7 Of The Most Unusual Dining Experiences In Seoul

Being a city of 10 million, it’s no surprise that restaurants and cafés in South Korea’s capital city need to come up with quirky concepts to stand out from the crowd and attract customers. This list includes the seven most unusual dining experiences in Seoul.

1. Ryunique

Restaurant, Fusion

Ryunique in Seoul made it onto Asia’s Top 50 Restaurant list in 2015 and it’s not hard to see why. After working in Michelin establishments around the globe, chef Ryu opened up his own restaurant in Seoul in 2011. Located in Seoul’s Garosugil neighborhood, the restaurant is easy to get to, but booking in advance is recommended! The menu changes with the seasons incorporating Korean classics with a twist. In fall, for instance, the 12-course menu includes dishes like Foie Gras’, ‘Hibiscus Scallop Patty’ and ‘The Quail Nostalgia’, the chef’s signature dish.

Ryunique Fall Course Menu © Linda Dunsmore

2. Le Noir Seoul

Restaurant, Fusion, Beer

Attached to Seoul’s number one escape room, the Vault, you’ll find one of the most iconic dining experiences: dinner in the dark. At Le Noir, you need to trust your remaining four senses while exploring the restaurant’s delicious menu in complete darkness. You’ll find things like salads, pasta dishes and juicy steaks reasonably priced on the menu here. If you are looking to try something new, you should definitely head to this place in Hongdae.

3. 또옹카페 Poop Cafe

Cafe, Dessert, Coffee, Contemporary

Located in Insadong’s arts and craft market, the “Poop Cafe” is one of those things you shouldn’t miss when in Seoul. Order a delicious latte and drink it out of a mini toilet or have some homemade waffles shaped like a pile of poop. While there are a couple of other similar cafés around in Asia, there’s only one that does it tastefully.

4. Lotte World Tower Café 123

Restaurant, Contemporary, Coffee

The newly opened Lotte World Tower, also the tallest building in Seoul, boasts five observation floors from which you have 360 degree views of the city. If you fancy, you can even have a meal or grab a coffee on the top floor at Café 123. As the name implies, the café is located on the 123th floor claiming to be the closest point to the moon in Seoul.

Lotte World Tower Café 123 © Linda Dunsmore

5. Dr. Fish Café

Cafe, Contemporary

Ever wanted to grab a bite to eat with fish nibbling on your feet? This is not at all strange in Seoul! Dr. Fish allows you to forget all your troubles with some good food, coffee and a fish spa. In case you don’t know, these little fish nibble off the dead skin from your feet. Don’t worry, they don’t have any teeth and you’ll only feel a tickle.

6. Blind Alley

Cafe, Contemporary, Coffee

Located close to Ehwa Women’s University, Blind Alley is a place for animal lovers. There are plenty of dog and cat cafés all over Seoul but what about a chance to grab some food or a good coffee while watching and playing with lovely raccoons? Blind Alley makes your dreams come true with two lovely raccoons waiting for you to feed and pet them. The food and drinks are also delicious and the prices are reasonable!