Guesthouse The Kims

Across the street from the stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Onjium blends traditional Korean aesthetics with modern architectural calm. Guided by court cuisine specialist Cho Eun-hee and Park Sung-bae, the culinary team reinterprets traditional Korean flavours through modern techniques, seasonal ingredients, and years of research. Each dish is rooted in history yet speaks to today’s palate. Counter seating offers a glimpse into the quiet focus of the kitchen, while carefully curated beverage pairings enhance the experience.

JUEUN offers a delicate expression of Korea’s four seasons, favouring a classic, understated approach over trends or ornamentation. A variety of fermented sauces form the backbone of the menu, enhancing ingredients with natural depth and harmony, while the seasonally changing courses provide a strong incentive for return visits. The meal follows a thoughtful progression and concludes with a traditional Korean table that highlights a wide spectrum of flavours. Ceramics by local artists and subtle media art create a space where tradition and modernity coexist with quiet elegance. The curated pai

Andeok is known for its beef naengguksu and mandutguk. The mulguksu here is similar to Pyongyang-style naengmyeon, though the noodles are softer and springier thanks to the higher buckwheat content. The clean, mild broth is complemented by lightly seasoned beef, delivering a deep, savoury flavour with each bite. Fried peppers are also popular; the meat-and-vegetable filling, encased in a crisp batter, is unexpectedly flavourful. Arriving at opening time is recommended to avoid long queues at lunchtime.

On your way to your table, you’ll walk past a cabinet of Peking duck that’s a favorite order of many of the guests here at this handsome and comfortable Chinese restaurant at the Four Seasons hotel. While the menu leans towards Cantonese cuisine–lunchtime dim sum is always popular and the choice is extensive–the kitchen also offers specialities from a number of Chinese regions. Wok-fried Hoengseong Hanwood beef with ginger is a dish to look out for.

Since 1932, Yonggeumok has been offering piping hot bowls of loach soup, a popular local dish believed to boost energy, especially during the summer months. This restaurant serves two different versions of the hearty and comforting soup: the chunkier Seoul style with whole loach, and the smoother Jeolla province style with ground loach. Everything on the menu as well as the complimentary side dishes are prepared daily by the longtime owner and chef Han Jeong-ja.

Horapha, which means “Thai basil” in Thai. The menu is simple, but each dish delivers remarkably deep flavors. Namtokhet is a spicy salad made with charcoal-grilled mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and toasted rice powder, which has a pleasant chewy texture. Kaeng massaman is a curry with a unique flavor profile, made with cinnamon and sweet roasted vegetables. Paired with the right wine, these dishes offer a distinctive tasting experience. There is limited seating, and the place is always packed. With limited seating and steady demand, reserving in advance is the best way to secure a spot.

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu is a beloved noodle and dumpling specialist known for its long queues throughout the day. At the entrance, staff work swiftly to handcraft oversized mandu using fresh market ingredients, resulting in dumplings that are both generous and notably fresh. The soft kalguksu noodles and deeply comforting beef bone broth remain the highlights, while old-style boiled pork and seasonal kongguksu are also popular choices. Open all day, it is best visited outside peak hours for a more comfortable meal.