The Best of Yeoksam & Gangnam — My Picks From What I've Reviewed
Seoul · Gangnam & Seocho
Gangnam and Yeoksam are an office district built around Teheran-ro, with long lunch lines and plenty of dinner gatherings. Drip coffee stands out here especially, with an award-winning shop (Loiseau) and a Gangneung-bean specialist (Terarosa) sitting close together. Here's a pick from what I've reviewed, matched to an office-district routine.
For a route: start the morning with a cup at Loiseau or Terarosa, cover lunch with Jeonju bibimbap at Hankookjip, running since 1952, or a burger at Basburger, then wind down the evening with a hearty bowl at Daewoo Budae-jjigae or something lighter at Far Niente. With a little extra time, it's worth heading over to Seocho for Yeongdong Jokbal.
Lunch is mostly 10,000-KRW-range old-school spots or a light meal, while dinner at the budae-jjigae or Western spots runs into the 20,000-KRW range. This is an office district, so weekday lunch hours can mean a wait — timing it a bit off-peak helps.
L'OISEAU Yeoksam
An award-winning pour-over shop, a rich cup with no sourness.
2
Terarosa Yeoksam Station
Next to Centerfield, Gangneung coffee with a striking drip bar.
3
Hankookjip Centerfield Yeoksam
Jeonju bibimbap running since 1952, here in Gangnam.
4
Bas Burger Yeoksam
Exit 3 of Yeoksam Station, a burger perfect even for a daytime drink.
5
Daewoo Budae-jjigae
Budae-jjigae on Teheran-ro, a premium bowl topped with sirloin.
6
Far Niente
A Western spot in Sinsa-dong — the cream gnocchi gratin and desserts stand out.
7
Yeongdong Jokbal
The best pork trotters I've had in the Gangnam area — chewy, tender texture.