An honest 5-day eating itinerary across Myeongdong, Gwangjang, Hongdae and Gangnam, with mandatory K-ETA, prices in KRW and USD, three Michelin stars and the table etiquette no guidebook spells out.
An honest 5-day eating itinerary across Myeongdong, Gwangjang, Hongdae and Gangnam, with mandatory K-ETA, prices in KRW and USD, three Michelin stars and the table etiquette no guidebook spells out.
K-ETA is mandatory for U.S., U.K., Canadian, Australian and most EU passport holders since September 2021: USD 7, approval within 72h via k-eta.go.kr, valid 3 years, multiple entries up to 90 days per visit. Passport with 6 months validity. Without K-ETA, Korean Air and Asiana will deny check-in.
No nonstop Brazil route is needed for North American readers: JFK-ICN on Korean Air or Asiana flies direct in 14h for USD 1,400–2,400. LAX-ICN sits at USD 1,100–1,900. Book 90–120 days out for the floor. 2026 FX: KRW 1,350 per USD.
Casual K-BBQ in Hongdae runs KRW 25,000–40,000 per person (USD 18–30) with unlimited banchan, samgyeopsal or galbi and soju at KRW 2,500 a bottle. Maple Tree House and Saemaeul Sikdang set the bar without sliding into tourism.
Mingles in Gangnam (3 Michelin stars since 2024) charges KRW 280,000 per person for the tasting (USD 207). Reservations open 2–4 months ahead via Catch Table or direct email. Jungsik and La Yeon sit at the same tier.
Tosokchon Samgyetang serves ginseng chicken with sticky rice at KRW 22,000 (USD 16). It was President Park Chung-hee's regular spot in Jongno. The 1–2 pm lunch crush brings a 40-minute line.
An honest 5-day eating itinerary across Myeongdong, Gwangjang, Hongdae and Gangnam, with mandatory K-ETA, prices in KRW and USD, three Michelin stars and the table etiquette no guidebook spells out.
