Jongno cheese Dakgalbi

Best Seoul Night Route: Jongno Dakgalbi and Deoksugung Palace Walk

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If you are looking for the best Seoul night route, “What’s a real night out like for someone living in Seoul?” I get this question a lot. Honestly, we don’t always go to fancy rooftops. Two days ago, after a long day, I just wanted two things: something spicy to sweat out the stress and a quiet place to walk it off. I ended up in Jongno for a massive pan of cheese-covered Dakgalbi, then headed over to Deoksugung Palace to catch the moonlight.

A traditional palace building with the moon

It was the perfect mix of chaos and calm. If you’re looking for a local way to spend an evening that isn’t in a guidebook, this is exactly how I’d spend my Wednesday night.

Part 1: The Sizzling Feast at Jangin Dakgalbi Jongno

If you are planning your Seoul night route, Jongno is where the real “vibe” of the city is. You’ll see old-school restaurants tucked between tall office buildings, and that’s where all the locals hang out after work. I went to Jangin Dakgalbi, which is famous for serving a massive trail of melted cheese right in the middle of the pan. If you’re looking for more authentic places around here, check out my other list of [Local Lunch Spots in Gwanghwamun & Jonggak].

A sizzling pan of cheese and spicy chicken

The moment you step inside, the smell of spicy sauce and toasted cheese is everywhere. It’s noisy, steam is rising from every table, and it just feels like the right place to be when you’re starving.

Things you should know before you order:

  1. Get your toppings ready at the start: This is the most important part. You have to order your cheese and rice cakes (tteok) right when you first order the chicken. The kitchen starts cooking immediately, so you can’t add them later. I added a lot of cheese, and it was worth every won.

  2. The “Maep-busim” (Spice Pride): I went with the ‘Mild’ level, and it was just right for me. But if you’re the type of person who loves to show off how much heat you can handle, go for the ‘Spicy’ one. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you!

  3. The Self-Bar Etiquette: You can grab all the perilla leaves, lettuce, and pickled radish you want from the self-bar. It’s free, but let’s be cool and only take what we can actually finish. Korean restaurants have their own unique vibes. For more tips on how to eat like a local, read my [Korean Dining Etiquette guide].

  4. Grab an Apron: They have disposable aprons hanging around. If you’re wearing a white shirt like I was, wear it. One tiny drop of that red sauce will ruin your whole day.

Note: By the way, before heading to any restaurant in Seoul, keep in mind that [Google Maps can sometimes be wrong about hours or locations]. It’s always better to double-check!

The storefront of Jangin Dakgalbi
My secret way to eat it: Grab a perilla leaf, put a slice of pickled radish on it, and then wrap a piece of chicken that's completely soaked in melted cheese. That mix of the fresh leaf, the sour radish, and the salty cheese is honestly the best thing ever.
A chicken wrap on a perilla leaf
The "Real" Dessert: Fried Rice After you’re done with the chicken, you can’t just leave. You have to order the Bokkeumbap (Fried Rice). A staff member will come over and mix the rice right into the leftover sauce on the same pan.
A spoonful of Korean fried rice
Here is the secret: Don't start eating right away. Wait about a minute until the bottom of the rice gets a bit burnt and crispy. We call this Nurungji. That crunchy, toasted part is honestly the best thing you'll eat all night. It’s the perfect way to finish the meal.

Part 2: Walking off the heat at Deoksugung Palace

After that massive meal, I needed to move. I walked about 15 minutes toward City Hall to find my favorite Seoul night route. The April air right now is spot on—not freezing like winter, but with a cool breeze that makes you want to stay outside forever. It’s the perfect time of year to just wander around.

The main gate of Deoksugung Palace

Why Deoksugung is the best night spot:

Most palaces in Seoul are a pain to visit at night because you usually need to battle for a reservation weeks in advance. But Deoksugung is different, making it a perfect addition to your Seoul night route. You can just show up, pay 1,000 KRW (which is basically less than a dollar), and walk right in. It’s open until 9:00 PM, but make sure you get there by 8:00 PM since that’s when they stop letting people in. For more details on seasonal events or closures, check the [Official Deoksugung Palace Website].

What to look for:

  • The Stone Wall Path: Before you even enter, walk along the stone wall outside. The soft yellow lights hitting the old bricks make everything feel so calm. If you want to know more about the stories behind this beautiful path, check out my [Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway Guide]. This is definitely one of the most peaceful spots on my Seoul night route.
  • Seokjojeon: This is the big white building that looks like it belongs in Europe. When it’s lit up at night, it’s easily the best photo spot in the palace. I spent a good amount of time here just taking pictures.
The lighted fountain and Seokjojeon Hall
  • Spring Blooms: Since I went just two days ago, the spring flowers were starting to pop up everywhere. Seeing those blossoms under the moonlight was the highlight of my night.
Jeonggwanheon Pavilion at night with flowers

The contrast between the spicy, loud atmosphere of Jongno and the dignified, quiet beauty of the palace is what makes Seoul so addictive. Taking photos here with the spring flowers starting to bloom was the perfect way to end my day. Loved this Seoul night route? I’ve mapped out [5 more safe night walk routes in Seoul] for you to explore.

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