Mangwon & Hapjeong망원·합정 · 로컬 가이드

Bestie tip · Eat in this order: kalguksu (knife noodles) at the back, then a hotteok, then the fried chicken by the kilo to take to the river. The Han is a 10 minute walk from the back exit.

Bestie tip · Put the cup on the machine's plate, press the button, wait about 3 minutes. Add an egg and cheese from the fridge.

Bestie tip · Ask for the kimchi on the side; it's free and refilled.

Bestie tip · Buy a cup of dakgangjeong and walk 15 minutes to the river for a picnic.

Bestie tip · Order the bukkake (cold) udon to taste the noodle itself.

Bestie tip · The menu is basically one bowl: just say how many and whether you want a large. Expect a line at lunch.

Bestie tip · Order the tori paitan with a seasoned egg, and use the waiting list outside if it is full.

Bestie tip · Order one udon and one donkkaseu for two people and share both.

Bestie tip · For two people, order a margherita plus one special and share.

Bestie tip · Ask for it spicy if you like heat, since the default is tuned milder for Korean diners.

Bestie tip · Get a burrito to go and eat it on the grass at Mangwon Hangang Park around sunset.

Bestie tip · Order the haejangguk and add a little of the chili paste on the table to taste.

Bestie tip · Order the medium bossam for two or three and wrap pork, kimchi and garlic in a cabbage leaf.

Bestie tip · Order the jambon beurre, ham and butter on baguette, and take it to the Han River park for a picnic.

Bestie tip · Order the deungsim (loin) katsu and go right at opening; the dining room is small.

Bestie tip · Get a small mixed platter (modeum hoe) to go and eat it at Mangwon Hangang Park, ten minutes away on foot.

Bestie tip · Order gomtang each, season it yourself with salt and green onion, and add a small plate of suyuk if you are two or more.

Bestie tip · Sit on the second floor by the windows. Hapjeong is the quiet neighbour of Hongdae; walk here along the back streets rather than the main road.

Bestie tip · Go early, as the popular breads often sell out by mid afternoon, and take a loaf to Mangwon Market or the river.

Bestie tip · Pick a table on the upper level, browse the shelves freely, and buy a book only if you fall for it.

Bestie tip · Ask which beans are on filter today and pair it with a cookie.

Bestie tip · Order their signature cream coffee; it comes thick and sweet, so skip the extra syrup.

Bestie tip · Ask for a Korean tea you have never had and let them walk you through the brewing.

Bestie tip · Buy a book or a postcard and read with a coffee upstairs.

Bestie tip · Pull three records you would never buy, then listen at your turntable seat.

Bestie tip · Pick two scoops and get one Korean flavour like black sesame or rice.

Bestie tip · Buy a couple of breads in the morning and walk them down to the river.

Bestie tip · Try the tomato bingsu if you are curious, or a strawberry one for a safe bet.

Bestie tip · Buy salt bread and take it down to the river.

Bestie tip · Choose from the glass case and pair a slice with a black coffee.

Bestie tip · Ask for the hand drip of the day and stay for a second cup.

Bestie tip · Convenience store by the entrance rents mats and sells ramyeon; use the hot-water machine, eat it on the steps. Delivery apps deliver to the park if you have a Korean number; otherwise bring the market chicken.

Bestie tip · Walk the path along the cliff edge toward Yanghwa Bridge for the view, then down to the river.

Bestie tip · Read the English plaques by the gate first; the stories make the walk.

Bestie tip · Bring a mat from a convenience store (they sell them) and order chicken delivery to the park.

Bestie tip · Combine it with a walk to Mangwon Hangang Park, 5 minutes away.

Bestie tip · Climb down into the submarine first; it is the tightest space and gets a queue later in the day.

Bestie tip · Do it right before Mangwon Market so you arrive at the market hungry.

Bestie tip · Walk it near sunset and keep going down to the Han River path toward Mangwon or Seogang Bridge.

Bestie tip · Download the Seoul Bike (따릉이) app; foreigners can pay with an overseas card and a day pass works too. Return to any dock.

Bestie tip · Check the schedule; many shows are in Korean, music needs no translation.

Bestie tip · Start with a tasting flight, then order a full glass of the one you liked best.

Bestie tip · Check their social page for that week's show or market, then come for a beer before it starts.

Bestie tip · Bring a book or take one from the shelf, order a cocktail from the literature menu and stay a while.

Bestie tip · Order the fried stuffed peppers first; they go with any beer or soju.

Bestie tip · Pick a cocktail from the book themed list and ask which title it comes from.

Bestie tip · Sit near the turntable and ask for a request; order wine by the glass.

Bestie tip · Pick up croquettes in the market first, then sit down for a draft beer.

Bestie tip · Order wine by the glass and a cheese or charcuterie plate to share.

Bestie tip · Order a highball and a couple of small plates rather than one big dish.

Bestie tip · Get a mix of plain and spicy charcoal chicken with a pitcher of draft.

Bestie tip · Sit at the counter and order a grilled skewer set with a highball.

Bestie tip · Start with the assorted skewers and draft beer, then add a hot dish.

Bestie tip · Ask whether they take song requests, then order another round.

Bestie tip · Ask for a glass recommendation and order one small plate to share.

Bestie tip · Order one hot soup dish and soju; anju portions are made to share.

Bestie tip · Tell the bartender what spirit you like and let them build something.