Tag: seoul

  • Discover the Beauty of Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul

    A Hidden Gem in Seoul: Namsangol Hanok Village

    If youโ€™re looking for an authentic cultural experience in Seoul, Namsangol Hanok Village is the perfect place to explore. Nestled at the foot of Namsan Mountain, this village offers a glimpse into traditional Korean life during the Joseon Dynasty.


    Why Visit Namsangol Hanok Village?

    ๐Ÿฏ See Authentic Hanok Houses โ€“ Explore five beautifully restored traditional houses from the Joseon era. ๐ŸŽญ Experience Korean Culture โ€“ Participate in hanbok wearing, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies. ๐Ÿ’’ Witness a Traditional Korean Wedding โ€“ Live wedding ceremonies are held every Saturday and Sunday. ๐Ÿ“ธ Best Photo Spots โ€“ The hanok courtyard, traditional wedding hall, and scenic gardens.

    Unlike many Korean temples and hanok villages located in the mountains, Namsangol is conveniently located in the heart of Seoul, making it easy for visitors to access.


    Exploring the Traditional Hanok Houses

    1. The History of Namsangol Hanok Village

    Namsangol Hanok Village was established in 1998, bringing together five traditional houses (hanok) that were originally scattered across Seoul. Each hanok represents a different social class, from middle-class families to high-ranking officials, offering a unique insight into Koreaโ€™s architectural and cultural heritage.

    ๐Ÿก How Were These Houses Moved? Hanok houses are built without nails, using traditional joinery techniques. This allows them to be easily disassembled and reconstructed.


    2. Gwanhun-dong Min Family House (๊ด€ํ›ˆ๋™ ๋ฏผ์”จ๊ฐ€์˜ฅ)

    ๐Ÿ“… Built in the 1870s, this is the largest house in Namsangol Hanok Village.

    ๐Ÿ  Main Features:

    • Anbang (Womenโ€™s quarters) โ€“ The private space for the lady of the house.
    • Sarangbang (Menโ€™s study and guest area) โ€“ A space for men to read, write, and entertain visitors.
    • Traditional Korean Kitchen โ€“ Connected to the ondol (heated flooring system).

    ๐Ÿ”ฅ What is Ondol? Koreaโ€™s ondol heating system channels warm air under the floor, keeping the house warm during winter.

    โ˜€๏ธ How Did They Stay Cool in Summer? In hot weather, people relaxed on the cool wooden floor (maru), a naturally ventilated open-air space.


    3. Traditional Korean Fermentation Storage (Jangdokdae)

    ๐Ÿฒ What is Jangdokdae? Jangdokdae is an outdoor storage space for fermented foods, including:

    • Ganjang (Soy Sauce)
    • Doenjang (Fermented Soybean Paste)
    • Gochujang (Spicy Red Pepper Paste)
    • Kimchi

    ๐Ÿฅฌ Kimchi Culture in Korea

    • There are over 200 types of kimchi!
    • Kimjang (๊น€์žฅ) is the traditional process of making kimchi for winter, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    • Many Koreans have a special refrigerator just for kimchi.

    Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Namsangol Hanok Village

    โœ… Step into Koreaโ€™s Past โ€“ Walk through authentic Joseon-era houses.

    โœ… Participate in Hands-On Experiences โ€“ Try hanbok, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies.

    โœ… Capture Stunning Photos โ€“ Perfect for Instagram and travel blogs!

    โœ… Easily Accessible Location โ€“ Just a few minutes from Namsan and Myeongdong.


    Plan Your Visit

    ๐Ÿ“ Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿš‡ Nearest Subway: Chungmuro Station (Line 3 & 4, Exit 3 or 4)
    ๐Ÿ•’ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM โ€“ 8:00 PM
    ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: FREE


    Have You Visited Namsangol Hanok Village?

    If you’ve been to Namsangol Hanok Village, share your experience in the comments! What was your favorite part? Would you recommend it to other travelers? Let me know! ๐Ÿ˜Š

    ๐Ÿ“ข Follow for more travel tips!
    #SeoulTravel #KoreanCulture #NamsangolHanok #VisitKorea

  • Changdeokgung Palace Tour โ€“ A Must-Visit UNESCO Site in Seoul

    If you’re visiting Seoul, taking a Changdeokgung Palace tour is a must! Built in 1405, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was a royal residence favored by Joseon kings for its harmonious integration with nature. Unlike Gyeongbokgung Palace, which served official duties, Changdeokgung was a retreat, making it one of Koreaโ€™s most beautiful and well-preserved palaces.

    ๐Ÿ“ Location: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
    ๐Ÿš‡ Nearest Subway Station: Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 3), followed by a 5-minute walk.


    ๐ŸŒฟ Why Visit Changdeokgung Palace?

    โœ” Blends with Nature โ€“ Unlike Gyeongbokgungโ€™s rigid design, Changdeokgung follows the natural curves of the land.
    โœ” Royal Favorite โ€“ Many Joseon kings preferred living here over other palaces.
    โœ” UNESCO World Heritage Site โ€“ Recognized for its historical significance and preservation.
    โœ” Secret Garden (Huwon) โ€“ A hidden gem featuring pavilions, lotus ponds, and centuries-old trees.


    Key Highlights of the Changdeokgung Palace Tour

    1๏ธโƒฃ Donhwamun Gate โ€“ The Main Entrance

    ๐Ÿ“Œ The oldest palace gate in Seoul, dating back to 1608. Currently under restoration until 2027.

    ๐Ÿ’ก Fun Fact: This was the main entrance for royal ceremonies, while officials used Geumho Gateโ€”which visitors use today!

    2๏ธโƒฃ Injeongjeon (Throne Hall)

    ๐Ÿ“ The main hall where kings held important ceremonies, including royal weddings and diplomatic meetings.

    ๐Ÿ”น Unique Feature: Unlike Gyeongbokgungโ€™s green roof, Injeongjeon features plum blossom decorations, symbolizing the Korean Empire.

    3๏ธโƒฃ Seonjeongjeon โ€“ The Kingโ€™s Office

    ๐Ÿ“ Where kings handled daily administrative duties.

    ๐Ÿ”น Rare Feature: This is one of the few palace buildings with a blue-tiled roof, as blue tiles were expensive to produce.

    4๏ธโƒฃ Huijeongdang โ€“ The Kingโ€™s Private Quarters

    ๐Ÿ“ Originally the kingโ€™s bedroom, later modernized with Western furniture, chandeliers, and even a driveway for a royal car.

    ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo Spot: The mix of traditional Korean and Western architecture makes for a stunning photo opportunity!

    5๏ธโƒฃ Nakseonjae โ€“ The Last Royal Residence

    ๐Ÿ“ Built in the 19th century by King Heonjong for his concubine.

    ๐Ÿ’ก Did You Know? Princess Deokhye, the last Joseon princess, lived here, as did the last empress and crown prince of Korea.

    6๏ธโƒฃ The Secret Garden (Huwon) โ€“ A Hidden Royal Retreat

    ๐ŸŒฟ A must-see garden featuring pavilions, ponds, and lush greenery. It was a private relaxation area for the royal family.

    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Pro Tip: Access is limited to specific tour hours, and private guides are not allowed inside.


    ๐Ÿ“œ Free Guided Tours โ€“ No Reservation Needed!

    ๐Ÿฏ Palace Building Area (General Palace Tour)

    ๐Ÿ“ Meeting Point: Main information board at the entrance

    LanguageAvailable PeriodTour Times
    EnglishJanuary โ€“ December10:15, 13:15
    JapaneseJanuary โ€“ December (Wed, Fri, Sun)11:00
    ChineseJanuary โ€“ December (Tue, Thu, Sat)10:00

    โœ… No reservation required โ€“ Just show up at the meeting point!
    โœ… Explore the main palace buildings with an expert guide.


    ๐ŸŒฟ Secret Garden (Huwon) Tour โ€“ Reservation Recommended

    ๐Ÿ“ Meeting Point: Entrance of the Secret Garden

    LanguageAvailable PeriodTour Times
    EnglishMarch โ€“ November10:30, 11:30, 14:30, 15:30
    December โ€“ February10:30, 11:30, 14:30
    JapaneseJanuary โ€“ December (Wed, Fri, Sun)13:30
    ChineseJanuary โ€“ December (Tue, Thu, Sat)12:30

    ๐Ÿ”น Admission is only allowed at the time printed on your ticket.
    ๐Ÿ”น Guided tours are optional โ€“ You can also explore the garden at your own pace.


    ๐ŸŽŸ Secret Garden Ticket Info

    • Only 100 tickets are available per tour.
    • 50 tickets can be booked online in advance.
    • 50 tickets are available for purchase at the ticket office on the day of your visit.

    ๐Ÿ“Œ For details on online booking, visit: Korean Cultural Heritage Ticket Reservation.


    Plan Your Visit to Changdeokgung Palace

    โฐ Opening Hours:

    • Marchโ€“May & Septemberโ€“October: 09:00โ€“18:00
    • Juneโ€“August: 09:00โ€“18:30
    • Novemberโ€“February: 09:00โ€“17:30

    ๐Ÿ’ฐ Ticket Prices:

    • Changdeokgung Palace Entry: 3,000 KRW (~$2.50 USD)
    • Secret Garden Tour: 5,000 KRW (~$4.20 USD)

    Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Changdeokgung Palace

    A Changdeokgung Palace tour offers a blend of royal history, breathtaking architecture, and tranquil gardens. Unlike other palaces, this one emphasizes harmony with nature, making it a unique and peaceful escape in the heart of Seoul.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Have you visited Changdeokgung Palace? Share your experience in the comments below! ๐Ÿ˜Š #ChangdeokgungPalace #SeoulTravel #UNESCOWorldHeritage

  • Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) โ€“ A Must-Visit Historical Site in Seoul

    For those interested in history, politics, and architecture, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) is a must-visit in Seoul. Once the official residence and office of South Koreaโ€™s president, it has now opened to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore an essential part of Koreaโ€™s modern history.

    This guide provides everything you need to know, including how to visit, top attractions, and what makes this site so unique.


    ๐Ÿ“ Where Is Cheong Wa Dae?

    ๐Ÿ“ Address: 1 Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
    ๐Ÿš‡ Nearest Subway Station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 4) โ†’ 10-minute walk

    Situated directly behind Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheong Wa Dae is a convenient stop for those exploring Seoulโ€™s historic sites. The short walk from the subway station makes it easily accessible for all visitors.


    ๐Ÿ“œ A Brief History of Cheong Wa Dae

    Cheong Wa Dae has served many purposes throughout Koreaโ€™s history. Initially used as a royal garden during the Joseon Dynasty, it later became the Governor-Generalโ€™s residence during the Japanese occupation. Following Koreaโ€™s independence in 1948, it was transformed into the official presidential office and residence. In 2022, the presidential office relocated to Yongsan, allowing Cheong Wa Dae to open as a public historical site.

    ๐Ÿ’ก Did You Know? The name “Blue House” comes from its distinctive blue-tiled roof, crafted from over 150,000 traditional Korean tiles.


    Cheong Wa Dae Tour Highlights

    1๏ธโƒฃ Main Office Building

    The symbolic center of South Koreaโ€™s government for over 74 years, this structure stands out with its iconic blue roof and elegant Korean architecture.

    ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo Tip: The contrast between the blue tiles and the lush Bugaksan Mountain creates a stunning backdrop for photos.

    2๏ธโƒฃ Yeongbingwan (State Guest House)

    Built in 1978, this elegant hall was the venue for official state banquets and diplomatic meetings.

    ๐Ÿ“Œ Interesting Fact: The entrance pillars were carved from single blocks of stone, a testament to Koreaโ€™s exceptional craftsmanship.

    3๏ธโƒฃ Sangchunjae (Traditional Reception Hall)

    A hanok-style building used for welcoming high-profile guests, including world leaders such as Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

    4๏ธโƒฃ Nokjiwon Garden

    A scenic green space featuring over 120 species of trees, including a 179-year-old pine tree symbolizing unity and longevity.

    ๐ŸŒฟ Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the flowers bloom and the leaves change color.


    ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ How to Visit Cheong Wa Dae

    โœ… No Reservation Required for foreigners! Unlike some historical sites, visitors can explore freely without prior booking.

    ๐Ÿ“Œ Opening Hours:

    • Tuesdayโ€“Sunday: 9:00 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
    • Last Admission: 5:30 PM

    ๐Ÿ“Œ Ticket Price: Free for all visitors!

    ๐Ÿ”น Guided Tours: Available in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.
    ๐Ÿ”น Self-Guided Tours: Visitors can walk around at their own pace.

    ๐Ÿ›‘ Required Documents: Proof of identity or relevant certification.


    ๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ Understanding South Koreaโ€™s Political System

    While visiting Cheong Wa Dae, itโ€™s helpful to understand South Koreaโ€™s Cheong Wa Dae was central to South Koreaโ€™s government for decades. Understanding the countryโ€™s political system adds depth to your visit.

    ๐Ÿ”น Government Type: Democratic Republic
    ๐Ÿ”น Presidentโ€™s Term: 5 years (single term, no re-election)
    ๐Ÿ”น Three Branches of Government:

    • Executive: President and cabinet
    • Legislative: National Assembly
    • Judicial: Supreme Court & Constitutional Court

    ๐Ÿ“Œ Did You Know? South Korea has had 12 different presidents, with 4 from progressive parties and 9 from conservative parties.


    ๐Ÿ” Why Visit Cheong Wa Dae?

    Beyond its political significance, Cheong Wa Dae is a place of culture, history, and scenic beauty.

    ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Historical Importance โ€“ Step into a site that has played a major role in Koreaโ€™s leadership.
    ๐ŸŒฟ Natural Beauty โ€“ Enjoy the picturesque gardens and architecture.
    ๐Ÿ“ธ Stunning Photography โ€“ Capture one of Seoulโ€™s most iconic landmarks.
    ๐Ÿ†“ Free Entry โ€“ A budget-friendly yet educational experience.

    For travelers interested in history, politics, or culture, this site offers an insightful and visually stunning experience.


    ๐Ÿ’ก Final Thoughts โ€“ Plan Your Visit to Cheong Wa Dae

    If you’re looking for an attraction that combines history, politics, and scenic views, Cheong Wa Dae should be on your list. Its blend of royal heritage and modern governance makes it one of the most unique sites in Seoul.

    ๐Ÿ“Œ Have you visited Cheong Wa Dae? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Essential Korean Shopping Phrases for Travelers: A Guide to Bargaining & Shopping in Korea

    If you’re traveling to South Korea and planning to shop in local markets, department stores, or traditional shops, learning a few essential Korean phrases can make your experience smoother and even help you get better deals! ๐Ÿ›๏ธโœจ Whether you’re visiting the famous Namdaemun Market, Myeongdong Shopping Street, or Dongdaemun Fashion Market, these useful Korean expressions will help you communicate with local shopkeepers and navigate your shopping experience like a pro.


    ๐Ÿ› Price & Payment: How to Negotiate in Korean

    Shopping in Korea, especially in traditional markets, often allows for some bargaining. While fixed prices are standard in department stores and branded outlets, local vendors may offer discounts if you ask politely.

    Can you make it a little cheaper?

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ๊นŽ์•„์ฃผ์„ธ์š”.
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Kkakka juseyo.
    ๐Ÿ“ Use this phrase to politely ask for a discount when shopping in street markets or independent stores.

    Is there a discount if I pay in cash?

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ํ˜„๊ธˆ์œผ๋กœ ํ•˜๋ฉด ํ• ์ธ๋ผ์š”?
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Hyeongeumeuro hamyeon harin dwaeyo?
    ๐Ÿ“ Some stores may offer discounts for cash payments instead of credit cards.

    Please give me a receipt.

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ์˜์ˆ˜์ฆ ์ฃผ์„ธ์š”.
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Yeongsujeung juseyo.
    ๐Ÿ“ Useful when you need a receipt for tax-free shopping or personal records.


    ๐Ÿ›’ Asking About Products: Finding the Right Item

    If you’re looking for a specific item, size, or color, these phrases will come in handy.

    Do you have this in a different color?

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ๋‹ค๋ฅธ ์ƒ‰ ์žˆ์–ด์š”?
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Dareun saek isseoyo?
    ๐Ÿ“ Helpful when shopping for fashion or accessories.

    Do you have this in a different size?

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ๋‹ค๋ฅธ ์‚ฌ์ด์ฆˆ ์žˆ์–ด์š”?
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Dareun saijeu isseoyo?
    ๐Ÿ“ Great for trying to find the perfect fit in clothing or shoes.

    Can I try it on?

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ์ž…์–ด ๋ด๋„ ๋ผ์š”?
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Ibeo bwado dwaeyo?
    ๐Ÿ“ Essential when shopping for clothesโ€”many stores have fitting rooms!

    Do you have a new one?

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ์ƒˆ ์ œํ’ˆ ์žˆ์–ด์š”?
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Sae jepum isseoyo?
    ๐Ÿ“ If you’re buying electronics, bags, or delicate items, ask for a new, unopened one.


    ๐Ÿ‘œ General Shopping Phrases: Making Your Purchase

    Once you’ve found the perfect item, these phrases will help you complete your purchase smoothly.

    Please wrap it for me.

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ํฌ์žฅํ•ด ์ฃผ์„ธ์š”.
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Pojanghae juseyo.
    ๐Ÿ“ Useful when buying gifts or fragile items that need extra protection.

    Please recommend one.

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ์ถ”์ฒœํ•ด ์ฃผ์„ธ์š”.
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Chucheonhae juseyo.
    ๐Ÿ“ If youโ€™re unsure, ask the seller for recommendationsโ€”especially useful when buying cosmetics, snacks, or souvenirs.

    Is this popular?

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ์ด๊ฑฐ ์ธ๊ธฐ ๋งŽ์•„์š”?
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Igeo ingi manayo?
    ๐Ÿ“ A great way to find trending Korean beauty products, K-pop merchandise, or must-try foods.

    Is this made in Korea?

    ๐Ÿ—ฃ ์ด๊ฑฐ ํ•œ๊ตญ์—์„œ ๋งŒ๋“  ๊ฑฐ์˜ˆ์š”?
    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Igeo hangugeseo mandeun geoyeyo?
    ๐Ÿ“ If you’re looking for authentic Korean products, this is a handy phrase!


    ๐Ÿ† Bonus Tips for Shopping in Korea

    ๐Ÿ’ก 1. Learn Basic Korean Numbers โ€“ Some prices may be written in Korean, so knowing how to read them will be helpful. ๐Ÿ’ก 2. Use Cash for Small Vendors โ€“ Some traditional markets prefer cash over credit cards. ๐Ÿ’ก 3. Shop Tax-Free โ€“ Tourists can get VAT refunds at participating stores (look for “Tax-Free” signs)! ๐Ÿ’ก 4. Be Polite & Smile โ€“ A friendly attitude can sometimes get you a better deal. ๐Ÿ˜Š


    โœจ Final Thoughts

    Shopping in Korea can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when you know a few basic phrases to communicate with local shop owners. Whether you’re bargaining for souvenirs, buying trendy K-fashion, or looking for the best K-beauty products, these Korean expressions will help make your shopping trip stress-free and fun! ๐ŸŽ‰

    If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow travelers and leave a comment below with your favorite Korean shopping experience! Happy shopping in Korea! ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ›๏ธ

  • Top 9 Must-Visit Restaurants in Korea by Black & White Chef Top Chefs

    If you’re a food lover traveling to Korea, donโ€™t miss these top restaurants run by the finalists of Black & White Chef! From modern Korean fine dining to authentic Italian and Japanese fusion cuisine, these restaurants offer one-of-a-kind dining experiences crafted by some of Koreaโ€™s most talented chefs.


    1. Chef Kwon Sung-jun โ€“ Via Toledo ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

    ๐Ÿ“ 7-2, Wonhyo-ro 83-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine: Authentic Italian cuisine, including Neapolitan-style pizzas.
    โญ Why Visit? Chef Kwon, known as “Napoli Mafia,” brings true Neapolitan flavors to Korea with a wood-fired oven straight from Italy.
    ๐Ÿ“… Reservations: Available via CatchTable.
    ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: @viatoledo_official

    2. Chef Kang Seung-won (Triple Star)โ€“ Trid ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

    ๐Ÿ“ 2F, 16 Seolleung-ro 162-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine: Innovative multi-course menus blending various cultural influences.
    โญ Why Visit? A fine dining experience that combines modern techniques with Korean and international flavors.
    ๐Ÿ“… Reservations: Available via CatchTable.
    ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: @tridseoul

    3. Chef Yoon Nam-no(Cooking Maniac) โ€“ Deepin ๐Ÿท

    ๐Ÿ“ 411, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine: Japanese-French fusion with seasonal tasting menus.
    โญ Why Visit? An intimate dining space with a focus on artful plating and deep flavors.
    ๐Ÿ“… Reservations: Available via CatchTable.
    ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: @deepin_seoul

    4. Chef Jang Ho-jun โ€“ Cabistry

    ๐Ÿ“ 1st Floor, 21 Dosan-daero 37-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine: Authentic Spanish cuisine, featuring traditional tapas and paella.
    โญ Why Visit? One of the best Spanish restaurants in Seoul, perfect for wine lovers and those craving bold Mediterranean flavors. I had the pleasure of dining at Cabistry, and it was truly one of the best fusion restaurants Iโ€™ve ever visited! Chef Jang Ho-junโ€™s dishes are not only visually stunning but also packed with rich, unforgettable flavors. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, this is the place to go!
    ๐Ÿ“… Reservations: Best made through CatchTable.
    ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: @cabistry_seoul

    5. Chef Choi Kang-rok โ€“ Restaurant Neo ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

    ๐Ÿ“ 4, Samjeon-ro 12-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine: Contemporary Western cuisine with artistic plating.
    โญ Why Visit? A stylish dining spot in Seoul, offering modern flavors with a creative touch.
    ๐Ÿ“… Reservations: Available via CatchTable.

    6. Chef Choi Ji-hyung โ€“ Li Bukbang ๐ŸฅŸ

    ๐Ÿ“ 16, Mapodaero 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine: North Korean-style dishes, offering rare and authentic flavors.
    โญ Why Visit? If youโ€™re interested in North Korean cuisine in Seoul, this is one of the few places offering an authentic taste.
    ๐Ÿ“… Reservations: Available via CatchTable.

    7. Chef Hwang Jin-seon โ€“ Jinjin ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ

    ๐Ÿ“ 60, World Cup Buk-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine: Traditional Szechuan Chinese cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors.
    โญ Why Visit? If you love spicy Chinese food, this restaurant is a must-try.
    ๐Ÿ“… Reservations: Available via CatchTable.

    8. Chef Bang Ki-soo โ€“ Gitdeun ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

    ๐Ÿ“ 46-5, Wolgye-ro 7na-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine: Korean-Western fusion, blending traditional Korean ingredients with modern techniques.
    โญ Why Visit? Creative takes on classic flavors, perfect for foodies looking for something different.
    ๐Ÿ“… Reservations: Available via CatchTable.

    9. Chef Kim Seung-min โ€“ Morinoarujo ๐Ÿฃ

    ๐Ÿ“ 769-58, Haso-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju
    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine: Japanese-Korean fusion, using fresh Jeju ingredients.
    โญ Why Visit? A must-visit for Japanese food lovers in Jeju, offering refined and seasonal flavors.
    ๐Ÿ“… Reservations: Available via CatchTable.


    How to Make Reservations as a Foreigner?

    ๐Ÿ”น CatchTable App: An English-supported app for easy online bookings.
    ๐Ÿ”น Hotel Concierge: If online booking isnโ€™t available, hotel staff can assist.
    ๐Ÿ”น Direct Contact: Some restaurants accept phone reservations in English.


    Conclusion: Where to Eat in Korea?

    If youโ€™re looking for the best restaurants in Korea, these Black & White Chef restaurants are a must-visit! Whether you want to try modern Korean fine dining, North Korean specialties, Spanish tapas, or Michelin-starred Japanese-French fusion, thereโ€™s something for every food lover.

    ๐Ÿ“Œ Have you been to any of these restaurants? Share your experience in the comments! ๐Ÿ˜Š #BestRestaurantsInSeoul #SeoulFoodie #WhereToEatInSeoul

  • The Best Free Spot to Enjoy a Stunning View of Gyeongbokgung Palace


    The Best Free Spot to Enjoy a Stunning View of Gyeongbokgung Palace

    If youโ€™re visiting Seoul and looking for a breathtaking view of Gyeongbokgung Palace, you wonโ€™t want to miss this hidden gem. Located in the heart of the city, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History offers a stunning panoramic view of the palace from its 8th-floor observatory.

    Why Visit This Spot?

    One of the best things about this location is that itโ€™s completely free! Unlike other observation decks that require an entrance fee, this spot gives you a clear, elevated view of Gyeongbokgung Palace without spending a dime. Itโ€™s the perfect place to take stunning photos, admire the beauty of Seoulโ€™s traditional architecture, and soak in the cityโ€™s rich history.

    What to Expect

    From the 8th-floor terrace, youโ€™ll get an unobstructed view of Gyeongbokgung Palace, set against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers and the iconic Bugaksan Mountain. Whether you’re visiting during the day or catching the golden hues of sunset, the view is truly mesmerizing.

    The museum itself is also worth a visit, offering fascinating exhibits on Koreaโ€™s modern history. After taking in the view, you can explore the museumโ€™s displays on key historical events, social changes, and cultural milestones that have shaped contemporary Korea.

    How to Get There

    The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is centrally located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, making it an easy stop during your sightseeing tour. Itโ€™s within walking distance of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, and other major landmarks.

    ๐Ÿ“ Location: 8th Floor, National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
    ๐Ÿ“ Address: 198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
    ๐Ÿ“ Admission: Free
    ๐Ÿ“ Nearest Subway Station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5)

    Donโ€™t Miss This Hidden Gem!

    Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or just looking for a quiet place to take in the beauty of Seoul, this free observatory is a must-visit. Next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and enjoy one of the best views of Gyeongbokgung Palace without the crowds!

    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Have you been to this spot? Let me know in the comments! ๐Ÿ˜Šโœจ #SeoulViews #HiddenGem #Gyeongbokgung #FreeThingsToDoInSeoul