Hakdong Second-Round Walker · 4 stories

Second Round, Seoul and Daegu-Gyeongbuk

Writes about restaurants, beauty spots, and bars found around Seoul and Daegu-Gyeongbuk. · Writes about: Restaurants · Bars · Hair & beauty salons

PlaceMapo, SeoulRestaurants

Hongdae restaurant booked on Naver, truffle risotto: Hôtel de Couture

Hôtel de Couture is a Western-style restaurant in Yeonnam-dong, Mapo, Seoul, near Hongdae and the Gyeongui Line Forest Park. After booking ahead on Naver, the writer ordered the jambon truffle cream risotto, mortadella lemon butter pasta and a steak. The risotto was overwhelmingly the best dish, and the tangy lemon butter pasta cut through the cream's richness. Hôtel de Couture earned five stars for both taste and friendly service, making it a strong pick for a Hongdae date or a catch-up with friends.

Written Oct 19, 2026Sponsored
PlaceYongsan, SeoulHair & beauty salons

Chronic fatigue aroma massage near Ichon Station, Seoul: Labiche

Labiche Foot & Body Dongbu Ichon Branch is a foot and body massage shop on basement level 1 of a building by the apartment complexes near Ichon Station in Yongsan, Seoul. Aching all over from chronic fatigue, the writer booked a one-time non-member Aroma Focus 60-minute session and was happy with the foot bath, the tea, pressure matched to the writer's request and check-ins during the massage. With a reasonable one-time trial price, friendly staff, an easy walk from Ichon Station and parking support, Labiche Foot & Body Dongbu Ichon Branch is a solid pick for worn-out office workers.

Written Jul 13, 2026Sponsored
PlaceYeongdeungpo, SeoulBars

Bean sprout nabe and soju in a Yeongdeungpo izakaya curtain room: Nani

Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch (나니별관 영등포점) is a Japanese-style izakaya on Mullae-ro in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, just behind Times Square between Yeongdeungpo Station and Mullae Station. The writer booked a curtain room and shared two bottles of soju over a nabe (Japanese hot pot) piled with bean sprouts and a pork and bean sprout stir-fry, and when the broth cooled, staff brought a burner so the nabe stayed hot to the end. Nani Byeolgwan Yeongdeungpo Branch serves no steamed rice, which was a letdown, but it is a good spot for private conversation over drinks.

Written Oct 8, 2026Sponsored
PlaceGangnam, SeoulBars

Solo drinking bar in Nonhyeon, Seoul: Thursday game night at Yahwa

Yahwa Honsul Bar Nonhyeon is a solo drinking bar on basement level 1 near Nonhyeon Station in Gangnam, Seoul. The writer and an older friend arrived right at opening on a Thursday to grab seats, ordered one non-alcoholic drink and one alcoholic drink, then joined two men at the next seats and played games together as a group of four. A regular shared that Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights, and Yahwa Honsul Bar Nonhyeon proved an easy, no-pressure place to mingle.

Written Sep 27, 2026Sponsored
You've reached the end · 4 stories