Cup by the Counter — Dabin

Apgujeong Rodeo Korean BBQ open till 3am, group dinners: Chobeoljip

Chobeoljip Apgujeong Rodeo Branch is a pre-grilled Korean BBQ restaurant 90 meters from Apgujeongrodeo Station Exit 6 in Gangnam, Seoul. Chobeoljip opens daily from 11:00 to 03:00 the next morning, so grilled meat is on the table from lunchtime, and the owner grills the 48,000 won pre-grilled bone pork belly himself and serves it with homegrown angelica-root pickles and side dishes. With wide gaps between tables and several separate seating areas, Chobeoljip works well for group dinners that run late.

Written Sep 6, 2026Sponsored

PlaceEunpyeong, SeoulRestaurants

Dachi bar seat and highball with open-kitchen ramen: Oreno Ramen

Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong is a Japanese-style ramen restaurant on Bulgwangcheon-gil in Eunpyeong, Seoul, about a 10-minute walk from Saejeol Station. Sitting at the dachi (counter) seats facing the open kitchen, the writer paired tori paitan (₩13,000) with a highball, praising the light yet rich chicken broth and the staff's kindness. A ramen restaurant worth revisiting after a walk or workout along Bulgwangcheon stream.

Written Sep 7, 2026Sponsored

PlaceJongno, SeoulCafés

Ikseon-dong bakery stop on a gallery walk, all 3 signatures cut

Munhwa Bakery is a bakery in Ikseon-dong, Jongno, Seoul, about 2 minutes from Jongno 3-ga Station Exit 7 toward Changdeokgung Palace. Stopping in on a gallery-hopping day, the writer ordered all three signature breads — garlic bread, coffee bread and onion bagel — and asked to have them sliced on the spot, only to be shocked by the size of the loaves and the amount of cream inside. Since the shop closes early once the breads sell out, it's worth getting there sooner rather than later.

Written Sep 7, 2026Sponsored