Discover the Hottest Korean Hangouts Trending on Social Media
The young and trendy in Korea have a penchant for exploring popular hangouts and restaurants that have gained fame on social media. In fact, many Gen Z travelers often turn to Instagram for inspiration after deciding on their destination. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the most sought-after hangouts currently trending on Korean social media.
These picturesque and photogenic spots are the perfect backdrops for your social media travel album, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and ever-evolving Korean culture and lifestyle.
Discover the Trendiest Hangouts in Korea
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Korea, these Instagram-worthy destinations are sure to captivate your senses and provide endless opportunities for stunning photographs and memorable experiences.
Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Korean Social Media Scene
Unlock the secrets of the Korean social media landscape and discover the hidden gems that have captured the hearts and attention of the country’s young and trendy. From cozy cafes to vibrant street markets, these hangouts are not only visually stunning but also offer a glimpse into the unique and dynamic culture that has made Korea a top travel destination.
Elevate Your Social Media Travel Album
Prepare to be inspired and elevate your social media travel album with these must-visit Korean hangouts. Get ready to explore, capture, and share the most Instagrammable moments from your Korean adventure.
Simsejeong: A Bakery Cafe that Transformed Sindang-dong
Simsejeong is a bakery cafe that drove Sindang-dong’s transformation into Hipdang-dong. The name, Simsejeong, means “a pavilion where one can clear their mind and rest comfortably.” The reason why it is so popular can be found in its unique appearance and ambience, combining the exterior of the rice warehouse built in 1959 with refined touches. Simsejeong bakery cafe offers freshly-baked bread, dessert, and coffee. Its signature bread items include croissants, baguettes, and Nutella twists, among which the croissants are particularly popular for their soft and chewy texture.
Zoosindang: A Unique Cocktail Bar Inspired by Sindang-dong’s History
The name “Sindang” in Sindang-dong comes from the history of the neighborhood, which was said to be populated with many shrines (Sindang) during Joseon Period. A unique cocktail bar inspired by this historical backdrop, Zoosindang, has gained popularity among the younger generations. From its name to its concept, resembling a “shrine for alcohol,” Zoosindang’s uniqueness is evident right from its entrance, adorned with talismans and golden ropes reminiscent of the shrines. As you step into the dimly lit and spooky interior, it’s filled with mystical symbols, captivating visitors with its surreal ambiance. Zoosindang is best known for its traditional Korean liquor cocktail, inspired by the Chinese Zodiac and a cat-shaped cake. While resembling sculpture, this soft cake is filled with black sesame, red bean paste, cream cheese, and apricot jam. As for cocktails, customers can choose based on their preference from the menu descriptions. For those who like sweet cocktails, Ox, Sheep, or Pig cocktails are recommended. The harmony between the sweet cocktails and the savory, slightly salty Grilled Skewers creates an irresistibly balanced combination that appeals to all tastes. As the Korean folk religion can be difficult to access for tourists, Zoosindang is an ideal spot for capturing unique photos. If you are planning to visit Sindang-dong, make sure to drop by Zoosindang to experience firsthand what makes this place so popular and beloved.
Wooyirak: Unrefined Rice Wine and Delectable Bites in Mangwon Market
One of the most famous places in Mangwon Market is Wooyirak, which serves great Deep-fried Chili Peppers and Pan-fried Battered Beef as well as Unrefined Rice Wine. Visitors can taste a wide variety of Unrefined Rice Wine, from famous premium brands to the newer ones. Similar to distinguishing wine varieties, visitors can explore dryness, sweetness, body, and lightness of Unrefined Rice Wine and get recommendations based on their preferences. Wooyirak’s signature menus are Deep-fried Chili Peppers and Pan-fried Battered Beef. The Deep-fried Chili Peppers, stuffed with minced meat and glass noodles, alongside Pan-fried Battered Beef, thinly coated beef in egg batter, reveal delightful flavors that perfectly complement the sweet and sour notes of the Unrefined Rice Wine. For those seeking to sample Unrefined Rice Wine and its accompaniments in a light and refined ambience, Wooyirak is the place to be.
Hoon-Hoon Hotteok: Innovative Griddlecakes at Mangwon Market
Traditional market’s Griddlecakes with Sugar Filling is a popular Korean street food that enjoys worldwide fame. While the original style with black sugar remains a favorite, griddlecakes with various fillings have gained recent popularity. Mangwon Market’s Hoon-Hoon Hotteok is one such place serving unique griddlecakes, featuring fillings like seeds and ice cream or coatings like bean powder or Oreo. However, the most popular menu item in the shop is the Cheese Seasoned Griddlecake with Sugar and Honey Filling. This menu made rounds in social media under the name Bburingkle Griddlecakes, named after Bburingkle Chicken, the popular cheese powder-coated fried chicken served by the fried chicken franchise BHC. For those seeking to explore the latest trends in griddlecakes, a representative street food in the market, head to Hoon-Hoon Hotteok.
Cheongsudang Bakery: A Hanok Cafe with Stunning Natural Beauty
Ikseon-dong is known for its myriad of photo spots, and one of the best-known among them is the entrance to Cheongsudang Bakery. Cheongsudang Bakery’s entrance is adorned with lush bamboos, flowing water, and lights that illuminate the shades, all combining with the unique charm of Hanok. The cafe is housed in a complex of six interconnected Hanok buildings. By retaining the rib-shaped structure called Seokkarae, which supports the roofs of these wooden buildings, visitors can experience unique beauty of the Hanok architecture. The natural beauty reflected at the entrance to Cheongsudang Bakery extends into the cafe and the bakery menu as well. In particular, the Matcha Fromage Cake and Black Sesame Fromage Cake evoke the visual appeal of a field against the basalt rock, offering a blend of sweetness and the freshness of nature. While visitors may need to wait in line to capture photos at the bakery’s entrance, the ambience and the flavors are certainly worth the wait, providing a delightful and healing experience.
Soha Salt Pond: Salted Bread and Serene Hanok Ambiance in Ikseon-dong
In 2023, Salted Bread has become the favorite choice among Korea’s younger generations. In Ikseon-dong, there is a renowned Salted Bread cafe known not only for its taste but also for its unique interior. Soha Salt Pond, a bakery cafe, features a courtyard shaped like the Hanguel (the Korean Alphabet) “ㄷ” character, with a small saltern at its center. Inside the traditional house, there are spaces for baking and selling bread, as well as cafe area where visitors can enjoy bread and beverages they ordered. Soha Salt Pond offers a variety of Salted Bread. The bakery’s signature items are the Soha Salted Bread and Milk Cream Salted Bread. The Soha Salted Bread boasts a salty and savory flavor, while the Milk Cream Salted Bread combines sweet milk cream with salt, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness. Capturing a refreshing saltern view in the quaint Hanok cafe during summer, accompanied by the delightful taste of savory Salted Bread is an irresistible reason to visit Ikseon-dong.
In conclusion, these unique and captivating food and drink destinations in Seoul’s neighborhoods offer a delightful blend of traditional and modern elements, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re craving freshly-baked pastries, innovative cocktails, or traditional Korean street food, these spots are sure to leave a lasting impression and make your Seoul exploration even more memorable.
