The Foodie Guide to Seoul: New Normal Edition

Team Klook

Last updated 27 Jan 2021

Source: visitseoul.net

Introducing “Untact” (언택트): The New Way of Dining in Seoul

Apart from streaming K-Dramas throughout quarantine, we're sure you’ve spent much of your time bingeing Mukbang videos on YouTube as well. These eating videos, popularized by Korean streamers, is no doubt addicting - and makes us instantly crave for Korean food like tteokbokki, samgyupsal, or ramyun! There’s no doubt that on your first trip to Seoul, food will play a huge role in your itinerary, hitting every cafe and restaurant in sight.

However, before your visit, travellers should know that Seoul’s dining scene has changed remarkably over the past year, making the health and safety of diners a priority. This "Untact” (언택트) way of traveling ensures social distancing and other health and safety measures are met while enjoying the city’s unique dining experience. Check it out:

1. Enjoy Customized Picnic Sets by the Hangang River

The Hangang River promenade is a trendy picnic spot facing the water, but right next to it, the Seoul Forest is an alternative providing a crisp green backdrop for you to have quality time while practicing social distancing.

Before your picnic date, be sure to order a customized picnic set from Motongi Waffle & Motongi Picnic. The brand has gone viral among locals specifically for their picturesque picnic sets and quality service.

Customers can customize their picnic sets to their liking. Each set comes with mouthwatering waffles filled with cream and fillings of your choice. Customers also get to choose from a variety of food, drinks and snacks with the cutest packaging designs. Rest assured that you’ll get your value for money with this experience - all you need to do is prepare yourself for a relaxing and hassle-free afternoon with your friends or family.

Aside from picnic packages, Motongi Waffle is worth visiting for the cafe on the first floor. On the second floor, there is an indoor picnic area in the attic room for those who prefer staying indoors for the picnic experience.

To make a booking, you can either send them a message via "모퉁이피크닉"on KakaoTalk or visit their store to make an on-site booking limited to weekdays.

Fee: Inclusive of picnic set (various styles) and two drinks

Weekdays: KRW 25,000
Weekends: KRW 28,000 Time extension and additional items available for an additional cost

Motongi Waffle

Address: 04778 33, Sangwon 1-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 - 22:00 (Note that it closes irregularly one day of the week)
Transportation: Subway Line 2, Ttukseom Station, Exit 6

2. Get Served by Futuristic Robots at Cafe BotBotBot

Untact means we refrain from coming in contact with others, but robots are definitely an exception! At Cafe BotBotBot, your sci-fi fantasies become a reality as your drinks and desserts are made and served to you by robots. They have the latest models and trendy recipes ready for you to try, and as the name of the cafe suggests, there are three robots at your service.

If you feel like having a freshly brewed cup of coffee, the “barista bot” does not delay in converting coffee grounds into whatever caffeinated beverage you fancy. The “dessert bot” on the other hand, has perfected the art of piping images onto cakes with molten chocolate - heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth. Lastly, the “cocktail bot” is an aid for those craving for a little buzz with a series of signature cocktails ready for customers to choose from.

Everything on the menu is handled without human involvement of any kind. Detail-oriented and programmed to please, no longer will you have substandard items or even service, as all the employees of this establishment are robots afterall.

Thanks to Cafe BotBotBot’s spacious setting, social distancing would be the least of your worries. Guests can also venture off to the rooftop at the second floor for an open-air option, as well. Wherever you decide to dine, Cafe BotBotBot’s chic and futuristic aesthetic will surely look great on anyone’s Instagram feed.

Cafe BotBotBot

Address: 8, Achasan-ro 9-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 22:00 (Closed on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month)

3. Enjoy a Meal at Merry Go Kitchen

While robots do a great job behind the counter, they also provide superb customer service! At Merry Go Kitchen, customers can enjoy a meal with utmost safety. Their futuristic mode of dining allows for a streamlined process void of human contact - from the moment you arrive at the restaurant up until you leave.

Apart from the impressive robot dining experience and the restaurant’s spaceship-like interior, Merry Go Kitchen is highly regarded for the quality of the food they serve - more popularly known as one of the go-to steakhouses among locals!

To bring meal delivery indoors, they collaborated with Baedal Minjok, a delivery app that allows you to make an order, activates the payment process and runs robot waiters just though a QR code. Soon enough, you’ll see your meal being placed upon the robot trays and delivered to your table.

These robots are also programmed to near perfection as they even look out for passersby to prevent any mishaps. All that said, we can guarantee you a safe and delectable dining experience here.

Merry Go Kitchen

Address: 7, Baekjegobun-ro 51-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Rm. 207, Jamsil L. First Officetel)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 - 21:00 & Weekends 11:00 - 21:00 (Preparation Time 15:00 - 17:00)

4. Relax with a Hanok Tea Tasting Experience

We’re all ready to escape from the stress and uncertainties that the past year has brought, and we have the perfect place and activity for that while being socially distanced. How does tea tasting sound for a soothing and serene experience away from the city center’s hustle and bustle?

If you’re looking for a serene and socially distant place to enjoy a meal, we know just the place!

Samcheonggak is a Korean-style resort on the mountainside boasting spectacular views of Seoul, beautiful natural scenic spots and historic architecture from the 1970s. The Chinese characters mean “three purities”, which represent the water, mountains and humanity. You’ll feel in tune with nature as you sample traditional tea in one of the six hanoks on the property if you check in as a guest. On the second floor of the pavilion, there is an open area on a veranda designated for tea tasting.

Tea ceremonies play an important role in Korean culture, and we can’t think of a better place to experience it! Through pebbled paths and lush gardens, this socially distant tea tasting experience will be a unique and memorable one for sure.

Samcheonggak

Address: 330-115 Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 - 22:00

Venturing out to Seoul despite the social restrictions, “Untact” tourism provides endless possibilities even for those on the hunt for unique culinary experiences. Let your tastebuds enjoy all that Seoul has to offer and you’ll even gain a few unique and exclusive experiences along the way - all while staying safe and healthy of course!

Must-Visit Places in Seoul

If it happens to be your first time in Seoul, you must make the most out of it! Apart from the foodie spots we listed above, here are a couple attractions you absolutely cannot miss!

Save the infographic below for future reference:

For more information on Seoul MVP Itineraries, visit www.visitseoul.net

Seoul South Korea

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