A Sunset Experience Worth the Wait! Visiting N Seoul Tower was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Seoul, though getting there tested my patience. The cable car line was brutal—I waited about 30 minutes just to buy tickets, and then stood in line for another hour to actually board the cable car. It wasn’t the most pleasant part of the experience, especially if you're short on time or visiting during peak hours. That said, it was absolutely worth it. We made it to the top just in time for sunset, and the views were nothing short of breathtaking. Watching the city light up beneath a fading sky from that height was a moment I won’t forget. Once you're up there, there's so much to do that you can easily spend hours exploring. The tower complex is full of restaurants and cafes with stunning views, art displays, photo booths, and tons of souvenir shops. One of the most charming parts is the Love Locks area—a colorful and romantic spot that adds a unique character to the visit. If you're planning to go, just be ready for the wait (especially if you take the cable car), or consider other ways up like the shuttle or a hike if you’re feeling adventurous. But once you’re at the top, it’s an experience that’s totally worth it—a perfect mix of panoramic views, culture, food, and fun.

A must on any trip to Seoul. Spectacular views. Be prepared for crowds on the weekends. On previous trips I’ve walked up - cable car is fun but huge queue & a long wait if you do that. This time I cycled up - steep … thank goodness for e-bikes! Don’t miss the small plaque & marker on the top … often overlooked but it’s the geographic center of the city, very cool.

Must visit! It’s so scenic, especially with autumn colors. One gets beautiful Birds Eye view of the city and there are lot of cultural activities. Keeps one busy and entertained. Plenty of buses to take one around. It was lot walking, including some steep but worth every step.

Namsan Tower is another attraction I visited during my business trip. You have two options to get to the top of the mountain: by bus or on foot. I recommend taking the bus up and walking down — it’s easier and more enjoyable that way. Once you reach the top, the view is absolutely breathtaking! You can see the entire city from above, and the scenery is stunning. Don’t forget to check out the love locks area — it’s beautiful and very romantic.

I went to N Seoul Tower on Chuseok day, and even though it was raining, it was still such a lovely experience. I couldn’t take good photos because of the weather, but the stair hike up was surprisingly enjoyable — quiet, green, and peaceful. The love locks area was absolutely amazing to see, full of colors and stories. Despite the rain, the place had a special charm that made the day feel really nice and memorable.

Purchased gondola ride to the tower. To buypass the ticket line purchase ahead from an online retailer. The gondola queue was long but worth the wait. Just missed the sunset but still got some beautiful scenery around the tower. The view is stunning from the top.

Good tourist spot to get panoramic views of Seoul. Lots of shops and places to eat and drink at the top. Unfortunately the cable car was under maintainence when we visited so we had to walk up. A bus was provided but was too busy. Would recommend the view at night over the daytime.

There is so much to see and eat. Just be aware that it's more of a flea market feel here. Not that they sell used goods, but it's low prices and quantity you will find here, not trendy fashions or recognizable brands. In addition to the many stalls at street level, there are shops upstairs and an endless catacomb of micro stalls underground, many of which probably cater to locals.

So much things here. Accessories especially. Clothes. Foods. Liquers. The underground market is so big. Import and locals stuff all have.

Plenty of things to look on as its a combination of clothing/food and souvenirs shops with some of the famous brands you can find it here like Supreme/adidas and etc as they sell the replicas here (iykwim). The shoes and other accessories are fantastic and varies. The souveniors shops also is more affordable compare to myeondong ones. Its just some of the elderly locals doesnt want to entertain you and giving out a different pricing by seeing what type of people are you. Other than that a goos spot to get a mix of everything here

Big market with plenty of shopping choices. Ladies’ accessories are plentiful for selection. Good place to grab Korean souvenirs and gifts to bring home. Do watch some shops that blatantly changed prices (eg the red ginseng), pretty dishonest. Will advise to buy from shops with clear display of prices.

Nice market in Seoul where one can shop all day. When I’m in the area I like to walk around and shop. Lots of street food, stalls, restaurants, cafes, and people from everywhere. A lot of cheap clothes and knockoffs…

Great spot! Very busy! Lots of fun. Go find this spot for great deals on T-Shirts. It was the best price hands down. Start from the street with Burger King and he is on the Right hand side. Must go visit these guys for Excellent Deals.

Nice walking around. There is human information in red in the hart of the place. Good if you are looking for hats and non brand cloths. Nice place to walk around. I did not buy any thing. The options were not very attractive (for me. Tryed the local snak HOTTEOK it nice.

I don't know about the shops because I never made it inside any of them. The food stalls outside took all my attention. It's a giant market full of food! It's incredible. I definitely recommend visiting in the evening.

Another amazing shopping district. This place is clean and you can find anything here. I love how clean Korea is. It's people are very respectful to each other and to their environment. The bathrooms are quiet clean for such a busy public tourist place. They even have filtered water with cold and hot water for your refill. The attention to detail to make living conditions better for everyone is top of the world.

Filled with incredible food, vendors and souvenir stores and stores of other various brands such as tennis shoes, it's a fun place to walk through. Don't forget to look up. Most buildings have businesses on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th floornas well.

So many cool shops, restaurants and things to do! Could easily spend a whole day here. Our hotel was near here so it was easy to come here many times. I highly recommend coming here if you’re visiting. At night the street vendors come out too.

The environment is so friendly for international visitors! Many food venders! Almost the cosmetics shops apply tax refunds directly, for example Oliver Young, Pretty Skin,… Really crowded and have fun! This place is not for you in case that you wanna be deeply in local. One minus point is there no public garbage cans in this food venders streets - I think this is Korean culture? So when enjoying the street food, you should put the garbage in the garbage can of the venders where you buy the food or bring it along with you 🤣

This is definitely the place to go for everything from Korean fashion brands, skincare, street food, changing money, to all the famous Korean fried chicken shops in a row. Most shops open from lunchtime to midnight. You can hop from one Olive Young to the next one. There's a small supermarket that sells most of the snacks you would buy at Lotte Mart. I stayed at a hostel nearby. I'd stay there again just for the convenience. There are 2 metro stations nearby, Myeongdong and Euljiro 1-ga Station.

Myeongdong Shopping Street is a shopper's paradise! This bustling street offers a great combination of food, shopping, and relaxation. The food options are plentiful and delicious, with a wide variety to choose from. Be sure to try the fluffy sponge cake and tteokbokki with sweet and sour fried chicken - they're must-haves! However, one thing to note is that rubbish bins are scarce, so it's best to bring your own trash bag. Shopping enthusiasts will love the numerous stores, including multiple Olive Young shops. Don't miss the underground shopping area, which has a direct link to Lotte Department Store. With so many stalls selling similar food and products, it can get a bit repetitive, but the energy and excitement of the street make it a fun and memorable experience. Highly recommend visiting Myeongdong for a day of shopping, eating, and entertainment!

I absolutely loved visiting Gwangjang Markets! It was busy and touristy but I felt that this really added to the atmosphere and excitement. Some people might say that prices here are more expensive than else where in Seoul however I found them to be reasonable. The market sells lots of street food and souvenirs. There is one long, main and wide corridor type strip down the centre with a number of narrower lanes branching off the sides, also selling food, souvenirs and trinkets. All stall holders we interacted with were super friendly, warm and helpful. They all appeared happy to be interacting with customers and feeding the crowds. Each food store specialises in a different type of food. Everything we ate was delicious! I liked that you were able to buy food from lots of different stores and then come together and share so you could taste a bit of everything. I would highly recommend visiting here!

This is a very popular market to sample lots of food options and price is affordable too. You can shop for bed covers, pillows, clothing, kitchen accessories, grab coffee at coffee shops near by or just enjoy a sunny day inside and around this market. Bring your appetite and your walled for a fun time

Visited Gwangjang Market in Seoul, one of Korea’s oldest and most iconic traditional markets, with over 100 years of history. 🇰🇷✨ The place is full of life, with narrow alleys lined with food stalls offering endless choices: crispy nokdujeon (mung bean pancakes), savory sundae (Korean blood sausage), spicy tteokbokki, tender yukhoe (Korean beef tartare), and of course, comforting gimbap rolls. Honestly, there’s more food here than you could ever imagine, it’s a true feast for the senses. Prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous, every dish feels made with heart and tradition. The sizzling sounds, the rich aromas, and the friendly vendors create an atmosphere that’s warm, lively, and unmistakably Korean. If you want to experience the real flavor of Seoul and its food culture, Gwangjang Market is an absolute must-visit. Come hungry, you’ll definitely leave full and happy! 🍽️💛

This place is old school meets new school. Food stores are a plenty, even those most stores sell the same food. Many Michelin rated food places and the famous kalguksu featured on netflix is here too. Definitely a place to come for buying souvenirs and good quality blankets back to your home country. Easily accessible via bus or the metro (Dongdaemun station) with a 10 minute leisurely stroll

This market didn’t impress us. The food selection was repetitive and nothing was really appealing to our eyes. We ended up trying a mungbean paste pancake and walnut-shaped pastries. The taste wasn’t bad but definitely not something that I would travel for.

This is as raw as it gets to experience Korea’s local folk market where the masses go to get their basic needs from small business owners to traditional mom-pop stalls selling a variety of goods, including stuff for tourists. A lot of variety of sorts, be brave to try their on the spot cooked cuisine or home made cooking to be like Indiana Jones and explore the corners, turns, and non-grid walkways looking at the shops selling their wares and goods. Tip: Cash only (a very few shops take credit cards). A Must Must Xperience!

its a food market with a local flair. they have a lot of korean food. i got the twisted donut with cinnamon and sugar which i really liked. there were quite a lot people queuing up, but it was so worth it. definitely a must try!

Located right in the crowded street in Myeongdong, I gave it a chance to get a good review from me - The order is a little bit smooth with a surprised employee (when she realized me as a foreigner) - I took 5600₩ hambuger with a bottle of water. The hamburger made me surprised because of its size (50% with menu photo), but I am still good with it - As beginning, I thought It just had a small place to sit around the counter, but I was wrong. It has 2 more floors, and you can easily find 1 place to enjoy your small meal - The potatoes also were great, I took 1 star off because they are missing chilly ketchup, come on, it's the most important ketchup in fast-food restaurant Will come back McDonald's with carefull considering.

This McDonald’s is conveniently located near our hotel. We got breakfast this morning. They are open at 7 am. So we have to wait for a few minutes before they open. The workers are super friendly to all customers. We ordered our breakfast at the kiosk. Our order is ready in just a few minutes. They replaced one of the coffees just because it was leaking a little bit. What a good service. The breakfast sandwiches are just as good as what we had in California, but even better and cleaner-looking. The dining room looks nice. We order our food to go. However, I'm sure I'll enjoy my food there as well.

McD Myeongdong Branch. Place is big but always full because of tourist area. Burger are way better than McD Japan, but minus here is the fries werent hot and bland. Twice eat here, 2 times alao getting cold and limpy fries. Ask for salt, they wont give you 😅 Ketchup taste good, cola or sprite also good. Price bit higher, nuggest small than other country, chicken (1 pax 2 pcs) taste bland.

29.06.25. I visited McDonald's in Korea for the first time and was excited to try the food here. The service was fast and the taste was really good, which I appreciate. However, I was disappointed with the staff’s attitude. When I politely asked which mayonnaise was used in the burger, the staff seemed unwilling to explain. Earlier, I had also asked if I could charge my phone, and the response was quite rude and impolite. I understand they may be busy, but a little more kindness and patience would make the experience much better for customers, especially for foreigners. I hope the staff can be more courteous and helpful in the future.

JAN 2024 💜 McDonald’s in Seoul was impressive! Service crew were amicable in a healthy way during my interactions at the cashier and order collection point 😍 atmosphere was abuzz with life but if they had double the current space and seating capacity, it would have been perfect 👍🏻 btw their food and beverage were also fresh and tasty 🤤

Very nice place, if you get there before 10:30 A.M they have special morning dish. Its 2 pancakes with muffin, egg, butter, sausage burger, potato snack and soft drink. Very testy and its only 6,200 won. I really like it 🙏🏻😊 I will mention that until 10:30 A.M they don't have normal burger with beef or chicken.

Best food I recommend getting the Oreo McFlurry. In between the chairs are kinda dirty. Atmosphere good

It was perfectly salty to my tastes so I didn’t need to add in more seasoning. I liked the dogani tang which is cartilage soup.

The beef soup is so good but it’s kinda expensive with me. And the meal is also big for one, u should go with 2-3 friends

The food was really just okay, the kimchi is not very flavourful. The seollongtang has not a lot of meat and rather expensive. Soup is also not super strong, but I think some people may like the clean taste. 6/10

This is my humble opinion, best beef soup restaurant I ever been, the food is fantastic and kimchi to me, is one of the tastiest I had. Very hard to find this restaurant. However every time when I’m back in Seoul. This is my must visit restaurant.

Good restaurant for hangover soups. Menu is in Korean and they only speak Korean, but great service and food comes really fast. They have good kimchi and turnip kimchi, and everything is affordable for this restaurant.

It looks humble restaurant. but it serves the best braised ox-tail, steamed beef and beef soup in Seoul. It's in the middle of Namdaemun market. Not easy to find for aliens.

I went to here in the morning and enjoyed Korikomtang (꼬리곰탕)so much!!!! I know it is pricy but much more valuable experience

Although the Bibimbap comes with lots of vege but the taste is bland. Overall just taste so so only, not my favourite. I personally prefer the Bibimbap from Bxxjuk and it comes with more variety. The restaurant is small and compact.

Lovely local place known for the bimbimbap. Came here for brunch and it was just perfect, good flavours and plenty of side dishes to compliment. Those that mention the food being bland, probably didn't add the chilli sauce which adds plenty of flavour and it's not very spicy. Fast friendly service and a great start to the day.

We had high hopes for this restaurant but we never have had so tasteless Bibimbap in our lives. The food looked good but didn't taste....Sadly the worst food we ate in Seoul, so I'd recommend other places rather than this.

We were disappointed with our visit in November. As foreign tourists, the service felt unwelcoming... Like others have mentioned, we were simply asked “Bibimbap?” upon entering, without being given a menu to see the other options first. Then, our order took a long time, and the staff seemed indifferent when serving us. We were quiet and respectful, just hoping to enjoy some traditional veggie bibimbap, but the dish itself was bland and difficult to finish. Unfortunately, not a good experience overall.

Getting off on the right foot in my first day in South Korea. Found this place in a carefully curated list of restaurants and it exceeded expectations. Besides of the delicious food and fair prices, it’s an authentic local experience. Strongly recommended.

Went around 40 minutes before closing time and was rudely served by the grandma as if we stopped her from closing the restaurant. Was not given a menu but instead just asked us “bibimbap?” despite us ideally wanting 1 bibimbap and another dish to share. Food was a bit flat and not amazing. Good that it was a fresh however seasoning was lacking. We were also rushed to finish our meal despite it being very hot and they kept hovering to push us out which ruined the experience. We rushed our meal and when we left the restaurant, they slammed the door straight away. Would not go back here.

It was not obvious where this place was when we came here. But the guy at the restaurant next door basically just pointed for us to enter the door to the right... ha! So here we are. The woman working here gestured for us to sit down. She asked if we wanted the bibimbap and we said "yes, two". And that was about it! The bibimbap is packed with lovely veggies and comes with some pickled (? maybe?) sardines and kimchi and Gochujang sauce. It was pretty good!

Great 24 hours fast-food restaurant! Lots of seats inside and also kiosks which is a good option for foreigners. Price is not very expensive and food is delicious.

I have an unpopular opinion but here goes. This is the first bad review I have done. The atmosphere is nice but the tables are slightly dirty. You can order using the machine in English and foreigners can also use cash at the counter. You have to be foreigner to use the cash option though. I got the bulgogi bacon burger set meal with a latte as a drink and chicken nuggets. The chicken nuggets were good but the rest was just horrible The food comes out lukewarm, the bulgogi burger is probably one of the worse burgers I’ve had in my life. The chips have literally zero seasoning, and they don’t have salt satchets so you’re stuck with flavorless chips. It has a really weird texture, almost a mushy consistency like the chips are a day old. The food is 1/5 stars, it’s just that bad im sorry.

Cheap and nice Korean brand burger. Quick order and take clean and 24hrs open. But not high quality buger

It's fast food but imo taste much better than most other fast food, especially their trex burger and fried chicken. Funny thing is we ordered takeaway and decided to eat in but the staff said for takeaway, must use their coffee mug instead of takeaway mug lol

This is the 3rd time that we are having Lotteria on our 1 week trip to Seoul.. Overall, the food quality is pretty good with a very convenient self-ordering system available in few languages.. Payment can be done using cash or credit card.. Great option for tourists.. As we are staying at the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun which is just a few minutes walk away, I visited this outlet to get late night dinner/supper for my family as it is open 24 hours.. Very convenient and excellent option at night for anyone staying or shopping in the area..

You can order via the touch screen with English. The burger was average in taste. Portion is fine but not exactly value for money. The set meal did not come with fries, only with drink. Added 2 fried chicken pieces and came to 12500krw. Not my best fast food meal for sure.

Has a vegan option ! Tastes fine. Big enough for big hunger ! Vegan option is available in all lotteria restaurants

Beautiful views of Seoul on a clear day. We lucked out with a clear day on our visit and we were there during a holiday period. We think the intense lines were due to the local thanksgiving holiday. Note that there was a significant line in the mall, once your ticket is scanned there are several additional areas to queue up and wait. Even once our ticket was scanned it was a good 40 to 50 minutes before we were up in the tower. You may want to plan your day accordingly. I won’t ruin it here however just off the elevator, on floor 217 you sit and watch a short video presentation with a very nice surprise at the end. Also note the escalators from floors 217 up through 221 are one way, enjoy your visit on each floor before moving up. Overall, a very worthwhile experience.

I went there in the morning, and it was such a wonderful experience! The weather was nice, and the view from the top of Lotte World Tower was absolutely stunning. The city looked calm and peaceful from above. The tower is modern, clean, and full of great places to shop and eat. Definitely worth visiting when you’re in Seoul! 🌆✨

Visiting Lotte World Tower was truly one of the most breathtaking experiences I’ve had in Seoul. From the moment I arrived, the sheer size and elegance of the building was impressive. Rising high above the city, the tower offers an incredible mix of modern architecture, luxury, and unforgettable views. Everything is well organized and easy to navigate, from the ticket counters to the elevators that whisk you up to the top in just seconds. The observatory, known as Seoul Sky, is absolutely stunning. Once you step out onto the glass floors, you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city — including the Han River, mountains, and skyline. Whether during the day with the bright blue sky or at night with the sparkling city lights, the view is simply magical. I highly recommend going around sunset to experience both. Inside, everything is clean, modern, and beautifully designed. The staff is friendly and helpful, making the whole visit smooth and enjoyable. There are also shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere after taking in the view. The tower is easy to reach by subway, and the surrounding area has plenty of attractions to explore as well. Overall, it’s a must-see landmark in Seoul that leaves a lasting impression. If you want to truly appreciate the beauty of the city from above, this is the perfect place to do it. Highly recommended!

The entrance presentation was absolutely brilliant!! The view was amazing so cool. It was however so crowded but I visited on a public holiday. Definitely recommend everyone to buy tickets online! It’s not only cheaper but also saves SO MUCH TIME!

This place is so big. It has differeng levels that you can walk around with. The place ia neat and clean,secondly there is free wifi there so you don't have to worry about connections. Secondly the toilets are so clean and spacious that you won't even feel like going to the wc. You can see that they take pride in taken care of that place and everything is under controle. There is enought camera security there so your security is garantee. Love going to that place. I bought parfume there on one of the level and the staff ghere were so gentle and lovely to talk too.

Absolutely breathtaking. From the observation deck, the entire city stretches out in every direction- it’s one of those views that just makes you pause for a moment. Each floor at the top has unique views and viewing spots, fun themes too! The tower itself is sleek and modern, with tons of great restaurants and shops at the base. Everything feels clean, organized, and high-end. Watching the sunset from the top was easily one of my favorite moments in Seoul.

The views are gorgeous, it's worth visiting. About 10 euros per person, couple of coffee shops available inside. Buying tickets in advance would save some time, but no big difference.

This is an awesome theme park for a fun day out. It's a bit like a mix of Disneyland and an indoor park, so it’s great no matter the weather. The rides are thrilling, and the parades are really well-done. The Magic Island part outside is super cool with the castle. It's a perfect place for families or anyone who just wants to have a blast.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall, we had a great experience at Lotte World Theme Park. My son is still a little young and couldn’t meet the height requirements for some of the bigger rides, but I was impressed that the park has plenty of similar attractions designed for younger children. It really caters to all ages, so no one feels left out. The park itself is huge—between the indoor Adventure section and the outdoor Magic Island, there’s more than enough to keep a family entertained. Realistically, a visit here will take up your entire day, so plan accordingly. Even though we couldn’t try everything this time, we still enjoyed the variety of rides, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the overall energy of the park. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in Seoul with kids!

We came here for a full day of fun. The place was crowded for a weekday. Lots of children running around. We enjoyed the parade even though it was a bit short. Make sure you download the app to see how long the wait times are. We also did the pixie magic dress up which was pricey but cute. Lots of people also dressing up

For K-drama fan, it was a must for us to experience it. We even decided to rent school uniform to elevate our experience. Booked our tickets through Klook. We got lucky as it wasn’t so crowded. Enjoyed going through the park for three (3) hours. Have been to 5 Disney/Disney world, this was as not big but the atmosphere was great. Highly recommended to visit when you’re in Seoul.

Highly disappointed, it was sadly a big waste of time. Most of the cool rides are closed without any explanation (yes stuff can happen and for safety reasons obviously it should be closed, but I don't believe that at least 5 things don't work at the same time). They clearly sell way more tickets than the capacity allows it. Very greedy. The waiting times go up to 1-2 hours, and honestly if the ride is super cool, maybe I would even wait 1 hour, but I can't, because surprise, they closed "at the moment". I came with low expectations because not every theme park has a high budget and advanced technology, which is understandable, but honestly this is a big nothing. Not to mention, that beside regular ticket, so many attractions require additional fee. Wherever you look, they ask for a fee.

Went during the pokemon event and had a fun time. We recommend getting the fast pass if you want to ride stuff. Some rides were advanced booking and the Pokémon hot balloon ride took about 90 minutes of waiting.

Magic pass is a must if you don’t want to spend hours in line for the rides. The food Options are decent. It’s a fun time and especially if there is an event going on.

Sprawling public park for children. The playgrounds are dated but decent. The surprise was the free zoo with many animals on close display. These animals are not hiding inside their enclosures which makes it fun for children. Multiple convenience stores within the park. There is a paid indoor playground at the main pavilion tower. Good day trip to bring your child for fun and exploration. No admission charges to the park!

Great place and park in this part of Seoul. Composed of different parts with various activities - from inactivity to playing sports, zoo, botanical gardens. Perfect place for a stroll and relaxation

Amazing place for anyone, kids loved it, adults loved it, completely free, huge place to explore, you can pay £2 to get into the museum, which is basically a huge kids play area, can easily spend whole day there

Great experience, but it was full. I loved the Benin drum experience the most

This is a good place. It's free to visit.

Its good.. big park, while you can easy eat and play wjith your children Theres a ride too..and childe will be like it here

By name, you understand that this is a park, especially for families and kids. It has a zoo, aquarium, Playland, playgrounds, swimming pool, and jogging track 🏃‍♂️. The person of every age will enjoy this place. It is situated near Sejong University at Subway line 5 exit 1. It has four gates.

Got to arrive early to take nice pictures. If you can drink can do the pairing. The wine are not of high value but the pairing is very well done. Over all good experience. For one star, the price is reasonable. No need to add any dish as the serving is sufficient and I was very full

Elevated Korean Flavors with a Panoramic Vista: A Review of Bicena (Seoul) Perched on the 81st floor of the iconic Lotte World Tower, Bicena offers a truly breathtaking dining experience, elevating Korean cuisine to new heights both literally and figuratively. From the moment you step into the sophisticated space, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of modern elegance. The dramatic double-height ceilings and expansive panoramic windows immediately draw your eye to the sweeping views of the Seoul skyline, creating an unparalleled backdrop that is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. The interior design thoughtfully blends contemporary aesthetics with subtle Korean sensibilities, fostering a luxurious yet comfortable environment perfect for a memorable occasion. Bicena's culinary philosophy is centered on presenting contemporary Korean cuisine with an unwavering commitment to authenticity and the integrity of ingredients. Under the guidance of Chef Kwangsik Jun, the kitchen masterfully reinterprets traditional Korean flavors and dishes, infusing them with a refined touch and modern techniques. The restaurant's name, meaning "empty, fill, and share," hints at a philosophy of balance and thoughtful consumption, reflecting a deep respect for both nature's bounty and the communal spirit of Korean dining. This commitment extends to their affiliation with Kwangjuyo, a renowned Korean ceramics company that also produces traditional liquors, emphasizing a holistic appreciation for Korean craftsmanship. The tasting menu is a curated journey through seasonal delights, showcasing a profound understanding of flavor profiles and textures. Each dish is a testament to meticulous preparation and artistic presentation. You might begin with a delicate welcome drink infused with the refreshing essence of pine needles, setting a serene tone. Highlights often include expertly aged meats, such as pork loin dry-aged with fermented rice salt, cooked to tender perfection and paired with vibrant homemade pickles. Another exquisite example could be crispy barley shrimp, offering a delightful play of textures and a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes. The use of premium, often locally sourced, ingredients is paramount, ensuring that every bite sings with natural purity. Even traditional elements like rice, soup, and banchan (side dishes) are elevated, appearing as refined components of a cohesive culinary narrative. The dining experience at Bicena is further enhanced by its impeccable service. The staff are highly attentive, knowledgeable, and move with a quiet efficiency that complements the serene atmosphere. They are adept at guiding guests through the multi-course menu, providing clear and insightful explanations of each dish's inspirations and preparation. This polished hospitality ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey from start to finish. Securing a window table, if possible, adds another layer of magic to the experience, allowing you to dine with Seoul's sprawling panorama as your companion. In essence, Bicena offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience refined Korean gastronomy. It's a destination where breathtaking views meet exquisite flavors, and where traditional culinary wisdom is gracefully reimagined for the contemporary palate, leaving a lasting impression of sophisticated taste and unforgettable moments.

I have had the pleasure of dining at Bicena several times, and each visit has been memorable. My first was in early 2024 for my birthday lunch; the kitchen surprised me with a bowl of seaweed soup, a thoughtful nod to Korean tradition that made the occasion feel extra special. The food was refined, beautifully presented, and the service was warm and attentive. I returned later that year for Thanksgiving, and again, everything from the cuisine to the service lived up to the same high standard. My most recent visit was for another birthday celebration, and once again, Bicena delivered an outstanding experience. The ambiance is always wonderful, with spectacular views from the 81st floor that make dining here unforgettable. Bicena has become a place I look forward to returning to, where refined modern Korean cuisine, thoughtful touches, and an elegant atmosphere come together seamlessly.

Very personalized service. Very hospitality trained. The very handsome staff Incharge of my section area, would tell you how to go eating. Which to start first. And explain clearly about the wine and food. The food was intimate for my palate as there were many different textures and the different fermented side dishes that were carefully curated which as a non-local would seldom come across. I was 60% only 1/3 into the entire course but he was assuring that I don’t need to finish but just try the dishes. I had a wonderful meal indeed.

When we visit Seoul, we picked 2 Michelin restaurants, Bicena is not my favorite. I believe the quality of some ingridents could better, like caviar. The dishes are well designed but lack the punch. For example, the beef sandwitch, the bread was too moist, probably made before hand. I like the potato pancake, seaweed & ika roll. I believe the chef could bring the dishes to the next level for that one star.

Michelin star restaurant worth it’s value. Every dish taste exquisite and the lunch set meal took 2 hours for you to savor and enjoy the flavour. Probably had their set menu refreshed for autumn and the overall menu is delicious.

The Bicena is a Michelin-starred Korean restaurant in Seoul which offers an elegant dining experience with refined flavors. The glazed duck and the octopus soup with mushroom rice were especially impressive—beautifully prepared and richly satisfying. Staff provided attentive service that made our visit even more enjoyable. A memorable place for excellent Korean cuisine in a sophisticated setting.

This was honestly the bar that impressed me the most in Seoul. Our bartender friend Stephen was incredibly helpful with everything. We had amazing cocktails—not just in terms of taste, but the whole experience was outstanding. From the speakeasy-style entrance to the hidden doors leading to the restroom and smoking area, everything followed a clever Down the Rabbit Hole / Alice in Wonderland theme. The staff were exceptionally warm and attentive, the flavors were fantastic, and the decor and overall ambiance were of the highest quality. We genuinely didn’t want to leave. We’re so grateful for everything and would absolutely recommend this place to anyone visiting Seoul. It’s an experience not to be missed.

We loved this bar so much! The ambiance is super nice, being a speakeasy bar that has the theme of Alice in Wonderland. The cocktails are very creative and delicious🍹 The bar tenders are extremely friendly and helpful, giving us drink recommendations depending on our preferences and even making us drinks that were not part of the menu (shoutout to Naked in the Rain - such a good drink🤤). It is expensive but definitely worth the price. Great experience and an absolute must when in Seoul!

This bar alone makes me not want to trust the Asia top 50 ranking anymore! Decided to check out Alice given that it was on the Asia’s top 50 bar list and was so disappointed. It’s a flower shop speakeasy, and two staff members watched me press at random walls for a good 5 mins without beckoning me to come inside to their bar. Had to stand there and google where the door was after giving up. The worst part was, before the bartender even introduced the cocktails, they told us there was a cover charge of KRW 10,000 per pax and if we broke a glass, we would have to pay for it. Such a turn off. We had one drink each and left as quickly as we could. The starting experience was so distasteful that i cant even remember/comment on the cocktail!

One of the most interesting bars in Seoul, innovative drinks and guaranteed fun! Cute cosy decor, friendly and experienced staff, menu was cute and options were extensive. Highly recommend you to check them out and experience the fun for yourself! It is a small space so reservations is a must.

Alice is hard to describe. It’s a bar with a soul—a striking fusion of the Alice in Wonderland theme and speakeasy culture. Once you step down the rabbit hole, an unforgettable adventure begins. The interior is full of delightful details, and the menu contains many fun surprises. The smoking area and restrooms are accessed through hidden doors you won’t find from the outside. The menu offers a whole other kind of mystery, divided into four main categories, making it easier for everyone to find a flavor they’ll enjoy. I tried the “10” and “J” from the menu. The cocktails I tasted featured combinations I couldn’t have imagined—like vodka and gorgonzola?! Both upon entering the bar and on the menu, the motto “Be Wonder” perfectly captures the experience, which was truly beyond words.

Asia top 50 bar because their drinks are great, friendly customer service (offer to recommend drinks and explain the ingredient & drink)! Bar bites available too! Reservation recommended through Instagram

Alice Cheongdam is a sophisticated speakeasy-style bar located in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district, inspired by the whimsical world of "Alice in Wonderland" 🐇🍸. Hidden behind a secret door in a flower shop, guests descend a flight of stairs to enter a cozy, wood-paneled lounge with plush leather sofas and an intimate, English mansion-like atmosphere 🌸🛋️. The bar is renowned for its imaginative and theatrical cocktails, often incorporating molecular mixology techniques and playful presentations, such as drinks served in unique glassware or accompanied by quirky snacks 🍹✨. Signature cocktails like "Make Me Bigger" and "Unbirthday Tea Party" showcase creative flavor combinations inspired by the seasons and the Alice theme, offering a truly immersive experience for cocktail lovers 🍌🍵. Alice Cheongdam also emphasizes warm hospitality, encouraging guests to relax and enjoy the thoughtful interaction with bartenders who treat customers like friends. The quality, creativity, and enchanting ambiance of the cocktails make it a standout destination in Seoul’s vibrant bar scene 🥂🌟. Overall, Alice Cheongdam is highly recommended for those seeking a unique, high-end cocktail experience with a magical twist in the heart of Gangnam. It’s perfect for adventurous drinkers and fans of fantasy-inspired venues alike 🎩🍸