Essential Guide to Weekend Outings and Food Spots in Seoul

To make the most of your weekend in Seoul, thorough planning is essential. Specifically, knowing the closure days of major retail facilities and the locations of popular restaurants in advance can save you a lot of trouble. For instance, it is common to be caught off guard when visiting a large supermarket with family only to find it closed, so it is important to develop the habit of checking operating hours by date. In this article, we will carefully guide you through the hidden gems scattered across Seoul and the actual locations of famous restaurants featured on TV shows. From hair salons easily accessible by public transportation to quiet living spaces, we will share our firsthand impressions without holding back. Let us explore the diverse charms of Seoul together, offering a place to pause and recharge amidst a busy daily life. We have packed this guide with valuable tips that will surely make you exclaim, “I wish I had known this sooner!” so please read to the end for maximum benefit.

=

Essential Guide to Weekend Outings and Food Spots in Seoul

1. Tips for Visiting Large Retail Facilities and Traditional Markets

Large supermarkets in Seoul may have slightly different operating and closure days depending on the district, so it is always safe to check the calendar before visiting. For example, the Gangbyeon branch in Gwangjin-gu is a representative shopping spot that has long been loved by residents, offering a convenient surrounding environment. To avoid the disappointment of driving out for weekend shopping only to find the store closed, you need the wisdom to search for real-time information via smartphone map apps or official websites. In addition to large retail facilities, exploring nearby traditional markets together can provide a much more vibrant shopping experience, with the added fun of purchasing fresh ingredients at affordable prices. In particular, the alley markets tucked into every corner of Seoul are known for the generous hospitality of their vendors and a rich variety of delicious street food, making them perfect for strolling with children. Developing your own know-how for balancing the benefits of both supermarkets and markets can be a great help for your household budget.

2. Exploring Trendy Restaurants Featured on TV

In Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul, there is a specialty restaurant for raw duck and traditional medicinal duck soup (baekjuk) that was highly praised by singer Sung Si-kyung on a popular TV program, attracting a steady stream of foodies. It is easy to see office workers stopping by with colleagues after work, enjoying savory roasted duck and refreshing drinks to wash away the fatigue of the day. Since you may have to wait in a long line if you visit without a reservation, it is useful to arrive early or secure a table in advance. Additionally, in the Jongno-gu and Seongsan-dong areas, there are numerous spots where you can taste the essence of traditional Korean cuisine, such as dogani-tang (tendon soup), assorted boiled pork, and seafood stew, which have even won over foreign TV cast members. The deep, rich broth perfected over many years, combined with fresh seafood, offers a wonderful meal that will impress people of all ages. On weekends, taking a walk around downtown Seoul with your family and filling up with warm soup or spicy stew dishes is always a fail-safe choice.

3. City Tour Bus Travel with Kids

In front of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung-gu, Seoul, the Yellow Balloon City Tour Bus departs daily with vibrant energy, offering a one-stop view of the city’s night scenery and major palaces. In particular, when riding the 2nd-floor open bus that kids love, feeling the cool autumn breeze while passing by Gwanghwamun and Namsan Seoul Tower, smiles bloom on the faces of the whole family. You can buy tickets on-site or book online in advance, and once you line up at the boarding area, friendly staff will welcome you warmly. As you sit in your seat, put in your earphones, and listen to fun explanations about Seoul’s history and culture, you will feel that the street scenery you usually overlook begins to look new. The hop-on, hop-off system is very convenient, allowing you to get off at a stop you like, freely stroll around nearby museums or parks, and board the next bus. If you want to capture precious memories that money can’t buy with your children through photos, we strongly recommend hopping on the City Tour Bus this weekend.

4. Exploring Convenient Transportation and Living Spaces

A clean, white-toned hair salon located within walking distance of Geumcheon-gu Office Station in Seoul boasts excellent accessibility via public transportation, making it easy for customers to visit for a haircut. After getting off the subway and walking along the cherry blossom path, you will spot the salon with its sophisticated exterior, where you can transform into a completely new look under the skilled hands of a friendly designer. There is nothing better than making a light reservation for a weekend morning to completely blow away the stress accumulated during a busy week and refresh your mood. Meanwhile, in core downtown areas like Yeoksam-dong in Gangnam-gu, cost-effective living spaces for office workers and students, such as Vivahouse (a type of kosin/goshiwon), are well-established. Living in the center of Seoul, where the public transportation network is densely woven, allows you to significantly reduce commuting time and secure your own personal time, making it an excellent alternative. When you inspect the rooms directly, you can confirm that the neatly organized facilities and thorough security system allow you to rest comfortably and safely.

5. Essential Knowledge on Administration and Taxation

When handling real estate or inheritance matters in Seoul, it is necessary to carefully examine the trends in individual public land prices and retroactive appraisal standards. As public prices have steadily risen over the past few years, citizens’ interest in tax burdens has increased, and the review results of relevant committees are significantly impacting asset management. Seeking expert help to report the exact standard price and prevent unnecessary tax expenditures can be considered the first step in wise asset management. Additionally, familiarizing yourself in advance with information on local commercial areas, such as various industrial facilities and Korean set meal restaurants operated by each district like Seongbuk-gu and Seocho-gu, can enhance your quality of life. Residents who actively utilize various cultural programs and welfare benefits hosted by district offices enjoy both small daily happiness and practical assistance. In a massive city like Seoul, maintaining an attitude of always keeping an eye on administrative changes and local news is a great weapon for living as a smart modern citizen.

6. Advice for a Successful Life in Seoul

To fully enjoy the diverse cultural events, food explorations, and convenient transportation networks in Seoul, it is most important to solidify your own life routine. Instead of being unsure where to go every weekend, deciding on a destination in advance and searching for public transportation routes can save significant time and energy. As Seoul continues to develop and introduce new spots and restaurants, it is essential to always pay attention to changing trends. If you develop the habit of communicating with neighbors and referring to fresh reviews from local communities, you will have a solid foundation for a failure-free and fulfilling leisure time. We sincerely encourage you to gradually put into practice the tips shared today, from checking supermarket closure days to riding the city tour bus and visiting famous restaurants. We always cheer for your daily life in Seoul to be filled with abundance and joy amidst its endless charms.

Frequently Asked Questions