10 Restaurants in Seoul That K-Pop Stars Love

More than just a top travel destination for hallyu fans, South Korea is where it’s at for an unforgettable culinary experience. From sizzling samgyupsal spots to aesthetically pleasing cafes and dessert places, its culinary scene will leave you wanting more. And K-pop stars, much like everyone else, are always on the hunt for the best  K-pop restaurant in town! So, who better to ask for recommendations for your food trip than the idols themselves? Here are some top cafes and restaurants in Seoul that your favourite Korean stars love! 

Also read: 13 Best Stores in Seoul to Shop for K-Pop Merchandise

Best K-pop restaurants in Seoul recommended by idols

1. Chupungryeong Kal Samgyeopsal

First up on your K-pop-inspired food crawl is the authentic KBBQ restaurant of Chupungryeong Kal Samgyeopsal! This popular K-pop restaurant is located in the high-end fashion hub of Apgujeong in Gangnam. And since it’s located near a lot of entertainment companies, a lot of idols come here to eat. 

However, what makes Chupungreyong different from other samgyupsal restaurants is its special pork belly seasoned with herbs and garlic! A popular haunt for famous K-pop groups like NCT, Twice, SHINee, and EXO, you’ll spot tons of autographed photos all over its walls while enjoying delicious Korean fare. 

Address: 1st floor, 41, Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

2. Yoojung Sikdang

For a glimpse of what global pop sensation BTS’ rookie era looks like, make a beeline for Yoojung Sikdang in Gangnam. Located near their previous dance studio, this is one of the restaurants in Seoul that was a go-to for the Bangtan Boys during their pre-debut days. According to restaurant owner Kang Sun Ja, the boys would often order the dolsot bibimbap (stone pot mixed rice) and the Jeju black pork dish. What’s more? If you’re on the hunt for traditional Korean eats at affordable prices, this increasingly popular K-pop restaurant is not to be missed! 

Address: 14 Dosan-daero 28 gil- Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

3. Krap Pom

Thai food, anyone? Tucked away in the bustling neighbourhood of Sinsa in Gangnam, Krap Pom stands as an absolute must-try on your Seoul food crawl. Don’t be fooled by their unassuming storefront, though! Come by for its traditional Thai iced tea, spicy pork rib soup, tom yum, and pad thai. While their extensive menu is enough to get customers hooked, they gained more popularity after idols like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, CLC’s Sorn, and (G)I-dle’s Minnie visited them.

Address: 18 Seolleung-ro 153-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Also read: A Guide to Having a Perfect Picnic Along the Han River in Seoul

4. Gilmok

As its name suggests, Gilmok Gamjatang’s speciality lies in its gamjatang or pork back-bone stew. A wonderfully spicy yet hearty Korean soup dish, it’s typically sought after during the cold wintry season. But, it’s still popular at the dinner table any time of the year! 

BTS’ Jungkook as well as actors Jung Woo-sung, Bae Suzy, and Jun Ji-hyung swear by Gilmok Gamjatang. Aside from its gamjatang, come to the restaurant for premium Hanwoo beef and an upscale K-pop Korean BBQ dining experience. 

Address: 10 Yeongdong-daero 129-gil, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

5. Pizza Express

If you’re craving authentic New York-style pizza right in the heart of Seoul, look no further than Pizza Express! As you explore the hip tree-lined street of Garosugil in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, chances are you’ve come across its IG-worthy storefront at some point during your stroll. And if you’re a true-blue MOA, then this spot is hard to miss, as it’s known to be one of the food spots that TXT’s Soobin frequents. 

Even Korean-American rapper Jessi revealed that it’s one of her go-to pizza restaurants in Seoul on an episode of MBC’s Hangout with Yoo. Rightfully so, as it’s among the few local restaurants in Seoul to serve up genuine Western-style pizza. Here, savour a thin-crust pizza topped with real tomato sauce, tons of cheese, and toppings of your choice!

Address: 524-31 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

6. Yeongdong Gyojip

This dining spot in Cheongdam is perfect for samgyupsal and K-pop lovers! Bearing a retro feel with 80s music, interiors, and menu offerings, Yeongdong Gyojip gives you a glimpse into South Korea’s bygone era. Its main dish, naengdong samgyupsal, is a thinly sliced frozen pork belly that most Koreans turn to if they want to revisit their childhood in the 80s and 90s, as it was popular during that time. On top of that, you can enjoy 10 banchan (side dishes) and various sauces with this dish!

With its unpretentious atmosphere and traditional Korean fare, it’s no wonder why this K-pop restaurant witnesses tons of customers daily. By the entrance, you’ll find tons of autographed photos of famous K-pop groups like EXO. Even the ‘97-liners squad of BTS’ Jungkook, Astro’s Cha Eun Woo, and SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu, The8, and DK were spotted dining here!

Address: 11 Seolleung-ro 148-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

7. Golden Pig Restaurant (Geumdwaeji Sikdang)

Nestled along a main road in Sindang-dong, Golden Pig Restaurant is easily recognisable by its distinctive gold-on-white-tile facade and long waiting lines even beyond peak hours. Moreover, featured in the Michelin Guide, it’s not surprising that even BTS members Jimin and Jungkook have recommended this K-pop BBQ restaurant! 

At Golden Pig Restaurant, the quality of meat is exceptional, with cuts of YBD pig, a hybrid between Yorkshire, Berkshire, and Duroc. These are then cooked over a cast-iron grill to bring out the juicy flavours and to keep a steady temperature.

Address: 149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Best cafes and dessert shops in Seoul K-pop stars love

8. Cafe Kitsune

South Korea brims with Instagrammable coffee shops and dessert shops, no doubt! French brand Maison Kitsune has not only taken the Seoul cafe scene by storm, but it has also attracted the likes of K-pop stars and fashion influencers. For Red Velvet members Joy and Irene, the brand’s unique blend of fashion, art, and culture is an absolute hit! Over at its courtyard-style cafe in Gangnam, you can take delight in its delicious pastries, cakes, and even flavoured shaved ice.

Address: 23, 13 Gil, Dosandaero, Gang-nam gu, Seoul, Korea

Also read: 14 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in South Korea Featured in K-Dramas

9. Baskin Robbins

Baskin Robbins can be found everywhere in South Korea! With over 100 flavours of organic ice cream, speciality coffee, and desserts available, you’ll often hear K-pop groups like TWICE and SEVENTEEN rave about it. For a unique ice cream experience, pay a visit to its hanok-themed branch in Samcheong-dong! Here, they also offer some classic Korean flavours like black sesame and honey butter corn as well as signature items you can only get here.

Address (Main branch): 74-1 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

10. MIEL

A cafe with a twist, MIEL is a stylish K-pop idol-approved hangout place that combines the concepts of an art gallery and a coffee shop. What draws Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany as well as K-drama stars like Song Joong Ki and Jang Geun Suk to this K-pop cafe is its ever-changing exhibitions presented every two weeks! Indulge a cup of tea or an espresso-based drink, both of which are best paired with its bestselling honeycomb Belgian waffles. 

Address: 06016 13-12, Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Also read: 10 Must-Visit Hanok Cafes and Teahouses in Seoul

That about sums up our list of must-visit K-pop cafes and restaurants in Seoul that K-pop stars love! Add these dining spots to your Korean food crawl itinerary, and who knows maybe you’ll come across your favourites during one of your trips. 

Did we forget to mention your faves’ go-tos? Tell us all about them on our official Facebook page or tag us in your Insta snapshots @tripzillamag with #TripZillaShare. Masitge deuseyo! 

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Featured image credit: Chupungryeong Kal Samgyeopsal | Official Website