The Best Things To See And Do In Guui Seoul

In a city of blazing lights, futuristic skyscrapers and chaotic crowds, there’s a welcome relief for travelers in exploring some of Seoul’s quieter neighborhoods. Guui is a neighborhood located within the Gwangjin district just a little north of the Han River on the city’s east side. Throughout the Guui neighborhood, a laid-back vibe can be felt along the streets and in the the shops. Read on to discover some of the spots that make up Guui’s easy-going atmosphere.

1. JA:All cafe

Cafe, Korean

Seoul practically overflows with coffee shops. In Guui, there are plenty of options to meet your java needs, including JA:All cafe. JA:All’s interior is small, but the bright, airy atmosphere makes up for its size. Grab a magazine from a nearby stack and settle into one of the cushioned wooden chairs with a frothy mint mochaccino.

2. 3 Cafe

Cafe, Korean

The decor of 9.3 Cafe is rustic with wooden tables and chairs upholstered in soft tan vinyl. Silver metal snowflake light fixtures hang from the ceiling. On the menu, there’s a variety of beverages: espressos, frappes, lattes and teas. In some Korean coffee shops, the music blares making conversation a bit problematic, but at 9.3 Cafe, the atmosphere is quiet enough to power up one’s laptop and work on that travel memoir or get absorbed in a good book.

3. Rice One

Restaurant

Rice One

Passing by the plump kitchen chef statue outside of Rice One buffet restaurant is enough to tempt one’s curiosity and venture inside for some Korean grub. Inside, the décor is simple yet comfortable. Long counters are lined up against the windows, while in the middle of the restaurant, brightly colored tables are arranged cafeteria style. On the opposite side of the room is where a Korean feast awaits – diners can fill their plates full of kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, dried anchovies, vegetable pancake and spinach salad. It gets busy during the week’s peak lunch hours, so be prepared to wait a little while for a seat.

Rice One, 20 Guui ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea, +82 2 456 9296

Kimbap and Flour | Courtesy of Rebecca Biage

4. Kimbap and Flour

Diner

Kimbap and Flour

For a hearty Korean meal, Kimbap and Flour will leave your hunger pangs satisfied. It serves up Korean cuisine in a diner-style setting, with highlight dishes being the dolsot bibimbap and donkkaseu. Bibimbap is one of the most colorful Korean dishes, consisting of rice, sautéed veggies, chili pepper paste and topped off with a fried egg, all served up in a sizzling stone bowl. Donkkaseu is a robust meal of a pork cutlet smothered in sauce accompanied by rice and shredded cabbage. You’ll leave Kimbap and Flour feeling full and maybe even a bit more like a Guui native.

Kimbap and Flour, 243-12 Guui dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea, +82 2 2201 5477

5. Guui Park

Building, Gym, Park

Guui Park

If you’re short on time and unable to hike one of the mountains on the outskirts of Seoul, then an outing to Guui Park should not be overlooked. Located across the street from both Dong Seoul bus terminal and the vast TechnoMart electronics building, Guui Park is filled with exercise enthusiasts during the evening making their umpteenth lap around the track, couples canoodling on park benches and rowdy youngsters climbing the jungle gym equipment. It’s best to visit in the morning hours to enjoy the park’s ambience.

Guui Park, across from Dong Seoul bus terminal and TechnoMart, Seoul, South Korea
Before departing Seoul for your next adventure, be sure to squeeze in an afternoon exploring Guui.

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