A Must-Try Gourmet Tour for Your Summer Trip to Korea — Now Trending on Social Media!

Even if you can’t take a long vacation, delicious and nourishing Korean food is a must for enjoying summer in Seoul. From fruit-filled desserts and perilla-scented cold noodles to rich samgyetang, these dishes are perfect for recharging both body and soul between sightseeing stops. Here are three must-visit spots, all easily accessible by subway. Whether you’re on a weekend getaway or a K-pop pilgrimage, these flavors will make even the summer heat part of the adventure.

Fruit Desserts That Instantly Lift Your Mood

RAFRE FRUIT, one of Seoul’s newest and trendiest cafés, is known for smoothies and shaved ice made with generous amounts of seasonal fruit. Its colorful cup desserts lined up at the counter are an instant mood-booster and perfect for your feed. Their juices—made only with frozen fruit and house-made syrup—are mildly sweet and great for a vitamin recharge. It’s located about a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), making it ideal for cooling off after a stroll. The wood-toned interior, paired with views of greenery through the windows, offers a peaceful and refreshing break.

Hours	Tue–Fri: 1:00 PM–7:00 PM Sat–Sun: 1:00 PM–8:00 PM Closed Mondays
Address	RAFRE FRUIT Seochon Branch 108 Ogin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (2F)
Access	Hotel Gracery Seoul: a 3-min. walk
URL	https://www.instagram.com/rafre_fruit/

100% Buckwheat Noodles Made In-House! Discover Gangnam Makguksu & Bossam

Just steps from Gangnam Station, Gangnam Makguksu & Bossam is known for its signature Deulgireum Makguksu—cold buckwheat noodles tossed in aromatic perilla oil. Made with pure buckwheat flour, the noodles have a simple yet rich flavor that’s perfectly balanced with crisp vegetables, kimchi, and dried seaweed. The result is a light yet satisfying dish that’s ideal for hot summer days. For extra satisfaction, pair it with their bossam—tender slices of boiled pork served with savory condiments. The combination of cool noodles and warm meat makes for a hearty and well-rounded meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Hours	11:00 AM–9:40 PM (Last order: 8:50 PM)
Address	1F, 28, Teheran-ro 1-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (826-37, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul)
Access	Hotel Gracery Seoul: Take Subway Line 2 (toward Gangnam) from City Hall Station and get off at Gangnam Station. The restaurant is about a 2-min. walk from Exit 5. Hotel Gracery Seoul: About 20 min. by taxi.
URL	https://www.instagram.com/gangnam_makguksu_bossam/

The Ultimate Summer Power Meal: Samgyetang from a Local Legend

With over 50 years of history, samdae samgyetang (3rd-Generation Ginseng Chicken Masters) is a renowned samgyetang specialist known for its thick, deeply flavorful broth simmered for three days. Each bowl features a whole young chicken stuffed with Korean ginseng, jujubes, and chestnuts, cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender. Versions with mugwort or mung beans offer extra health benefits, drawing long lines of locals looking to beat the summer heat. Located in the Gangnam area, the restaurant has won multiple Blue Ribbon awards and provides menus in Japanese—making it tourist-friendly too. Takeout is also available, perfect for enjoying in your hotel room.

Hours	11:00 AM–10:30 PM (Last order: 10:00 PM)
Address	56-3 Banpo-daero 28-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (1F)
Access	Hotel Gracery Seoul：Take Line 2 from City Hall Station, transfer to Line 3 at Euljiro 3-ga Station, and walk 5 min. from Exit 14 of Seoul Nat’l Univ. of Education (Gyodae) Station Hotel Gracery Seoul：About 25 min. by taxi
URL	https://www.instagram.com/3daesamgyejangiin/