Just north of COEX (where Frieze is located), Cheongdam has steadily become Seoul’s latest art neighborhood. This month, Perrotin inaugurates their new space in the trendiest of spots by Dosan Park, following Gladstone’s expansion to Seoul and the opening of SongEun Art Space’s new Herzog & de Meuron-designed museum. If you’ve worked up an appetite after gallery hopping, Cheongdam is also home to my favorite restaurants – everything from Korean BBQ to sushi omakase and tteokbokki. Long considered Seoul’s luxury and fashion district, Cheongdam is also a good place to start shopping if you need a new outfit ahead of the Frieze parties.

I’ve organized the list below in the following order: art, bars & restaurants, coffee, then shops. Hope you enjoy my picks! We’ll keep updating this list as new places pop up.

–Gary Yeh

Perrotin Dosan Park

Emma Webster: Illuminarium

Aug 27, 2022  —  Oct 1, 2022

Perrotin opens a new gallery in the heart of glittering Gangnam with an equally dazzling show of new paintings by Emma Webster. Webster paints trippy landscapes in all the trendiest colors. Gorges, peaks, and forests emerge out of sickly greens, hazy blues, and worn-out ambers. It’s Dr. Seuss meets Caspar David Friedrich. But her good old-fashioned easel work has a surprisingly techie origin. She uses VR to map out the fantasy landscapes before turning to brushes and paint. (The 18th century English painter Gainsborough reportedly stuck broccoli stems in a flower pot for the same purpose). Webster leaves you wondering how our lofty views of unspoiled nature are complicated by the sinister spread of man-made artifice. 

Mon – Sun / 10am – 6pm

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SongEun Art Space

Summer Love

Aug 30, 2022  —  Sep 24, 2022

SongEun is best known for their annual Art Award which supports Korean contemporary artists with both group and solo exhibitions. For most of their history, they occupied a space tucked into a residential area of Cheongdam. Recently, however, they moved into a monolithic building that juts out from Dosan-daero. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, it’s worth a visit just for the architecture. Currently on view is Summer Love, featuring 13 young artists who have previously shown at SongEun over the past few years.

Mon – Sun / 11am – 6:30pm 

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Gladstone Gallery

Rirkrit Tiravanija: SUBMIT TO THE BLACK COMPOST

Aug 31, 2022  —  Oct 14, 2022

One of the most recent international galleries to plop down in Seoul, Gladstone features a slightly more conceptual program than others. Some of our favorites from their artist roster include Anicka Yi, Ed Atkins, and Jill Mulleady. During Frieze Seoul, you’ll find an exhibition by Rirkrit Tiravanija split across two floors. It’s a show that questions the human condition.

Tue – Fri / 11am – 7pm

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König Galerie

Matthias Weischer: Mirrors and Things

Sep 1, 2022  —  Oct 9, 2022

Sharing a space with fashion brand MCM, König occupies the top floor and rooftop with its program of international artists. Koo Jeong A, Elmgreen & Dragset, and Alicja Kwade are just a few of the artists that they represent. During Frieze Week, you’ll find a solo show of paintings by Matthias Weischer. They each involve an interior space with everyday objects and fun colors.

Tue – Sun / 11am – 7pm

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Atelier Hermès

19th Hermès Foundation Missulsang: Sungsil Ryu

Until  Oct 2, 2022

If you haven’t noticed, art and luxury fashion pairings are a theme in Cheongdam. That’s also the case with Atelier Hermès, which is located in the basement level of Hermès’ flagship store. They rotate through about four shows a year, and have a nice balance between bringing in international artists as well as supporting Korean artists through their annual art award. Currently on view is their 19th award, featuring Sungsil Ryu. And once you’re done seeing art, they have a nice cafe on the same floor (the orange juice is a must).

Mon – Sun / 11am – 7pm (closed Wed)

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Espace Louis Vuitton

Located at the very top of Louis Vuitton’s flagship store in Seoul, Espace Louis Vuitton is home to a rotating program of artwork borrowed from the collection of Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. The building itself was designed by Frank Gehry in his usual jagged style. Past exhibitions have featured Alberto Giacometti, Gerhard Richter, and Andy Warhol. Most recently, you might recall that they repurposed the space into a pop-up restaurant run by chef Pierre Sang. True to the space, they also had a painting by Park Seo-bo on view. Nothing on view during Frieze Week though.

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If the interactive map does not appear below, please refresh the page. Excuse us as we still work out the kinks to our website! 

Filleter (필레터)

Seafood + Wine Bar

A fairly new restaurant, Filleter is all about fish and fish friends. It’s got a sleek yet comfortable vibe, and includes bar seating where you can doze off into the cooking action. 

Mon – Thu / 6pm – 12am
Fri – Sat / 5:30pm – 12am

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Restaurant Dexter (레스토랑 덱스터)

French Cuisine

Super close to classic French flavors that are slightly more refined. Must try the whole chicken stuffed with mushrooms.  

Mon – Fri / 6pm – 1am
Sat – Sun / 5pm – 1am

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Sopung (소풍)

Korean Beef BBQ

No frills spot for good Korean beef and really good cod roe stew. Two men run the restaurant and you’ll likely find them watching kdramas on the tv.  

Mon – Sun / 5pm – 11pm

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Sushi Shimizu (스시 시미즈)

Sushi Omakase

Intimate spot for (possibly) my favorite sushi in Seoul. High quality ingredients without a stuffy vibe. Great variety of ceramics and plates too. 

Tue – Sat / 12pm – 9:30pm

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Jungsik Cafe (정식카페)

Brunch Cafe + Wine Bar

Located on the ground floor of Two Michelin Star restaurant Jungsik. A much more casual spot but still with great dishes like their chicken with tomato risotto. Their dessert is plucked straight from the Jungsik menu too – black sesame bingsu topped with their iconic Dolhareubang (Jeju stone statue).

Mon – Sun / 10am – 10pm

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Shokudokai (쇼쿠도카이)

Izakaya + Sake

Go with the course menu. Fried lotus root is usually one of the dishes, as well as mackerel sushi seared with charcoal. Look forward to the lime udon – you’ll be so full by then, but it’s a refreshing way to end the meal.

Mon – Sat / 6pm – 12am

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Mingles (밍글스)

Two Michelin Star Contemporary Korean

My favorite restaurant in Seoul. Unlike most fancy restaurants, I feel that Mingles is really welcoming and not too fancy. Stays true to a lot of classic Korean flavors with presentation that feels more homey. It’s additional, but highly recommend getting their guksu (warm noodle soup), served with banchan.

Tue – Sun / 12pm – 10pm

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Senzai Ryoku (센자이료쿠)

Casual Ramen

Fun spot for ramen with an exterior that takes you straight back to Japan. Order from a vending machine and all.

Mon – Sun / 11:30am – 9pm (3pm – 5pm break time)

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Zest (제스트)

Cocktail Bar

Rated no. 48 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. I don’t have as distinctive a palate when it comes to cocktails, but they’re good – and all my foodie friends swear by this place.

Mon – Fri / 6:30pm – 2am
Sat – Sun / 3pm – 2am

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Byeongang Soe Tteokbokki (병강쇠떡볶이)

Cheap, Classic Street Food

For a quick and cheap lunch (or late night snack), this place hits the perfect spot with not-too-spicy tteokbokki with fried squid and other dishes.

Mon – Sat / 11:30am – 12am

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Leesar Coffee (리사르커피)

Espresso Bar

Tucked into the residential area of Cheongdam, it’s easy to escape for a whole afternoon downing espresso. The affogatos are a must.

Mon – Sat / 10am – 7:30pm

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Lusso Coffee (커피루소)

Good for Working

This is my go-to spot for whenever I need to plug in my headphones and zone out for a serious work session. They roast their own beans but definitely on the pricier side. 

Mon – Sun / 10am – 9pm

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Camel Coffee (카멜커피)

Coffee with Cream

Young and trendy spot with coffee to satisfy any sweet tooth. Has outdoor seating as well for a good breeze while sipping on their brew.

Mon – Sun / 10am – 9pm

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Temporary Garden (임시정원)

Cafe + Flower Shop

One stop shop to get coffee (or a matcha latte), flowers, and wine. Their decor overflows with greenery. 

Mon – Sun / 11am – 11pm

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Sikijang (식기장)

Contemporary Ceramics

Similar to MO-NO-HA in our Itaewon Guide, but with a much greater variety. Featuring all things craft ceramic, glass, and metalware. 

Mon – Sat / 10am – 7pm
Sun / 12pm – 6pm

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BOONTHESHOP (분더샵 )

Luxury Department Store

The latest in international and Korean fashion all under one roof. Plus, they’ve recently started hosting art exhibitions. 

Mon – Sun / 11am – 8pm

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