Seoul, where I live, offers a variety of ways to enjoy the Seoul night route. I’m the type of person who prefers coffee and walks over drinking. So, after work, I like to go out for a delicious meal, visit a cute and stylish café, or take a leisurely stroll in a quiet spot. This week was tough I had to work late a lot due to various tasks. So, after leaving work right on time, I decided to do something I love!!
First, I went to Jongno to enjoy a hearty serving of dakgalbi loaded with cheese, and second, I took my time enjoying the night view at Deoksugung Palace. Whether you’re Korean or a foreign traveler, if you follow my lead, you’ll be able to enjoy a perfect night in Seoul.
Part 1: A Spicy and Savory Dinner at Jang-in Dakgalbi, Jongno
Seoul has various places to enjoy nightlife, such as Hongdae, Itaewon, and Myeongdong. My seoul night route for today is Jongno. It is a neighborhood I particularly love because it is home to many great restaurants nestled between skyscrapers, and it offers a blend of traditional and modern vibes.
I visited Jangin Dakgalbi, located in a large alley between Jonggak Station and Jongno 3-ga Station. This large alley used to be called “Piano Street.” It is one of the places I’ve always thought I should try whenever I passed by. It is famous for its dakgalbi served with melted cheese stretching long down the center of the pan. If you’re looking for more authentic places around here, check out my other list of [Local lunch in Seoul at Gwanghwamun and Jonggak (paid for myself)].
We visited with three people, and as soon as we entered, the delicious aroma was overwhelming. I immediately started to feel hungry. Perhaps because we visited before 6 PM, we were able to enter right away without waiting. It wasn’t too noisy, and the tables were spaced comfortably apart, which was nice. There were many foreigners enjoying dakgalbi.
Things to know before ordering:
- Prepare your toppings in advance: This is the most important part! When ordering dakgalbi, you must also order cheese and rice cakes. Since cooking begins immediately after the dakgalbi is served, you cannot add them later. I added a generous amount of cheese, and it was definitely worth the money.
- The “Maep-busim” (Spice Pride): I chose the ‘Mild’ flavor, and it suited my taste perfectly. However, if you truly enjoy spicy food, I recommend the ‘Spicy’ flavor. Of course, I warned you beforehand, so don’t regret it later!
- The Self-Bar Etiquette: You can take as much perilla leaves, lettuce, and pickled radish as you want from the self-service bar. It’s free, but it’s best to eat everything without leaving anything behind, right?
- Wearing an apron: Disposable aprons are provided. If you are wearing a white shirt like me, be sure to wear one. Even a single drop of red sauce can ruin your mood for the whole day.
My secret way to eat it: Spread out a perilla leaf, place some pickled radish on top, and wrap the chicken, which has been thoroughly soaked in melted cheese, in the leaf. The combination of fresh perilla leaves, tangy radish, and salty cheese is truly the best.
The "Real" Dessert: Fried Rice! Once you finish the chicken, you absolutely must not leave without having the fried rice. You must eat the fried rice. If you tell the staff you’re having fried rice, they will come over and mix the rice into the leftover sauce right away.
Here is the secret: Don’t eat it immediately. Wait about a minute until the bottom of the rice gets slightly burnt and crispy. This is called *nurungji* (scorched rice). The crispy roasted *nurungji* is really delicious. It’s just my personal tip, but I highly recommend trying it this way!
Part 2: Cooling Off at Deoksugung Palace
After enjoying a delicious dinner, I immediately started a walk to aid digestion. I walked for about 15 minutes toward City Hall to find my favorite Seoul night view course. The air in April was truly the best. It wasn’t as cold as winter, and the cool breeze made me want to stay outside forever. It was the perfect season just for strolling around.
Why Deoksugung is the best night spot:
It is not easy to visit most of Seoul’s palaces at night. To visit a palace as part of a Seoul night view course, you must make a reservation several weeks in advance. The competition is fierce. But don’t be disappointed! I will tell you how you can enjoy the palace’s night view! The next step is to head straight to Deoksugung Palace. You can enter Deoksugung immediately by paying an admission fee of just 1,000 KRW (less than one US dollar).
Although it is open until 9 PM, entry closes after 8 PM, so it is best to arrive before then. Another tip is to rent a Hanbok; however, since it is difficult to rent one late at night and costs significantly more than the admission fee, I recommend visiting Deoksugung. For more details on seasonal events or closures, check the [Official Deoksugung Palace Website].
Places to Note:
- The Stone Wall Path: Before entering the palace, try walking along the stone wall path outside. Soft yellow lighting reflects off the old bricks, creating a sentimental atmosphere. It is a great place to walk with your loved one. If you want to know more about the stories behind this beautiful path, check out my [Why shouldn’t you walk along Deoksugung Stone Wall Street with your lover?]. This is definitely one of the most peaceful spots on my Seoul night route.
- Seokjojeon: As you walk through the palace, a white building suddenly appears, making you feel as if you have been teleported to Europe. When illuminated at night, it is considered one of the best photo spots in the palace. I also spent quite a while taking pictures here.
- Spring Blooms: Various types of spring flowers have started to bloom, creating a magnificent landscape in harmony with the palace. Many people were scrambling to take photos in front of it. Thinking I couldn’t be outdone, I took plenty of memorable photos with my friends.
Today, I posted about a food and walking course that stretches from Jongno to City Hall and Deoksugung Palace. If you are visiting Seoul, South Korea for travel or business, I highly recommend trying Dakgalbi; it is an absolute must. You will be able to enjoy it without any hesitation. Also, if you want to see the night view of a Korean palace, head to Deoksugung Palace right now! It is a golden opportunity to capture the perfect shot of a lifetime!
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