Peter’s radio show is coming to us from the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul, South Korea.
This densely packed metropolis boasts a thriving expatriate community, so we tracked down a few to share their favorite spots in the city.
Anne Ladouceur, Canadian expatriate, founder of www.Expat4Korea.com
Regardless of how much one enjoys Korean food, there are times when Western-style comfort food is a must. Lovers of American-style Sunday brunches generally head to Suji’s (www.sujis.net) in Itaewon. This is one of the few restaurants in Seoul where you can get bacon and eggs made to order, omelets, whole-wheat toast, and free coffee refills.
Another favorite for the expat community is Tartine, the only place where you can get fruit/meringue/cream pies with “real” pie crusts.
If you want to work off the calories, Namsan (Nam Mountain) is a 30-40 minute walk away (or a 10-minute bus ride). Whether you walk or ride to get there, Namsan is a great place for a leisurely stroll or power-walk. People come here in the early morning or evening to walk their dogs, while couples, young and old, head here for a romantic or healthy walk. Health buffs take the steeper trails or exercise in the small outdoor fitness “parks” that are located all over the mountain. Koreans love to hike and there are a number of trails of varying degrees of difficulty within minutes of the downtown core, accessible by public transit.
To really get a feel for Korea and Koreans, it’s good to get out of Seoul. The non-profit Royal Asiatic Society (www.raskb.com), which has been active for more than 100 years, is run by long-term expats, many of whom also act as tour guides for one- or two-day weekend historical or cultural tours around the peninsula. On RAS trips you’ll meet everyone including expat residents, diplomats, foreign students, and workers, as well as visitors.
Peter’s take: The Travel Detective’s Report on Seoul, South Korea.
For directions and more visitor information, including What’s Going On, check out www.korea4expats.com
Joe McPherson, columnist for The Korea Herald and Seoul Magazine, www.zenkimchi.com
Star Chef is a “modern Korean bistro” featuring Korean food with global influences. Don’t miss out on the “Amazing” Fish, a whole fried fish that is deboned tableside.
At San Ma-eul Boribap, visitors can find authentic rustic Korean food in a folk village setting at the foot of Gwanak Mountain. The mountain is located in southern Seoul, where in-the-know locals gather for the beautiful setting and flavorful country cuisine (including smoked chicken that tastes like bacon).
Small, sparse and often packed, Mapo Jeong Daepo is a no-frills, blue-collar restaurant that serves some of the best grilled pork in town.
If you’re a fan of bibimbap (rice topped with vegetables, egg, meat, and chili pepper paste) check out Cafe Sobahn, which serves modern interpretations of this classic dish, such as green sprout salad bibimbap and teriyaki bibimbap.
For directions and more information, visit www.zenkimchi.com
More on South Korea with this slideshow: Andy Katz’s Captivating Korea.
Karl I. Muller, Seoul-based freelance writer and English teacher
One of my favorite spots is Berlin Café & Lounge, an East-meets-West dining experience that provides a loungy and relaxing feel in contrast to the busy Seoul lifestyle.
Being an expat in Seoul means that once in a while, you need to be in familiar surroundings. Wolfhound Pub is a traditional Irish pub located in the center of Itaewon where teachers and expats frequently meet for drinks, goodbye parties and more. It’s almost like Cheers, where everybody knows your name.
It’s hard to say which Korean restaurant is the “best,” simply because these places are so ubiquitous. However, the small samgipsol/galbi (pork rib) joint across the street from the large church in Kyungnidan is a popular place among locals.
For more great places to go, check out our Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Seoul, South Korea.
Surprisingly, the War Museum is a great place to take in a few personal moments. The outside has a small reflecting pool as well as old tanks, planes, and monuments of various wars. It’s easy to find a quiet space here to reflect or watch children interact with the museum pieces.
Queen in Itaewon is one of the best places to let loose and dance the night away. Request your favorite song or let the DJ do his thing. On the weekends, the music is always upbeat, the crowd is always alive, and the dancers are phenomenal.
Although there is great shopping throughout Seoul, the Yongsan Shinsegae Department Store is a favorite because the building houses both a department store and an electronics mart.
For more Seoul shopping, don’t miss Suzy Gershman’s Postcard from Seoul.
Buy some new shirts to go out and pick up some speakers while you’re at it. For more information, visit https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto
Don’t miss Peter’s radio show this weekend from Seoul… click here for more.
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