Questo Gelato Bar 퀘스토 젤라또 (Seoul, SOUTH KOREA) ★★☆☆☆

We all know the bustling Seongsu neighborhood for its hipster bakeries, cafés, and restaurants, but the area around neighboring Ttukseom Station has also undergone a serious transformation in recent years. What was once a stretch of auto-repair shops and warehouses has experienced a quiet renaissance, with many of those spaces now converted into sleek modern boutiques, cafés, and bakeries.

I decided to take a closer look at a few of these spots before hopping on the subway to my next destination.

My first stop was Questo Gelato (퀘스토 젤라또), a highly rated artisanal gelato bar just a short walk from Ttukseom Station. 

The shop rotates 8 to 10 flavors daily, often including refreshing Korean melon and intensely rich pistachio. However, I was in the mood for something nutty this afternoon.

Salty milk pecan — Made primarily with French sea salt for a rich, savory depth, and topped with crunchy candied pecans for what was meant to be a sweet-and-salty balance.

Unfortunately, for a milk-based gelato, it lacked the creamy, milky texture I expected from a good scoop. The candied pecans were a nice touch, but they didn’t provide enough sweetness to balance out the saltiness.

Beyond the underwhelming gelato, what really soured the experience was the hospitality. The server (presumably the owner) came across as complacent and at times, outright rude when I asked about prices of each scoop and how to use the payment machine. Everything was in Korean, and since I don’t speak the language, a little patience would have gone a long way. Instead, he seemed reluctant to offer any help.

Food Rating: 4.6/10

Price: ₩₩₩

Address: 8-30 Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Closest Metro Station: Ttukseom

Tel: +82 0507-1418-9926

Opening Hours: 11:30am - 10:00pm daily

I’m Donut? Seongsu (Seoul, SOUTH KOREA) ★★★★☆

My favorite donut chain, I’m Donut?, has expanded heavily into Seoul last year, with three locations in the trendy neighborhoods of Seongsu, Hongdae, and Gangnam (inside Shinsegae).

Known for their melt-in-your-mouth “nama donuts” (raw/fresh donuts) made with chewy rice flour, their signature treats are famous for an incredibly fluffy texture. In Seoul, they’ve introduced Korea-exclusive flavors like bossam (pork belly) and seaweed glaze to tame the taste buds of Seoulites.

As a huge fan of I'm Donut?, I decided to swing by for a quick breakfast the moment I arrived in hipster Seongsu-dong. his is their flagship branch, and not surprisingly there were over 30 flavors to choose from — classic signatures, cream-filled varieties, savory options, and of course the Korea-exclusives.

Breakfast time!!! 🍩🍩🍩

Maple prosciutto (₩4,800) — While the Bossam collection looked like the perfect savory breakfast choice, I went with this one instead — two slices of prosciutto (premium Italian dry-cured ham) on top of a maple glaze. The salty notes played really well with the sweetness. Not bad at all.

Muscat grapes (₩5,200) — But this one was even better.



The natural sweetness of the Shine Muscat grapes really shone through beautifully against the custard cream and fluffy dough. I loved it.

Surprisingly, there wasn’t much of a line at the flagship store. In fact, another viral bakery called Haz Bakery just a few steps away had an even longer queue.

Food Rating: 7.1/10

Price: ₩₩₩

Address: 316-50 Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Closest Metro Station: Seongsu

Website: https://www.instagram.com/imdonut.kor/

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm daily

Le Chemin 르슈망 (Seoul, SOUTH KOREA) ★★★☆☆

After more than an hour of wandering the narrow, winding alleys of Haebangchon including a stop at the revitalized Sinheung Market, it was time for a quick drink. The choice came down to two of the neighborhood’s most popular cafés and patisseries — Le Montblanc (르몽블랑) and Le Chemin (르슈망).

Le Chemin, a highly sought-after French pastry café tucked into the hillside, is widely celebrated on social media for its beautifully crafted seasonal “Namsan Mont Blanc” cakes that perfectly recreate the iconic N Seoul Tower. Beyond the viral cakes, it also earns high praise for its authentic French canelés, which feature a deeply caramelized, crunchy crust and a remarkably smooth, custardy centre.

Unfortunately, on this afternoon visit the selection was very limited. Other than a hazelnut cake, the only things left were different flavors of canelé.

Iced milk tea (₩6,500) — Like most milk teas in Seoul, it leaned heavily on milk and sweetness. This one had almost no caffeine in it, although I probably didn’t need any to stay awake today.

Chestnut canelé (₩4,500) — At a French patisserie I would normally try something more sophisticated, but after tasting nearly half a dozen pastries since arriving in Seoul, I wanted something simple this afternoon. 

Their highly touted canelé fit the bill perfectly. Underneath the crunchy crust was a sweetened chestnut compote. Not bad.

My chill-out time was drawing to a close. I didn't notice the sun had already disappeared, so it was time to head to tonight's dinner venue, a place I have been looking forward to since making the reservation last month.

Food Rating: 6/10

Price: ₩₩₩

Address: 1–2F, 101-1 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: +82 010-2764-0674

Website: https://www.instagram.com/le.chemin_seoul/?hl=en

Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 9:00pm (Mon - Tue, Thu - Fri), 12:00pm - 10:00pm (Sat - Sun)

7 of The Best Cafés, Restaurants and Dessert Spots in Haebangchon Village

Haebangchon Village (解放村), nestled on the steep southern slopes of Namsan in Yongsan-gu (龍山區), offers tourists a rare blend of living history and contemporary Seoul charm that feels both authentic and refreshingly unpolished. Once a post-liberation shantytown settled by returning Koreans and North Korean refugees after 1945, the neighborhood still retains the character of one of Seoul’s last “moon villages”, or daldongnae (달동네), which are spontaneous hillside settlements that formed on steep mountain slopes and high-elevation areas during the rapid post-war and industrialization eras between the 1950s and 1980s.

Visitors can climb the historic 108 stairs originally built in 1943, or now take the inclined elevator uphill. 

Exploring the revitalized Sinheung Market, where decades-old stalls now sit alongside indie shops and street art, is a must. 

The narrow, winding alleys and hillside vantage points deliver sweeping views of Namsan Tower and the city below, giving travelers a tangible sense of the layers of modern Korean history. 

Beyond its historical depth, Haebangchon draws visitors with its famously relaxed, multi-cultural atmosphere and thriving café-and-dining scene. The neighborhood has evolved into a creative hub where Korean residents, long-term expats, and artists coexist, resulting in an eclectic mix of rooftop cafés with panoramic city views, specialty coffee shops, international eateries, and intimate bars tucked into converted old buildings. Here are 7 of the best cafés, restaurants and sweet spots you shouldn't miss on your visit to Haebangchon Village.

1) Le Montblanc café (르몽블랑)

Le Montblanc is a popular dessert café housed in a former knitting factory in Haebangchon’s Sinheung Market, famous for its hyper-realistic yarn-ball and sweater-shaped mousse cakes. Tourists love visiting for the whimsical Instagram-worthy desserts, the industrial-yet-cozy multi-floor space with rooftop views, and a unique experience that blends local history with creative pastry art.

Address: 99-4 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: +82 070-8887-8200

Website: https://www.instagram.com/le_montblanc/

2) SAY TOUCHÉ

SAY TOUCHÉ is a design-focused lifestyle brand flagship that combines a café with a curated shop and gallery-like spaces, co-created by AKMU’s Lee Chan-hyuk and photographer Lim Jae-rin. Its stylish, plant-covered exterior, multi-floor experience of coffee plus unique home objects and art, makes it a perfect stop for design lovers seeking an aesthetic, Instagrammable break in Haebangchon.

Address: 1F, 53 Noksapyeong-daero 32-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: Not publicly listed (mainly contact via Instagram)

Website: https://saytouche.kr/

3) Taco Stand (타코스탠드)

Tacostand is a casual Mexican taqueria in Haebangchon known for authentic street-style tacos (birria, carnitas, chorizo, and more) made with homemade tortillas and bold salsas, plus a lively terrace. Tourists seek it out for genuine Mexican flavors in a fun, colorful setting with outdoor seating—ideal for a relaxed meal with drinks while exploring the neighborhood’s hillside streets, provided that a two-hour wait is not a concern.

Address: 34 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: +82 010-9776-8989

Website: https://www.instagram.com/tacostandkr/

4) Gelateria Torre (젤라떼리아 토레)

Gelateria Torre is an artisanal gelato shop just outside the Sinheung Market that specializes in high-quality Italian-style gelato with creative seasonal flavors, such as Jeju Hallabong ricotta cream. Patrons love the fresh, refined scoops that stand out from typical ice cream, offering a refreshing and authentic sweet treat while strolling through Haebangchon’s lively market alleys.

Address: 97-1 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: Not publicly listed

Website: https://www.instagram.com/gelateria_torre/

5) Villa de Bleu

Villa de Bleu is a Mediterranean-inspired brunch and wine bar celebrated for its signature “cheese waterfall” aligot lasagna and Italian-French comfort dishes in a cozy, Amalfi-like setting. The main draw to the bar include the theatrical tableside cheese pour, solid wine list, and intimate atmosphere that works equally well for a leisurely brunch or a romantic dinner in Haebangchon.

Address: 1F, 30-1 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: +82 0507-1409-8242

Website: https://www.instagram.com/villadebleu_/

6) Le Chemin Patisserie

Le Chemin is a French-style pâtisserie in Haebangchon specializing in refined desserts, notably creative canelés and seasonal cakes (such as the Namsan Mont Blanc) crafted by skilled pastry chefs. The elegant, high-quality French pastries and cozy multi-level space, provides a sophisticated sweet stop that feels special during a day of neighborhood exploration.

Address: 1–2F, 101-1 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: +82 010-2764-0674

Website: https://www.instagram.com/le.chemin_seoul/?hl=en

7) Softbar

Softbar is a trendy soft-serve ice cream shop (with a branch in Seongsu-dong) known for unique, high-quality flavors like honey grapefruit yogurt, pistachio, and Dubai chocolate. It's a must-do for those who enjoy a quick, photogenic, and refreshing treat while walking the hills of Haebangchon, especially on warm days when a creative soft-serve cone perfectly complements the area’s casual café-hopping vibe.

Address: 1F, 93 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: +82 0507-1487-0976

Website: https://www.instagram.com/softbar_official

Here's the map:      

    

Raison d'être 레종데트르 Hannamdong (Seoul, SOUTH KOREA) ★★★★☆

After enjoying a very pleasant lunch at Y'east today, I took a leisurely walk around Dosan Park before firing up my Uber app to get my ride to Hangangjin station. Seoul’s subway system is pretty extensive, yet navigating from one corner of the city to another can still feel needlessly complicated. The journey from Apgujeong (狎鷗亭) to Hannam-dong (漢南洞) is a perfect example — taking the subway would have been a nightmare, while a Uber ride took no more than fifteen minutes.

Hannamdong is one of my favorite parts of the city. While it’s relatively small compared to Seongsu-dong (聖水洞), there’s no shortage of trendy cafés and boutiques. 

My first stop was supposed to be Jaein Patisserie but that didn’t really pan out. While there was no noticeably long queue in front, I was told that the waiting time for a table would take a whopping two hours! That's two hours I didn't have, so that put me onto Plan B...



Café Raison D'être (레종데트르) is a popular French-inspired boutique dessert and mousse cake café in Seoul with locations in Seochon, Hannam-dong, and Gwanghwamun. 

This branch in the affluent neighborhood of Hannam-dong is tucked away on the second floor of a commercial building. 

The café is known for treating its pastries like works of edible art, often showcasing the freshest Korean seasonal fruits.

Several of their signature creations were available, including “The Duck” (황색 소아/오리) — a striking yellow-duck-shaped mousse cake made with Jeju yuzu, apple, and peach compote that has gone viral but I ended up getting something else instead.

Iced Earl Grey milk tea (₩6,500) — Rich, creamy, and decadently sweet like the royal milk tea you find at street-side cafés. I didn’t mind the extra glucose to keep my energy up.

Fig cake (₩9,500) — A seasonal creation that makes excellent use of fresh figs currently in season.

The unsweetened figs were bursting with natural sweetness and freshness, and pairing them with a centre of fig compote was pure joy for any fig lover.

The delicate buckwheat mousse, with its mildly earthy and nutty notes, made the fruit’s sweetness stand out even more. I loved it.

I’m afraid that’s all the time I have for Hannam-dong on this trip. On each trip I take it upon myself to visit one new attraction, and this afternoon I’m heading to Haebangchon Village (解放村) in Yongsan-gu (龍山區), a historic hillside neighborhood known for its super-chill vibe and café scene.

Food Rating: 6.6/10

Price: ₩₩₩

Address: 683-36 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Closest Metro Station: Hangangjin

Tel: +82 0507-1385-1543

Website: https://www.instagram.com/raisondetre_dessert/?hl=en

Opening Hours: 11:00am - 7:30pm daily

Y’east (Seoul, SOUTH KOREA) ★★★★☆

Unlike most of my recent trips to Seoul, I decided to skip the longtime culinary heavyweights like Mingles, Jungsik, and Soigné and instead, spend time exploring a few of the more low-key restaurants that have been making headway of late.

Y’east was the first place I booked on this trip; it had already been on my radar last year. Owner-chef Young-dong Cho (Jay Cho) cut his teeth in a number of notable international kitchens, including Momofuku Seiobo in Australia and Restaurant 108 in Denmark. His cuisine is often described as contemporary Pan-East Asian fusion, praised for the way it seamlessly folds Korean ingredients and traditions into a broader Asian spectrum.

I always enjoy a counter-table concept that lets guests interact more closely with the kitchen staff. For me, watching the chefs work behind the scenes is part of the pleasure.

The tasting menu opened with a few small nibbles to whet the appetite. First came a crispy tart filled with green asparagus from Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, and topped with thin slices of pickled herring that had been aged for three days before being cured and lightly smoked. An interesting play of flavor and texture.

Next, snow crab arrived hidden beneath a layer of shaved, smoked mullet roe from Taiwan, finished with diced root vegetables and black sesame for some lovely crunch.

The final nibble was the chef’s signature “Galbi stone” — twelve-hour slow-cooked short ribs simmered in a rich galbi sauce, stuffed with blue cheese, and encased in doughnut dough.

The sauce was noticeably sweet with plentiful of honey, I suspect. I’ve always enjoyed a hot steamed bun filled with pork, and this was a playful, savory-sweet riff on that idea.

Muchim (Sweet shrimp, danggwi, caviar) — After the amuse-bouche came the first starter: a chawanmushi-style dish with a greenish purée of danggwi (Korean angelica, 當歸). The earthy, herbal notes of the angelica paired well with the sweet shrimp tartare and caviar. It also got my blood pressure up a bit. 😁 

Tofu (Chestnut, tomato, wasabi, gotgam) — The second starter was a homemade chestnut tofu stuffed with tomato and what I thought was persimmon (gotgam), finished off beautifully with a nice pour of a housemade ponzu. The silky tofu took on bright citrus and deep umami from the sauce, while a clean hit of fresh wasabi on top supplied the necessary nasal heat.

Koshihikari (White fish, champagne, uni) — The rice dish soon followed. 

The Koshihikari rice was a premium short-grain rice cultivated in Gimpo. Underneath the top layer of onion foam was the materfully cooked Koshihikari rice mixed well with different ingredients including shima aji, job’s tears, hen's egg, rice crispies and sea urchin. There was also a hint of wasabi to tie everything together. 

Kou Shui ji (Chicken, chili, coriander, chicken Oolong tea) — The chef's interpretation of Kou Shui Ji (口水雞), a classic cold dish from Sichuan.

This was one of the many beautifully plated dishes in front of us this afternoon. The chicken thigh stuffed with spinach purée was steamed, then finished with pickled cucumber atop. The meat was silky and wonderfully tender; a Sichuan-style chili oil infused with eight spices delivered both heat and the signature numbing sensation.

A small cup of chicken tea made with chicken stock, ginger and oolong tea was served on the side. This was really really intense.

Fish (Tilefish, Jinhua ham, mussel) — Steamed tilefish was matched with a light Jinhua ham (金華火腿) foam, mussels, and a Korean anchovy Grenobloise.

The sauce struck a delicate balance of umami, acidity and richness. But personally, I would have preferred the fish pan-fried or grilled for a golden crust to stand up even better to the sauce.

Hanwoo (1++ sirloin, Shaoxing wine, dongchimi) — The charcoal-grilled Hanwoo 1++ sirloin arrived with pear and yuzu-infused dongchimi (variations of Korean kimchi). The meat was tasty but a little bouncy in the centre. 

The kitchen had obviously gone to considerable lengths to amplify the beef flavor, including a “beef powder” made from the leftover charred trimmings, which was sprinkled on top as a condiment.

Egg Noodle — I knew this signature dish cost extra but there was no chance I was going to skip it.

The egg noodles freshly made with Korean buckwheat flour, was topped nicely with a sabayon made with zhima jiang (芝麻醬), a Chinese sesame and peanut paste. 

My server finished the bowl with a pour of black-trumpet-mushroom tea that also contained cured pork fat and Sichuan pepper. I was told the mushroom tea is considered particularly nourishing.

Sorbet (Raspberry, white chocolate, Bang-A) — Finally, I'm down to the last dish of the tasting menu.

The final course was a raspberry sorbet crowned with a cloud of feather-light white-chocolate foam and a raspberry-powder tuile, finished with a bang-a sauce (a type of Korean mint). Raspberry and mint together delivered exactly the bright, refreshing note I wanted to close out the meal.

A couple of mignardises and a cup of warm tea brought the journey to an end.

There were plenty of elements drawn from across East and Southeast Asia — Korean, Chinese and even Singaporean flavors in the dishes this afternoon and I was deeply impressed by how Chef Cho and his team re-interpreted them in a playful, modern way while showcasing some of Korea’s finest ingredients. The Instagram-ready plating, led by the kou shui ji dish, was the cherry on top.

Food Rating: 7.4/10

Price: ₩₩₩₩

Address: 644-11 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Closest Metro Station: Apgujeong Rodeo

Tel: +82 070-8855-0470

Website: http://yeastseoul.co.kr/

Opening Hours: 12:30pm - 3:00pm (Fri, Sat), 6:45pm - 10:00pm (Tue - Sat)