Historically, Jongno District played a pivotal role in Korea’s culture, economics, politics, and social framework. At present, the Jongno District remains one of Seoul’s most important areas. Present strategically at Seoul’s central area, Jongno-Gu has tourist attractions that draw significant revenue to the Korean economy. Gwanhwamun Plaza, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insa-Dong, and Gwangjang market witness flocks of tourists. The historical Gyeongbukgung Palace is a landmark tourist site of the district. Many notable companies of Korea have established their headquarters here. Many restaurants, some modern-fusion, and some traditional restaurants, dating their establishment year back to several years ago, attract several local and foreign customers. Several Michelin-star restaurants are present in this district.
1. Boccalino
There are many places in Seoul to have Italian food. But only some of them can be called an excellent Italian restaurant! One such restaurant is Boccalina, located on the second floor of Four Season’s hotel on 97 Saemunan-Ro. It’s a place to relish some great-tasting pizzas and pasta; dishes like Quattro Formagi Pizza, Tiramisu, Margherita Pizza, Fusili Con Ragout Di Manzo and many more. You can even try their vegan menu! With decor reminiscent of the 1920s, Boccalino is a restaurant you don’t want to miss.
2. Potala
Potala is a wholesome and pleasant restaurant having all the features that a good restaurant should have—good food, lovely ambiance, reasonable prices, and warm service. At Potala, you can taste Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese cuisines. The restaurant offers plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, and halal-friendly meat. Momos, Biryani, Curry, and many other specials from the Indian subcontinent are available here.
3. Seokparang
Relishing Korean full-course meal is a must-have experience when in Korea. A notable restaurant in this category is Seokparang, located in Hongji-dong on 309 Jahamun-Ro. This restaurant holds significance for its authentic Korean multi-course meal and its interiors and architectural value. Of course, dining in such a restaurant is costly, but the experience is worth the money.
4. Hwangsaengga Kalguksu
This small and cozy space is a Michelin-star restaurant! Located at 78 Bukchon-Ro 5-Gil, Hwangsaengga Kalguksu was established in 2001 as Bukchon Kalguksu. In 2014, the restaurant got renamed to its current identity. At any time of the day that you would see, the restaurant will always have a line of food-lovers waiting to dine at this restaurant for the delicious dumplings, ox bone soup and noodles, and boiled beef slices.
5. Song’s Kitchen
This chic, cozy deli serves unique and visually appealing pizzas and other fusion foods. A must-try is their cheese and seafood Ttoekbokki—a pizza that uses Tteokbokki as toppings and is oven-baked. Their signature beer is a must-try, too, as it is a unique beer that uses coffee as its base. Their crispy and toasty pizza base makes for a delicious experience. Their decor is a seamless blend of modern, contemporary, and vintage vibes.
6. Jyoti Indian Restaurant & Bar
In Seoul, you’ll never miss Indian food because there’s so much available! Jyoti restaurant located in 6, Jong-Ro 12-Gil, serves Indian and Nepali cuisine. The restaurant is pretty popular among Indian food enthusiasts. It is one of the highest-rated places to enjoy Indian cuisine: street food, mains, and desserts—ample options to try from the menu. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal food is also available.
7. Imun Seolnongtang
Very few restaurants hold cultural and historical significance, and it is always a privilege and honor to be a part of such places and experience their atmosphere. Imun Seolnontang boasts a tradition of more than 100 years. Established in 1904, Imun Seolnongtang was the first to apply for a restaurant license. Even today, the restaurant follows the traditional approach to preparing ox-bone soup: by simmering the ox bones for 17 hours until they are thick and creamy.
8. Daesungjib
This long-standing restaurant attracts a crowd of mostly elderly. Daesungjib is a generations-old restaurant serving the highly nutritious Doganitang, an ox knee cartilage soup so thick that you can even make your spoon stand! The decor is old and is a testament to its years of running the business, but hygiene is top-notch. You will always find a line of customers waiting for their turn because this Michelin-star restaurant is that famous!
9. Jihwaja
Jihwaja is rich, royal, and elegant. Passing down the traditions from the royal chefs of the Joseon Dynasty, Jihwaja is one of the few restaurants in the city that keep it real. As a customer, you can see the staff’s pride in presenting their menu. With an authentic and traditional Korean menu that is beyond mind-blowing, Jihwaja is easily one of the best-rated restaurants in the city and a must-visit to immerse in the rich culture of Korea.
10. Wood & Brick
Lying close to the Bukchon Hanok Village is this mid-ranged cozy Italian restaurant called Wood & Brick. Loved for its delicious meals and comprehensive English menu, Wood & Brick offers Western foods that fill your heart and tummy. Expect to find all items you typically would in a western restaurant: pizza, pasta, burger, bakery items, beverages, and desserts. This restaurant serves as a welcome rest-stop while you explore the beautiful neighborhood.
11. Insadong Geujib
Located in the prime location of 3, Insadong 12-Gil, Insadong Geujib is a cozy restaurant ideal for enjoying Korean lunches. The staff doesn’t speak English, but that is not a problem for foreigners as the menu is available in English as the restaurant tends to attract more foreigners than locals. At this restaurant, you can taste delicious foods of Bibimbap, raw beef salad, squid, Bulgogi, and many more.
12. Power Plant
At Power Plant, you will see yourself spoilt with choices! This food court, located at 17 Jong-Ro 3-Gil, houses many brands and restaurants within one roof. You can expect to see well-known Korean restaurant names like Beer Spot, Manimal, Lobster Schack, and outlets for Pizzas and American-Chinese. With various cuisines available, all to be enjoyed within one seating area makes dining in the Power Plant fun and exciting. Don’t miss out on their large selection of beer!
13. Baekbujangjip Dakhanmari
Dak Hanmari is a local Korean Chicken Soup dish that uses a whole chicken slow-cooked until it is soft and tender and the broth thick and deep-tasting. Topped with potatoes and rice cakes and served with a savory side dish, Dak Hanmari is the most enjoyable when the subtle steam still hits your face. Baekbujangjin Dakhanmari is a popular restaurant at Gongpyeong-dong that serves delicious Dakhanmari.
14. Yonggeumok
One of the oldest in Seoul and a Michelin-star restaurant is Yonggeumok, established in 1932. The restaurant serves the local dish ‘Chueotang,’ a loach-based soup meant to eat during summers to boost health and nourishment. The restaurant serves two versions of the soup: A Seoul-based recipe of a whole loach and a more traditional Jeolla province style of ground loach. The latter is a hot favorite among customers.
15. Oktoberfest Jongno
Visit this famous beer garden located right in the middle of downtown Seoul. Oktoberfest, a Bavarian-styled hub, provides an excellent opportunity for customers to explore the various beers stocked in its restaurant. The German pub serves beers like Weizen, Pilsner, Dunkel, Hefeweizen, and a variety of ales. A top dish on its menu is Pork Knuckles, a must-try with your beer despite being pricey. Expect this pub to attract crowds as you progress towards the late evenings and nighttime.
16. Yu Yuan
Another Michelin-star restaurant on this list is Yu Yuan, located on the eleventh floor of the Four Season’s Hotel. Yu Yuan is a Chinese restaurant and serves primarily Cantonese dishes—the most recommended are Peking Duck, Sea Bream, and Pork Belly. This exquisite restaurant finds inspiration in the glamor of 1920s Shanghai with its stunning and impeccable interiors.
17. Jungdon
This famous, highly visited Japanese Tonkatsu restaurant, located in Myeongnyun 4(Sa)ga, serves some of the finest pork cutlets you have ever tasted. Two types of cutlets are available here, Pork tenderloin cutlet and Pork sirloin cutlet, the former being their signature dish on the menu. Customers go gaga over the soft, tenderized, and perfectly cooked pork. However, expect some wait time because of the restaurant’s popularity.
18. Buchon Yukhae
With its humble beginnings as a small shop selling short rib soup under the name ‘Buchon Sikdang’ in 1965, this restaurant grew as a Michelin-star-rated one today. Improvising on its recipe from a Jeollado province-style to a more modern Seoul-style, the restaurant serves Yukhae—a seasoned raw-beef dish. The beef, sourced locally and seasoned with sesame oil and other flavorful ingredients, should be enjoyed with fresh matchstick pears.
19. 853
At 16 Insa-dong 12-Gil, is this Korean BBQ restaurant recommended for pork lovers. Various tender pork meats are available here, cooked and served by the staff; the staff also recommends the right sauces and condiments to enhance your gastronomic experience. Apart from the friendly service, the restaurant has a pleasant and organized atmosphere. Beer and Soju are available for alcoholic drinks.
20. A Flower Blossom On The Rice
A Flower Blossom On The Rice (Korean: Kkot, Bape Pida) is a Michelin-star restaurant as beautiful as its name. This restaurant has built a solid favorable reputation for sourcing its ingredients from organic-certified farms. So the food is not just healthy, but highly delicious too. This Korean restaurant offers vegan and vegetarian options too. A must-try dish is Bojagi Bibimbap, which gets its name from the fancy presentation that resembles a ribbon-tied gift pack.
