A second-generation bunsik shop near Dangsan Station, open since 2004. Tuna gimbap, chewy rice-cake tteokbokki, free seaweed soup refills and glossy triple-fried sweet chicken.
A bright salon one minute from Ewha Womans University Station with fixed prices and no surprise add-ons. I tried the “Cinderella Clinic” to smooth color-damaged hair.
A Paris-style bakery in the basement of The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido, run by an award-winning chef. Pistachio kouign-amann, a fresh fig danish — then a picnic by the Han River.
A new second-floor café in Yeongdeungpo with chandeliers, antique furniture, house-roasted coffee and a ₩2,800 salt bread I keep thinking about.
A quiet private spa in Bangbae-dong with fully manual back, shoulder and neck care, herbal tea and on-site parking. My stiff shoulders finally let go.
A retro pocha in Yeouido known for flame-grilled LA galbi on a sizzling plate, spicy skewer fish cake soup, ice-cold draft beer and outdoor seating.
A cozy Japanese-style oden bar right at Dangsan Station. High-quality Busan fish cakes in clear broth, grilled-to-order yakitori, truffle jjapaghetti and cheap draft beer.
A hanok-style gamjatang restaurant 3 minutes from Dangsan Station. A mountain of cabbage greens, fall-off-the-bone pork, unlimited ramyeon noodles and a perilla-oil fried rice finish.
A giant roastery café on the road to Soyang Dam, set in a 26,000 m² forest of 100-year-old pines. House-roasted coffee, a huge bakery and free parking for 400+ cars.