Our guide to the best restaurants in Seoul for Korean celebrity spotting

1/5
Myeongdong Kyoja
Established in 1964, Myeongdong Kyoja has a long history and was initially made famous for their knife cut handmade noodle soup (kalguksu). However, they also have other equally scrumptious side dishes such as mandu (dumplings), bibum guksu (spicy noodles) and kongguksu (noodles in cold soup). The restaurant is well loved by locals and tourists and it’s definitely a must try when you visit Seoul.

25-2 2-ga, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

Photo: Myeongdong Kyoja
2/5
Batgodong
Batgodong is the first restaurant to introduce marinated octopus to Seoul, which naturally drew long crowds that still continue today. You can choose from a selection of differently cooked octopus dishes that range from fried to grilled. They also have their specialty dish which is the Spicy Stir Fried Small Octopus – beware, this is not for the faint-hearted.

54, Eonju-ro 172-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Photo: Batgodong
3/5
Sanbong Hwarogui Gui
Sanbong Hwarogui Gui is a reasonably priced local joint barbecue restaurant with a wide selection of meats as well as set meals and a la carte. Not only is it a local and tourist favourite, you'll find famous Korean boy band Big Bang and solo artist CL often spotted here!

657-17, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Photo: Sanbong Hwarogui Gui (Facebook)
4/5
Dure Guksu
Dure Guksu became immensely popular due to celebrities such as Park Bo-Gum and Kim Tae-Hee who made frequent visits to the restaurant. Aside from being a celebrity hot spot, they've also gained plenty of publicity from being featured in many Korean variety and television shows. The restaurant serves hearty, wholesome dishes such as bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), bibim guksu (spicy cold noodles) and their signature beef bowl soup noodle.

28 Dosan-daero 37-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Photo: Visit Seoul
5/5
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong BBQ
Owned by one of Korea’s most prominent television host and comedian, this restaurant is a fan favourite among both tourists and locals. There are long queues constantly lining outside the restaurant. Because this is a restaurant owned by one of the hottest celebrities in Seoul, you'll also regularly spot other television hosts and comedians who pop by for quick bite!

19-3 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu

Photo: Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong (Facebook)

Fancy a trip to Seoul to indulge in Korean food heaven? From the likes of kimchi, bibimbap, kalguksu, and not forgetting the Korean barbecue of course, it’s no surprise that Seoul is a firm favourite among foodies.

If you love K-drama, K-pop and anything from the Korean celebrity scene, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a few restaurants frequented by your favourite Korean celebrities. We’ve shared these spots in our gallery above – hopefully, you might chance upon some of your favourite K-pop idols if you’re lucky enough!

Daphne Leo

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