SEOUL SERIES: APGUJEONG
Our favourites in the area of Apgujeong in Seoul- the second in our Seoul series.
(4 MINUTE READ)
The glitz and the glam
The Apgujeong neighbourhood on the south side of the river in Seoul is an area known for attracting celebrities and trendsetters, but there’s more to Apgujeong than luxurious hotels and high-rises.
Here, you’ll find many Korean’s shopping, taking selfies and flaunting their status from sports cars. You’ll also find some of the smoothest coffee, crispiest pastry and the coolest concept stores.
Here are a few of our favourites in the Apgujeong area.
SHOP
WOOYOUNGMI
With boutique stores in both Paris and Seoul and stocks in shops all over the world, Wooyungmi is something of a powerhouse.
Despite international success and a super high-end feel, their store in Gangnam-gu feels inviting; when I visited a few people were sat on the first floor cosying up in the nest chairs sipping coffee. The interior strikes an interesting balance between brutalism and playfulness with colourful beanbags contrasted with huge concrete stairs.
Specialising in ready-to-wear, high-end men’s clothing, Wooyoungmi has quickly become one of Korea’s leading fashion brands- and you should definitely check them out if you’re in the area.
Grab a coffee on the way down once you’ve had a browse!
- MANMADE WOOYOUNGMI
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- 35, Seolleung-ro 153-gil
Kasina
Sneaker heads, listen up- this ones for you.
Probably one of the most successful concept sneaker stores in Seoul, Kasina is a store dedicated to new and best-selling sneakers, as well as high-end street wear.
The store itself has a fun vibe with a spacious shop floor, LED strips and underground music. Kasina is well worth a visit if street wear is your thing.
- KASINA
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- 13 Eonju-ro 164-gil,
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- Apgujeong-dong, seoul
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Rodeo Street
A little more on the tourtisty side, but an unmissable chance to immerse yourself in an eclectic mix of fashion and food nonetheless.
Apgujeong Rodeo Street offers visitors an endless strip of trendy stores with everything from local shops to luxury brands. Clusters of cosmetic clinics, beauty salons and Korean drama filming locations can be seen around the area too, all of which highlight the particular ‘K-Wave’ culture that immersed South Korea in recent years.
If you’re not someone who likes to shop till they drop, Rodeo Street is still worth a visit- have a wander and take everything in, stop at one of the many outdoor cafes and people watch!
- RODEO STREET
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- Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu
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- seoul
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SWEET
Tartine Bakery
What started in San Francisco has now taken Seoul by storm (in the bakery world anyway). Tartine Bakery is an award winning powerhouse dedicated to crafting quality, tasty bread and sweet pastry. Their Apgujeong location, ‘The Bakery-Hannam’, produces the same outstanding bread you’ll find in LA, but with a ‘Korean twist’.
The interior is about as warm, airy and inviting as their freshly baked croissaints and you’ll spot many Koreans snapping that all important selfie in the sun-flooded cafe.
If you’ve had enough sugar and coffee for the day, you can also check out their brunch menu and grab a chilled bottle of wine from the fridge.
Around the edge of the cafe, is a kind of concept store selling a selection of gifts, teas, paper weight and jewlerry. Upstairs is a ‘Kinfolk lounge’ where you can buy postcards and magazines. @kinfolk_dosan.
- TARTINE BAKERY
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- 22 Hannam-daero 18-gil, Hannam-dong
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- Yongsan-gu, Seoul,
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Honey Bee Cakes
Living up to its super sweet name, Honey Bee is a pastry academy and shop in Apgujeong. Here you’ll find delicate pastries from cookies, to croissants and obviously-cake!
If you have time, you can book a class with Honey Bee and learn the basics or if you’re a keen baker- take a masterclass.
- HONEY BEE CAKES
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- 645-10 Sinsa-dong
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- Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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COFFEE
EtCetera
Specialising in natural wine, craft coffee and pleasingly….bonsai trees, EtCetera is an oasis in the bustling streets of Apgujeong.
Oozing tranquility, this cafe makes use of concrete and wood elements in its uber minimal, award-winning interior- the bonsai trees and ferns dotted around give meaning to the saying ‘concrete jungle’.
As well as coffees, teas, wine and handmade cakes, Etcetera sell beautiful hand-made ceramic cups, plates and bowls.
Personal tip: try their apple, honey and ginger tea- it’s absolutely delicious.
- ETCETERA
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- 28 Eonju-ro 170-gil
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- Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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ARKI coffee
Great coffee, sweet madeleines and plants, what’s not to love? Coffee geeks have got to pay Arki a visit when they’re in the area as they often host events and collaborations relating to brewing.
Upstairs is an interior and furniture department so you can have a browse once you’ve had your caffeine fix.
- ARKI COFFEE
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- 10 Apgujeong-ro 18-gil
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- Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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EAT
conte de tulear
In this widly popular brunch spot, your table number comes in the form of a diffuser bottle – a little reminder that the perfume shop and diffuser room built into the cafe is open for business. Before you settle in for brunch, pop in and smell the different fragrances and room sprays.
The interior is a little industrial with exposed brick walls, but remains bright, airy and with a warm feel. On the menu, there is everything from avacado toast, fresh juice, berry smoothies, kimchi fried rice and waffles, so if you’ve got a craving for brunch then head to Conte de tulear.
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- CONTE DE TULEAR
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- 39, Dosan-daero 49-gil
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- Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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Jung Sik
A little upmarket but totally worth it if you’re willing to splash out- Jungsik is a stylish restaurant located in both Seoul and New York, specialising in contemporary Korean cuisine.
At Jungsik you can expect immaculate service and an even more impressive wine list. The chefs here take traditional, seasonal ingredients and serve them in unusual and modern ways. This approach has landed them in the Michelin guide along with several high profile newspapers and magazines.
Opt for a four or five course meal for around €60-80 pp without wine.
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- JUNGSIK
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- 11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil
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- Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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Egg Drop
And from one end of the budget scale to the other- Egg Drop! This is a chain and you’ll surely see a few of them around the city, but if you’re after a tasty quick bite to eat, then drop into Egg Drop.
The Apgujeong branch is located close to the station and you can take a seat or a to-go option. The menu consists of different kinds of egg flavours and fillings sandwiched between two buttery brioche slices- they look cool too, like little egg clouds.
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- EGG DROP
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- 579-3 Sinsa-dong
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- Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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SEE
Bongeunsa Temple
Located in Samseong-dong, is one of the most prominent city temples and here you can experience the preserved Buddhist hall and see Buddhist scriptures.
The temple dates all the way back to 794 and was refurbished in 1498 and is today a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The temple, being so close to Gangnam’s huge COEX mall, represents the differing sides to Seoul- modern and traditional.
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- BONGENUSA TEMPLE
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- 531 Bongeunsa-ro
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- Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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Cheongdam Park
Cheongdam park remains relatively untouched by city pollution and development and provides a pocket of natural oasis in an otherwise glitzy, ever-changing area. In the park you’ll find many locals working out or jogging through the park, enjoying the fresh air from the surrounding trees. If you feel in need of a breath of fresh air, then head here.
Another park we like is Donsan Park where you can take a relaxed stroll on the path which takes around 30 minutes to complete.
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- CHEONGDAM PARK
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- 26, Yeongdong-daero 131-gil
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- Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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 The glitz and the glam The Apgujeong neighbourhood on the south side of the river in Seoul is an area known for attracting celebrities and trendsetters, but there’s more to Apgujeong than luxurious hotels and high-rises. Here, you’ll find many Korean’s shopping, taking selfies and flaunting their status from sports cars. You’ll […]){kind=link}