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K-Drama Food Spots For The Best Chuseok Celebration

Chuseok is South Korea‘s thanksgiving day, one of the busiest holidays when many Koreans go back to their hometowns or go on a trip with family. If you don’t like to go through the holiday rush, especially with the risk of getting stuck in traffic, one of the best ways to celebrate Chuseok is by dining out in the city. And we’ve turned to our favorite K-dramas for the best restaurants and cafes to hang out in the coming holidays.

Check out these K-drama food spots in and around Seoul for the most delicious Chuseok celebration!

 

 

Hanok Tea House (Insadong, Seoul)

Hanok Tea House Insadong via Instagram / Tale of the Nine Tailed via Viu

If you’re going for a traditional Chuseok celebration, the perfect place to be is Hanok Tea House in Insadong—also known as The Snail Bride Restaurant, where Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-wook) enjoys traditional meals in Tale of the Nine Tailed. The interior is stylish and cozy, overlooking a lovely courtyard. There’s also an ondol room with low tables so you can totally feel the traditional ambiance. Some of the notable menu items are traditional Korean teas, hangwa (traditional confectionery), rice cakes, and porridge—which are common traditional food items in Chuseok. 

Location: 9 Insadong 12-gil, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Featured in: Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020)

 

 

Hanchaedang (Hanam, Gyeonggi-do)

The Penthouse via Viu

More on the upscale side, this restaurant is the typical K-drama setting for clandestine meetings between men in coats and ties. In real life, Hanchaedang is the best place to indulge in traditional and royal cuisine and also learn about Korean culture. Tradition meets modern with its hanok architecture and elegant, spacious interiors that feel much like a royal palace. Fittingly, the restaurant specializes in hanjeongsik or Korean full-course meals with at least 10 dishes, including appetizers and desserts. 

Location:  38 Misadong-ro, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do

Featured in:
The Penthouse (2020)
Awaken (2020)
Dr. Romantic (2016)

 

 

Ssangdaepo (Yongsan, Seoul)

Ssangdaepo Restaurant via Instagram / Sky Castle via Viu

Ssangdaepo gave us the best image of what a true local Korean experience is like. A cramped yet cozy local eatery where local workers gather around small metal grill tables and pour each other soju—or their hearts out. Wooden walls and beams overlaid with posters, photographs, and lots of celebrity autographs. It’s not the most stylish restaurant but, as K-dramas have shown us, it’s a great place to get together with friends. Go here for a Chuseok celebration if you just want to casually enjoy the holiday with various grilled meat specialties and soju.  

Location: 95, Cheongpa-dong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Featured in:
Sky Castle (2018)
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)
Secret Garden (2010)
Boys Over Flowers (2009)

 

Restaurant Small Town / Jageun Maeul (Seongbuk, Seoul)

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo via Viu

Who could forget the family restaurant Bok Chicken in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo? A lot of fun and heartwarming scenes were filmed here, and the building itself is also quite memorable—a red-brick house covered with flowering vines. Don’t expect Bok’s fried chicken here, though. The real-life restaurant specializes in Korean comfort food such as meat rice bowls and stews, which are also perfect dishes to enjoy during Chuseok. 

Location: 산1-342 Jeongneung 3(sam)-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Featured in: Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)

 

 

Coffeesmith (Hongdae, Seoul)

Coffeesmith Hongdae via Coffeesmith / It’s Alright, This Is Love via Viu

Want to just lie back with a good book and coffee during the holiday? Head to Coffeesmith, a stylish cafe aptly situated in the hip and bustling neighborhood of Hongdae. It stands out with its tall glass facade and vibrant interiors, a nice place to appreciate a sunny day from the inside. Indulge in delicious coffee, colorful cakes, and pastries like macaroons and waffles. The cafe also features internationally inspired drinks worth trying such as Vietnamese coffee, sangria, and fruit shakes.

Location: 82 Wausan-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Featured in:
I Am Not a Robot (2017)
It’s Alright, This Is Love (2014)

 

Download the Viu app now and watch the K-dramas featuring these restaurants!

 

Find more activities you can enjoy during the holidays on KKday.

 

*Featured image via Hanok Tea House Insadong / Viu

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