3 Days in Seoul: Curated by Simay Demirel

WHERE TO STAY

Hanok Essay Seochon

My favorite stay is this modernized hanok, tucked into a quiet residential corner of Seochon and managed by Stayfolio. This area in general is great for Airbnbs and other rentals.

DAY 1

Café Sinola Bukchon · Seoul

Café Sinola Bukchon

My go-to place for breakfast and coffee. The perfect plate: eggs with green beans and sausage.

The National Folk Museum of Korea · Seoul

The National Folk Museum of Korea

Head to this museum to be introduced to Korean folk culture and then have a lovely walk around the palace grounds.

IRASUN · Seoul

IRASUN

Hit some shops, starting at IRASUN, one of my favorite photography bookstores, with beautiful windows overlooking the hanok rooftops.

meego_craft · Seoul

meego_craft

Next up: Meego, a lovely craft shop for beautifully made Korean ceramics, baskets, textiles, and traditional objects.

호호당 HOHODANG · Seoul

호호당 HOHODANG

Continue to my favorite shop for Korean souvenirs—elegant house slippers, neck pillows, and little objects—all of which come wrapped in the most beautiful traditional Korean packaging.

일상여백 Ilsangyeoback · Seoul

일상여백 Ilsangyeoback

Finally, this is another favorite for locally produced home decorations, tea ceremony sets, and other souvenirs.

Samcheongdong Sujebi · Seoul

Samcheongdong Sujebi

Every time I’m in Seoul, this is always my first lunch stop. I was introduced to it by a local friend. They serve such comforting sujebi with all-you-can-eat kimchi.

Beolsae · Seoul

Beolsae

If you need a boost after lunch, swing by this intimate coffee shop with great sounds, tucked away in the basement of a building. Great for coffee geeks chasing the perfect beans.

Inwangsan Shelter in the woods · Seoul

Inwangsan Shelter in the Woods

Hop in a taxi to the base of Inwangsan for an afternoon hike. You’ll need about an hour total to walk up to this beautiful structure—a dreamlike spot tucked into the forest—linger for a bit, and make your way back down.

Andeok · Seoul

Andeok

My ideal comfort dinner: cold noodles with beef, mandu, and grilled peppers stuffed with meat. Put your name down and then wander around Seochon while you wait.

DAY 2

Anthracite (앤트러사이트) · Jeju City

Anthracite Coffee Seogyo

Begin the day at Anthracite, one of Seoul’s most atmospheric coffee shops. A dark, concrete space, opening to beautiful greenery. Grab a coffee and relax.

objectify 오브젝티파이 · Seoul

objectify 오브젝티파이

Do some shopping, starting at objectify, which has some of the most beautiful ceramics and glassware I’ve ever seen.

카페 마(MAA) · Seoul

카페 마(MAA)

Next, a sweet treat. 카페 마(MAA) serves the most perfect desserts in Seoul.

SUMUQA · Seoul

Sumuqa Tea Room

For a tea break, visit this hidden gem with a serene tea room and very soothing interiors.

Wild duck&Canteen · Seoul

Wild duck&Canteen

For lunch, try this cozy spot with delicious, familiar food and a rotating residency of chefs. It’s nice for a break from traditional Korean food.

MO-NO-HA HANNAM · Seoul

MO-NO-HA HANNAM

Move to the Hannam neighborhood and stop into this beautiful Korean store with clothing downstairs and an exhibition space upstairs with ceramics and decorative objects.

세이지힐 · Seoul

세이지힐

If you want a reset, head to this beautifully curated spa. I loved the scalp massage, and the attention to detail is incredible.

Bluedoor books · Seoul

Bluedoor Books

Continue to Bluedoor, a reader’s dream room. You have to book a slot online, but then you get this beautiful little library almost entirely to yourself for a couple of hours.

언양생고기 · Seoul

언양생고기

For dinner, I love this casual neighborhood spot for delicious Korean barbecue. It’s perfect when you want something local.

DAY 3

Dapsimni Antiques Market · Seoul

Dapsimni Antiques Market

Save an entire morning to dig through this incredible antiques district, where several buildings along the same street are packed with individual dealers. Don’t stop at the first building Naver (Korea’s go-to navigation app) takes you to, there’s much more to explore nearby. Depending on how long you shop, stop in somewhere local for lunch nearby.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art · Copenhagen

GOBOKII Atelier - 고복희 아뜰리에

In the afternoon, stop by this wonderful antique gallery, open by appointment only. They have a larger gallery near the market and a smaller one inside one of the market buildings.