When I was young, Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam were the trendy neighborhoods. However, it seems that many other hot spots have emerged these days. One of them is Yeonnam-dong. There are truly Best Places to Eat in Yeonnam-dong. It seems to be a neighborhood that is difficult for foreign tourists visiting Korea to easily access. This is likely because most visitors stay in central Seoul areas such as Myeongdong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, or City Hall. If you are planning to visit the Hongdae area, I highly recommend visiting Yeonnam-dong as well. You will be able to experience a calm atmosphere that is quite different from the bustling vibe of Hongdae.
I visited this place about two weeks ago on a Saturday around 3 PM. The weather was perfect for a walk along the Gyeongui Line Forest Park (Yeontral Park), and I went to Yeonnam-dong because I wanted to eat some delicious bread. This neighborhood is fun to explore, as delicious bakeries and restaurants are located in every alley. Today, I would like to introduce a course that connects Yeonnam-dong’s restaurants, bakeries, and dessert shops.
First – Blue Sho Pasta (연남점)
This is a place where I went with a friend to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine. Not only is the food delicious, but the restaurant also has a great atmosphere, so I think it is a best Places to Eat in Yeonnam-dong to go to for a meal on an anniversary or a special occasion. I recommend it to those traveling to Seoul who want to have a romantic meal with their significant other. Of course, it is also a place well worth visiting if you are traveling with your family. (When I visited, there was a family dining at one of the tables.)
Since there is a variety of recommended dishes such as pasta, steak, and gnocchi, you can simply choose whatever looks appetizing. For reference, I ordered the Blue Show Steak (33,900 KRW) and the Shrimp Perilla Pesto Pasta (17,900 KRW). The steak was cooked perfectly to my liking, and it was juicy and full of flavor. The pasta was made with fresh ingredients, making for a clean and satisfying meal with every bite.
Here is a tip!
Opening hours are from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM every day. If you plan to visit, I recommend making a reservation in advance. It was full when I went, so if you walk in, you might have to wait a long time. They have a break time from 4 PM to 6 PM, so I recommend making a reservation and timing your visit accordingly!
Second – Cocorico (코코리코)
This is a place I visited because I wanted to eat some delicious bread. As soon as you enter, there is a long line of bread displayed. The signature menu items here include sourdough, rye bread, and focaccia, which allow you to experience the deep flavor of fermented bread. Prices range from 3,300 KRW to 17,000 KRW, with a wide variety, so you can simply order the bread you like.
There are so many bakeries in Yeonnam-dong. The reason I like this place is that the bread is incredibly chewy and full of flavor; it is delicious. Also, since there are various types of bread, it has the advantage of allowing you to taste a different flavor every time you visit. Business hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM. They are closed on Mondays. If you are looking for another neighborhood with many bakeries, please check out my review: Reasons to recommend Ikseon-dong hanok cafes (Seoul Coffee & Silladang).
Here is a tip from me!
This place doesn’t have indoor tables. It is strictly takeout only. So, my method is to buy bread here and walk towards Gyeongui Line Forest Park (Yeontral Park). Since benches are placed along the walking path, I sit there to enjoy the afternoon in Seoul with the bread I packed and a cup of coffee. Also, it gets crowded on weekends. There might be a wait, so if possible, I recommend visiting on a weekday.
Third – Yeonnam Salon (연남살롱)
Now that I’ve had a meal and bread, it’s time to try some dessert. This place is really famous for its matcha bingsu (shaved ice). If you are visiting Korea, you can’t really claim to have tried all the Korean desserts without eating bingsu! As the weather is heading towards summer, I highly recommend visiting this place and trying the matcha bingsu.
I order the matcha bingsu (16,000 KRW) every time I go. After ordering, they serve the bingsu, red bean paste, and injeolmi (rice cake) as shown in the picture. Topping the shaved ice with red bean paste and Injeolmi (rice cake) and taking a spoonful will make you feel the heat vanish instantly. Since you will inevitably be doing a lot of walking when visiting Yeonnam-dong and the weather is getting hotter, I believe blowing away all your stress with a refreshing bowl of shaved ice is one of the true joys of a trip to Seoul.
They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. They are open from Wednesday through Sunday from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM. As this place gets crowded, you should expect to wait in line.
To make the most of your stay in Seoul, don’t forget to check out Visit Seoul, the city’s official tourism website. You can find up-to-date festival schedules and more local attractions nearby.
I have introduced a course where you can enjoy delicious restaurants, bakeries, and desserts in Yeonnam-dong, which has a completely different atmosphere from Hongdae. I think this would be a great travel itinerary for those who do not particularly like noisy, bustling environments. Please check the operating hours and tips I mentioned, and I hope you create beautiful and wonderful memories with your family, friends, or loved ones. If you are looking for a place with a similar atmosphere to Yeonnam-dong, please check out my review: Seoul snack tour (paid for by me) When you feel hungry after lunch.
- Seoul snack tour (paid for by me) When you feel hungry after lunch
- Chungmuro grilled fish near Myeongdong Station – Paid for myself
- Reasons to recommend Ikseon-dong hanok cafes (Seoul Coffee & Silladang)
- Seoul night route (Jongno ~ City hall) that tourists should walk
- 2 Best Gukbap in Seoul where you can taste the refreshing flavors of Korea