Looking to have fun while you're in South Korea? allkpop helps you navigate through the metropolis of Seoul, filling you in on cool places that are creating a buzz!
Let's start off with some more obvious attractions--celebrity restaurants! Many K-Pop celebrities own family restaurants in the city of Seoul. These restaurants are especially catered to the fans as they can not only grab a bite to eat but also talk to their favorite idol's parents, purchase idol merchandise, and sometimes even leave messages for their idol to read.
They may even be able to catch a glimpse of that very idol yourself and fangirl (or fanboy) within the same room!
Just make sure to not go overboard.
Er.... Anyways. Here's our first batch of celebrity restaurants you should definitely check out!
Se7en's Yeolbong in Shinsadong
Ever want to meet Se7en in person? Well, unless you're blessed by whoever controls the K-Pop universe, you can't. #Sadface. But hey, at least you can take a picture with the next best thing! Multiple celebrities such as Girls' Generation's Yoona and Rain have posed next to the cardboard cut-out of Se7en at his chicken restaurant. Have your way with his 2D form and then order some jjimdak (chicken boiled with vegetables and marinated in a Korean fermented soybean sauce) afterwards for a good time.
Even Se7en wants to meet Se7en!
JYJ Jaejoong's Coffee Cojjee in Cheongdamdong
If the cardboard cut-out is not enough for you, then maybe some coffee and the potential of being near the real thing will hit the spot! Check out Jaejoong's sleek coffee shop and survey the shelves of autographed albums. The coffee shop is said to deliver to JYJ's favorite hair salon within the same building. Who knows, maybe you might bump into the precious trio yourself!
Super Junior Yesung's Babtol in Hongdae
Looking for some inexpensive and chill food? Super Junior Yesung's parents own a Korean fusion restaurant you might want to check out. In addition to having good food, it also acts as a shrine as pictures of Yesung and post-it notes from ELFs decorate the walls.
An ELF posing with Yesung's mom.
SS501 Kim Hyun Joong's Jaksal Chicken in Ilsan
While you have the opportunity to meet Yesung's parents in Babtol, you might be served by the idol's older brother in Kim Hyun Joong's chicken restaurant! Hellooooo handsome genes!
Hyunjoong's fan-made birthday cake on display.
JYJ Junsu's Misarang Imshil Cheese Pizza in Ilsan
Junsu's father owns a pizza place that makes really, really cheesy pizza. Lovers of both cheese and Junsu should gather here to grab a bite, as well as gawk at the endless amount of graffiti scribbled at the entrance.
Cube Studio Cafe in Gangnam
Enjoy people-watching? Try idol-watching. Cube Entertainment has a cafe set up right outside their company called Cube Studio Cafe where customers have a view of idols going to and leaving work. BTOB has even served as waiters in the cafe before for a special event!
I spy with my little eye a cutie who goes by the name Minhyuk.
A wild HyunA has appeared!
B2ST Yoseob's Chilk Naengmyun near Seokgye Station
Naengmyun is the best thing to have during the hot summer! Give this cold noodle dish a try at the restaurant owned by B2ST Yoseob's mom while surveying the wall of Yoseob's B2SThood and childhood. Awww baby Yoseob and his never-changing baby face!
Honest talk: I couldn't find a picture of his mom's naengmyun, so I had to make-do with this random but refreshing naengmyun picture right here. Sorry!
Leessang Gary's Paljamakchang in Gangnam
Meat lovers should check Leessang Gary's place out in Gangnam as it is said to specialize in grilling pork intestine! Watch the food sizzle right in front of you and make sure to take a good look around as the walls are covered in some interesting graffiti artwork.
HaHa's 401 in Hongdae
HaHa's restaurant, once known as Sang Sang Madang, is actually an extension of Gary's Paljamakchang located in Hongdae. HaHa himself visits the restaurant occasionally to eat with friends and grill customers' meat.
Running Man has actually filmed at this restaurant for an episode. It featured a Monday couple moment captured here.
All together now--SQUEE!
Park Shin Hye's Little Tin Drums in Seongnae
Speaking of ships, does anyone happen to ship Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye together? Well get excited, because the beautiful actress's mother has Lee Min Ho's autograph, as well as the autographs of other big celebrities, displayed in her restaurant. Of course, there's also a lot of Park Shin Hye eye candy decorating the walls, as well.
For those still missing the 'You're Beautiful' days, here's a picture of Jang Geun Suk enjoying a meal at Park Shin Hye's restaurant as well!
Source: allkpop