEL (/TAGS/KOREAN-TRAVEL) , SEOUL TOURISM (/SEOUL/TAGS/SEOUL-TOURISM) , SEOUL MUSEUMS
(/SEOUL/TAGS/SEOUL-MUSEUMS) , RESTAURANTS IN SEOUL (/SEOUL/TAGS/RESTAURANTS-SEOUL) , TRAVEL FEATURES
(/TAGS/TRAVEL-FEATURES)
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well since I came here I haven't done or visited any of those things and places yet <__>
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9. JJ Mahoney's
"Surprisingly, there aren't that many bars with great views in Seoul -- non-stuffy ones,
anyway. "
7. If you are looking for amazing Mexican food with a ton of avocados at a sit down
restaurant that has great food and alcohol, go to Julio. It's located in Gangnam,
Hongdae, and Jongro. It has kimchi fries because that's generic for all Mexican places
in Korea, but the award winner is the 'Clevland Burrito' and choose the vegetarian
option (coming from a meat lover). It is honestly better than anything I've had in Mexican
communities in CA, MI, and NV. But if you are just looking for a WESTERN style
Mexican theme BAR then yes, go to Vatos which is usually packed with nothing but
foreigners (Vatos was started by an American Gyopo, not a Korean so it's a Korean-ish
take on a US restaurant that is serving food from another country).
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I disagree with you on Tomatillo and no, I've not been to Amigos but if
what you say is true I don't plan to go. Next, thanks for giving the opinion
that you think both places (Julio & Vatos) are overpriced and give small
portions. Compared to other places I've been to in Seoul, I don't agree
when taking into account the establishment quality and locations. Julio in
Jongro overlooks the Chunguchun and is within walking distance to
many major tourist destinations in Jonggak (also the US embassy since
this website is owned by a US news business).
see more
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15 Slander Japan
7 △ ▽ Reply Share ›
so interesting!
1 △ ▽ Reply Share ›
Mic hael K • 7 months ago
#9 Octagon is *NOT* in Itaewon. Even the address itself says Gangnam-Gu,
Nonhyeon-Dong. Itaewon is a "Dong" in Yongsan-Gu.
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Vatos is awesome. I was so surprised to find out that one of the owners went to my
high school in Texas. Man it's a small world.
4 △ ▽ Reply Share ›
rg • 7 months ago
terrible list. obviously haven't been to Seoul/experienced the real Seoul. And, your Galbi
picture is Japanese, not Korean.
4 △ ▽ Reply Share ›
The galbi picture is Korean. Notice the metal chopsticks, which Koreans are all
about using. Japanese like to use wooden chopsticks more (even the fancy
ones). That type of grilled meat is available in both countries anyway.
2 △ ▽ Reply Share ›
great list! wish i had known about some of these while I was in seoul last - will try to
check them out next time!
1 △ ▽ Reply Share ›
3 △ 1▽ Reply Share ›
As for tea, the Koreans have a tradition of drinking tea dating back more than
1300 years..:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K...
3 △ 2▽ Reply Share ›