How we choose the best places in Seoul
How My Best Seoul's editors choose each ranking: research across Seoul's districts, standing with locals and visitors, accurate details and real quality.
Seoul moves fast. Trends sweep through neighbourhoods in months, and a café that is famous today may be forgotten next year. Our rankings try to look past the trend cycle to the places that serve people well, and to present them in a way that is useful whether or not you read Korean.
Mapping the city's districts
We start each category with a search across Seoul's districts, from the old centre around Jongno and Euljiro to Mapo, Seongsu, Yongsan and the neighbourhoods south of the Han. Residential areas such as Mangwon and Seochon are given the same attention as the famous shopping streets.
Trusted by locals, liked by visitors
We look for places that have kept a good name over time with the people who use them, Seoulites and visitors alike. When neighbours keep returning to a restaurant or clinic year after year, that tells us more than a moment of fame on social media.
Getting the details right
Addresses in Seoul can be hard to follow for newcomers, so we take care that each listing has a current address, working contact details and accurate opening hours. Places that have closed or moved are taken off the list until their new details are confirmed.
Quality first
Each kind of place has its own measure. A barbecue restaurant is judged on its meat and its side dishes, a skin clinic on care and clear information, a guesthouse on comfort, cleanliness and its hosts. Substance counts for more than a photogenic interior.
Old Seoul and new
Where the category allows, we like a list to include both the long-running institutions, such as the decades-old restaurants of Euljiro and Jongno, and the newer places that have proved themselves in Seongsu or Mangwon. Both are part of the city, and both deserve a place.
Keeping the lists current
Seoul's shopfronts turn over faster than most cities', so we review our rankings regularly. If you find a closed place, a wrong address or a spot we have missed, email info@mybestseoul.com and an editor will look at it.
Reading our listings
Many places in Seoul are known by their Korean names, and some have no English sign at all. Where it helps, compare the address on the listing with the building number or the nearest subway exit before you set out.