Jamsil, a dynamic district in Seoul, is famous for its myriad of attractions and vibrant atmosphere. The centerpiece of this area is undoubtedly Lotte World, one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. Here, you can indulge in a day filled with thrilling rides, enchanting parades, and a magical atmosphere that appeals to both young and old. Adjacent to Lotte World is the tranquil Seokchon Lake, offering a serene escape with its picturesque walking paths and seasonal cherry blossoms.
Unmissable Experiences in Jamsil: Fun, Culture, and Relaxation
Jamsil’s attractions are diverse and plentiful, making it a perfect destination for a fun-filled day. Lotte World is the highlight, featuring both indoor and outdoor amusement parks. The indoor section, Lotte World Adventure, has a variety of rides, a skating rink, and themed areas that transport you to different parts of the world. Outdoors, Magic Island offers more thrilling rides and beautiful views, especially at night when the park is illuminated.
Seokchon Lake, located just a short walk from Lotte World, is a beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The lake is divided into two sections, each offering a unique experience. The western part is known for its picturesque walking paths and the eastern part often hosts cultural events and festivals. During the cherry blossom season, the lake becomes one of the most photographed spots in Seoul, attracting visitors from all over the country.
Additionally, the Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in Korea, offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. The tower also houses a luxury shopping mall, a cinema, and the Seoul Sky Observatory, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from above.
Savoring Jamsil: From Thrills to Meals
As the day winds down from exploring the exciting attractions of Jamsil, it’s time to satisfy your appetite with some of the best culinary offerings the area has to offer. Jamsil is home to a vibrant culinary scene, offering a wide variety of dining options that will satisfy any craving.
In this blog, we’ll delve into some of the best restaurants in Jamsil, Songpa. From cozy eateries serving up hearty Korean meals to chic bistros offering gourmet experiences, we’ll help you navigate the culinary landscape of this bustling district.
1. Farm to table, inspired by nature <Forest Kitchen>
- Address : 6F, 29street Casual-dong, 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : 12:00 ~ 22:00
- Break time : 15:00 ~ 17:00
Nestled in the heart of Jamsil, Forest Kitchen offers a quiet and peaceful dining experience that aligns perfectly with its philosophy of bringing nature to your plate. This contemporary vegan fine dining restaurant emphasizes creating a space where both body and mind can find relaxation through their thoughtfully crafted, nature-inspired menu. With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Forest Kitchen embodies the principles of eco-friendly dining.
Forest Kitchen offers 100% plant-based menu that is designed to provide exquisite flavors and nourish and rejuvenate the customers’ body. The dining environment reflects the tranquility and comfort of nature, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
2. Turning a burger into Michelin art <Gordon Ramsay Burger>
- Address : 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : 10:30 ~ 22:00
As the first of its kind in Asia, Gordon Ramsay Burger offers an exquisite dining experience crafted by the world-renowned Michelin 3-star chef Gordon Ramsay. This high-end restaurant brings the chef’s extensive culinary expertise to the forefront, allowing guests to indulge in a unique and distinguished gastronomic adventure. The menu, meticulously designed with Ramsay’s signature flair, showcases a variety of gourmet burgers that are a cut above the rest.
The restaurant’s interior, themed around “nostalgia of the future,” beautifully blends retro elements with a modern aesthetic. This harmonious mix creates an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere where the past and the future coexist, making every visit to Gordon Ramsay Burger not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience.
3. The cheese, the whole cheese, and nothing but the cheese <Cheese Room X Tasting Room Lotte World Mall>
- Address : 5F, 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : 10:30 ~ 22:00
Cheese Room X Tasting Room at Lotte World Mall is an Italian restaurant renowned for its culinary creations featuring 17 different kinds of cheese. One of their standout dishes is the flour-less Basque cheesecake, a popular choice among dessert lovers. The menu is rich with a variety of pastas and flatbreads, each generously topped with diverse types of cheese, ensuring a delightful experience for cheese enthusiasts.
The interior of the restaurant is warm and charming, with an abundance of dried flowers and soft lighting that create a cozy and delightful ambiance. The use of yellow and wood tones as the main color themes adds to the inviting atmosphere.
4. Let’s bloom together in royal Korean cuisine! <BLOOM IN THE PALACE Lotte World Mall>
- Address : 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : 11:30 ~ 22:00
BLOOM IN THE PALACE is a high-end Korean restaurant located at Lotte World Mall, offering a unique dining experience with private rooms that boast stunning views of Seokchon Lake. This restaurant reinterprets traditional royal Korean cuisine in a contemporary style, presenting a modern twist on classic dishes.
This restaurant highlights the best of Korean royal cuisine through various course menus, and pays meticulous attention to plating. Altogether, BLOOM IN THE PALACE became a popular choice for family occasions, such as parents’ birthdays or engagement meetings.
5. The perfect way to enjoy Korean seafood elegantly <EOMULJEON JAMSIL>
- Address : 209, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : Weekdays 17:00 ~ 22:00 / Weekends 11:30 ~ 22:00
- Break time : Weekends 15:00 ~ 17:00
EOMULJEON JAMSIL is a modern Korean dining restaurant specializing in fresh, seasonal and locally sourced seafood. The restaurant offers course menus which include choices of meat as main dishes for a diverse range of flavors and textures for customers to enjoy.
The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and the innovative presentation of traditional Korean dishes make EOMULJEON a standout destination for seafood lovers.
6. What becomes of omakase with Korean food <TTHBar>
- Address : 6-9, Baekjegobun-ro 42-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : 17:30 ~ 22:00
- Break time : 19:30 ~ 20:00
TTHBar offers a unique dining experience by blending Korean and Japanese cuisines in an omakase style. Unlike typical omakase in Korea, which often focuses on beef or sushi, TTHBar is a must-visit for those passionate about Korean flavors. The intimate setting, with only bar tables to sit, and limited to two-person reservations (or more with a phone inquiry), adds to the exclusivity and charm of this small eatery.
If you manage to secure a reservation, you’re in for a treat with their seasonal menu that changes every two months. The personalized service, where dishes are tailored to the pace of each guest, highlights TTHBar’s dedication to providing a meticulous and memorable dining experience.
7. 100 years of tradition and dedication <Haenam Cheonilgwan Lotte Department Store Avenuel Jamsil Branch>
- Address : 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : 11:00 ~ 21:30
- Break time : 15:00 ~ 17:30
Haenam Cheonilgwan, located at the Lotte Department Store Avenuel Jamsil Branch, offers an exquisite taste of Namdo cuisine, a culinary tradition from the Jeolla province in South Korea. Haenam Cheonilgwan opened in 1924 by grandmother Park Seong-soon and the tradition continued with her youngest daughter, who inherited not only the meticulous selection of ingredients but also the dedication to authentic cooking practices.
For a century, this esteemed restaurant welcomes diners and offers a genuine Namdo dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Jeolla cuisine.
8. The apple of everyone’s eye, <OILH SEOUL>
- Address : 7F, 102, Dongnam-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : 17:00 ~ 01:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)
OILH SEOUL, a terrace rooftop dining bar pronounced “Ee Nae(이내 in Korean),” offers an exceptional dining experience with a spectacular view of Jamsil and the Lotte Tower. The restaurant features a diverse menu based on French cuisine, which are thoughtfully paired with recommended wines in the beverage menu. If you are not a fan of wine, OILH SEOUL has a list of cocktails, showcasing unique creations that embody the distinct OILH SEOUL vibe.
The elegant plating and decor make OILH SEOUL a popular choice for special occasions. Many reviews highlight the friendly staff and the enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring a satisfying experience for all visitors, whether they are there for a memorable meal or to savor the ambiance with a drink in hand.
9. For Korean alcohol enthusiasts, <Songridan Yangjo Seokchon Lake>
- Address : 11, Baekjegobun-ro 45-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : Tue-Fri 17:00 ~ 00:00 / Sat 16:00 ~ 01:00 / Sun 16:00 ~ 00:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Songridan Yangjo Seokchon Lake is a unique venue that runs a brewery and a pub in the same place. You will be able to actually see the brewing area through the large windows in the restaurant. This brewery/pub specializes in Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine made from organic rice, and every quarter, new dishes and drinks are introduced for exceptional experience in Korean traditional F&B.
The food here is based on Korean cuisine to complement all sorts of traditional drinks and distilled spirits, even clear wines. For beer and highball enthusiasts, Songridan Yangjo Seokchon Lake offers a selection of Korean craft beers and highballs crafted with Korean spirits, providing a diverse array of flavors that highlight Korea’s rich alcohol tradition.
10. A cultural journey through dessert <Korea Heritage Hub>
- Address : 3F, 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business hours : 11:00 ~ 18:00 (Closed on Mon, Tue)
Korea Heritage Hub is not just a café. It’s a cultural experience center that offers visitors a unique experience of traditional Korean culture. One of the standout features of the Korea Heritage Hub is its use of ‘Soban,’ traditional Korean low tables, to serve its desserts. This setup not only provides a sense of being honored but also beautifully showcases what Korean tea time is like.
In addition to enjoying delightful desserts and beverages, visitors can expect more. They can rent Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, browse through the exhibition of Korean traditional crafts, and even participate in traditional craft experiences. These activities make the time here much more than just dessert and tea.
Jamsil is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a wealth of diverse and delightful experiences. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Lotte Tower, taking a serene stroll around Seokchon Lake, or immersing yourself in the lively streets, you’ll find an array of wonderful spots to relax and enjoy. The area boasts a variety of unique dining establishments, cultural hubs, and scenic views that cater to every taste and preference.
No matter where your adventures in Jamsil take you, you’ll always be able to find the perfect place to unwind, dine, and enjoy the best of what this dynamic district has to offer.