*food diaries* 5 days in korea | best KBBQ, cafe hopping, shopping, beauty makeover, street food

If there's one place I've been dreaming of visiting for the past 5 years, it is South Korea. So the moment we landed, we went straight to the Michelin starred restaurant specializing in modern take on traditional Korean cuisine to try their famous soy marinated crab. But before we even get to the crabs, we have to talk about the side dishes. The panchans in Korea are on another level. They're so fresh, so delicate, and perfectly curated with whatever it is in season. The attention to detail in every tiny dish is insane. Now let's talk about the star of the show, the crab. If you've never had it before, imagine raw crab soaking in rich umami packed soy sauce or spicy marinade for days until the meat becomes super buttery soft. It absorbs all the deep savory flavors, making every bite silky, salty, and bursting with all the natural sweetness of the ocean. I have always loved this dish, but having it here? Next level. It was the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and umami. And when you mix that creamy roe with the hot rice? Game over. Dom and I couldn't stop eating, smiling, and just fully enjoying the moment because we knew this trip was going to be filled with incredible food. Before coming to Korea, I asked all my South Korean friends what are the absolute best things to do here, and they all said the same thing. Eat, shop, beauty, and visit cafes. So for our first day, we decided to do all of those and explore our neighborhood, Gangnam, and do exactly just that. I never really got why everyone told us to go cafe hopping in Korea, but now that I'm here, I totally understand. As someone who doesn't normally like sweets or coffee, I somehow ended up visiting so many cafes on this trip. What's crazy is that every cafe has its own unique style, theme, and signature drinks. Take Bunker Company for example, a total hidden gem. This industry-style cafe is known for homemade baked goods and high-quality in-house roast beans. We honestly weren't expecting much because let's be real, pretty desserts don't always taste great, but wow. The strawberry croissant, flaky on the outside, creamy on the inside, and not too sweet at all. The perfect bite. Cafes in Seoul feel like a little pause, a moment to breathe before heading off to do even more shopping. One cafe I've been dying to visit and have seen all over social media is Nooduck, located in the basement of the iconic Gentle Monster. They're known for their bold, artistic desserts, blending in high-end design with super creative pastries. Honestly, every drink and dessert here is a work of art. One thing I've noticed since coming to Korea is just how aesthetic everything is. The attention to detail isn't just the space itself, but in every single item on the menu. We ended up ordering a little bit of everything. Some were amazing, like these mini croissants. They were so flaky and so good. It tastes like mini croissant cereals. It's actually really yummy. It is like cereal. While others were a little bit too sweet for our taste. Very yummy, but very, very, very sweet. Overall, I would say this cafe is more of an experience rather than a must-visit for the actual food and drinks, but still, it was such a fun stop and a perfect little break before heading out for more exploring and shopping. After walking around all day, we had to check out another TikTok famous restaurant for dinner. This place is known for their unique take on traditional Korean barbecue. They specialize in a 9-section barbecue platter, and trust me, this was next level. We got their beef brisket platter where they cook everything right in front of you. And let's be real, food always tastes better when someone else cooks it for you. They start off by torching and sautéing buttery-thin sliced beef brisket with water spinach, letting the beef release all of its rich flavorful oils, then add in fresh scallops which soaks up all that umami-packed beef oil, making everything even more flavorful, before tossing in seasonal vegetables. The key to this dish is variety. You get fresh, crunchy veggies, tangy fermented kimchi, and perfectly balanced flavors and textures in every single bite. But the real star of the show, this silky egg mixture that's poured right into the center. I have never seen eggs cooked like this before, and I'm 100% recreating this when I get home. First, they torch the eggs to get that light, smoky char, and then they cover it right away, letting the steam create the fluffiest, almost souffle-like egg that's infused with all that rich, beefy, smoky flavors. To eat it, you take a thin pancake and layer everything together for the perfect bite. My first thought? Why have I not tried this before? Warning, it is super, super hot, so maybe don't be like us and shove everything into your mouth, even though we do not regret it because it was totally worth it. But every ingredient was so perfectly balanced, I literally could not stop eating it. We also got their torch beef sushi, which melted in our mouths, but the whole time I was thinking to save room for kimchi fried rice, and let me tell you, best decision ever. The next day was another foodie-packed adventure, and we started off by visiting a cute little restaurant called Grandma's Recipe, a place that I've been dying to try because they specialize in recreating the taste of home-cooked meals. And if you know me, you know how much I love my mom and my grandma's recipes, so I was so excited for this one. Right off the bat, I was super impressed with the side dishes. Everything was perfectly seasoned, fresh, and made me so excited to dig into my rice. Dong got the bulgogi bibimbap, and he literally said it was one of the best bibimbap he has ever tried. And for me, one thing about me is that if I ever see fish on the menu, I have to order it, no question asked, especially for breakfast, so of course I got the grilled fish combo. And wow, this was absolutely perfect, especially paired with the side dishes. Everything here was simple, homey, and so delicious, plus the food came out super super fast, which is always a win. So if you're in the area, I highly highly recommend checking this place out. But don't eat too much, because you have to save room for dessert. Trust me on this one. Just a few blocks away, we checked out one of my absolute favorite cafes from this trip, and oh my goodness, the pastries here are so delicious. I literally wanted to order everything because it all looked so yummy, but of course, I had to get their famous creamy stuffed salt bread, a beer-y scone, and one thing about me I can never say no to, strawberry desserts. Right off the bat, I have to say, if you ever visit Korea, please please please try their salt bread. They're so soft, so buttery, and just the right amount of savoriness. But what really impresses me is that most of the cafes in Korea are actually baked in-house. From fluffy milk bread to flaky croissants, each spot has its own signature drinks, and let's talk about the cafes themselves. Always so beautiful and stunning. Honestly, I think I might dedicate a whole day next time I come visit just cafe-hopping and trying all the different types of pastries. Shopping day! They say you never really know someone until you've traveled with them, and honestly, this is so true. Dom and I have been together for almost 10 years now, yet every time we travel, we learn so much more about each other. We've been through it all. Missed flights, wrong turns, late night exhaustions, getting pickpocketed in Paris, but weirdly enough, those are moments that stick with you the most, and the ones that turn into the best stories. But what I am most grateful for is how much Dom and I share the same love for food. Our trips are basically us just chasing the best local eats. Like these insanely delicious glutinous rice cakes that were super soft and chewy mochi stuffed with whole fresh fruits. The moment you take a bite, the fresh fruit literally bursts into your mouth. It was so, so refreshing. Highly highly recommend getting at least two a person because one was definitely not enough. And right around the corner, you have to try the famous salt bread. This place is known for making the butteriest, flakiest salt bread ever, and the wait was so so worth it. Finally trying the famous salt bread from this shop. My friend says it's the best thing ever. First bite! They use premium Canadian wheat and certified fresh butter, which creates the softest, fluffiest interior with that perfectly crisp crust. If you ever see this spot, run, don't walk, because this might just be the best thing I have ever put in my mouth. I think the spice is better than any other croissant I've ever had. And finally, before heading back for more shopping and more exploring, we took a little break at Birch Coffee, a spot that we randomly stumbled across, and wow, what a find. It's actually originated from New York, and this is their first flagship shop outside of US. And of course, we had to try their sole exclusive Birch Blend, and let me tell you, this was possibly one of the best cold brews we have ever had. It was non-acidic, nutty, full body with a splash of their homemade sweet cream. It was perfection. Dom actually ended up getting two cups of this cold brew because it was that good. One of my all-time favorite K-dramas is Let's Eat, and I'll always remember this one episode where they had grilled unagi for dinner, and it literally stuck with me forever. I have never seen grilled saltwater unagi served anywhere else in the world, so the moment I landed in South Korea, I knew this was one of the first stops that I had to try. The unagi is slightly salted and grilled right in front of you over charcoal. As it sizzles, it gets smoky, savory flavor, and the skin crisps up beautifully while the inside stays super tender, buttery, and melts in your mouth. It's actually considered a delicacy in Korea, especially in the summer because it's packed with protein omega-3s and believed to have restored energies and fight off fatigue. I honestly thought that it would taste kind of similar to Japanese unagi, but it totally surprised me. The crispiness kind of reminds me of something between pork belly and grilled fish. It is so good on its own, but it's next level when wrapped in lettuce or pearl leaf with gochujang and raw garlic. Ugh, this was perfection. We also ordered grilled butter abalone, and oh my goodness, this was unreal. It was so, so fresh. They grill it fresh right in front of you, score it, and add a little bit of butter to it. It smells sweet and nutty as it cooks, and the texture is so, so tender with just a little bit of crispy edges. The butter really brings out the natural, ocean-y sweetness in the best way possible. Honestly, this was mind-blowing and a K-drama dream come true. Good morning. Let's go on a 10K run. We're going to the famous market today. Let's head out. If you thought we had good food already, just wait because we're about to have even more yummy food. Today, we're visiting Gwangchang Suseong, one of Korea's most iconic traditional street markets packed with all kinds of mouth-watering food. Okay, yes, I know some people think this place is a tourist trap, but honestly, you can trap me in here all day, any day. The second you walk in, you're hit with the smell of sizzling food and it's cooking up a store in an endless stall, making you want to try everything. This is mung bean pancakes, and they grind down the mung bean pancakes, pan fry it fresh. First thing on my list was the crispy mung bean pancakes, made fresh right in front of you. Ground mung beans pan fried until golden and crispy on the edges. It was crunchy, savory, and so, so satisfying. I could probably eat 10 of these. Then came the Netflix famous hand-cut noodles, and shockingly, there was no line at all. The noodles were hand-cut on the spot, kneaded, rolled in, and sliced by hand. The broth was warm, delicate, and seriously felt like a warm hug in a bowl. Simple, comforting, and paired with kimchi, chef's kiss. Next, I had to talk about the twisted donuts, and oh my goodness, these are actually life-changing. So worth the line. Finally! They're light, chewy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. One bite and I knew I had to go back for seconds, 100% worth the hype and worth the line. We kept the food train going by trying Korean-style sashimi, which was really, really fresh and delicious, especially when you pair it with a spicy gochujang dip. Then we had warm, gooey hadduck stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts. I honestly thought I was in heaven. And of course, I had to get tteokbokki and sundae, the classic combo. The rice cakes were so soft and bouncy, and perfectly coated with the spicy, sweet sauce, and the sundae added that rich, earthy flavor that I love. First time trying blood sausage. Mmm! Tasty! We ended everything with fresh grape juice smoothie, aka the perfect palate cleanser. It was so fresh and yummy, before going back for more twisted donuts. My stomach was so full, my heart was even bolder, and everyone in the market was so kind and warm. 100% I'll be visiting more markets next time I visit South Korea. Hi friends, from future Tiffy here. As you guys know, one of my goals in 2025 is to learn a new language. As someone who spends so, so much time watching K-dramas, eating Korean food, and spoiler, I have the best time in South Korea that I will 100% be coming back again. I was so, so grateful to have Rosetta Stone by my side for my language learning journey, and I will 100% be continuing it for my next trip as well. This trip, I was able to actually not just rely on translations, but instead able to tackle real-world conversations, which is what I love the most about Rosetta Stone. Their dynamic, immersive approach helps you learn faster and retrain more by using pictures, native speaking audio, and interactive activities. Plus, the Rosetta Stone app makes it so easy to learn on the go. Lessons are as short as 5 minutes, so you can actually squeeze them in between meetings or on your commutes. Their True Accent technology is also able to compare your speech to native speakers, offering personalized guidance to perfect your pronunciation. I am so excited for my next trip already, and now more than ever, I'm feeling so inspired to continue my language learning journey, so next time I come back, I'll feel even more connected to the community as well as the culture. If learning a new language is also on your bucket list, make sure to check out my exclusive discount link in my description or scan the QR code on the screen. You can get over 60% off lifetime subscriptions, which gives you access to 25 languages for life. Huge thanks to Rosetta Stone for partnering with me for this video, making me feel so inspired and supported throughout this whole trip. Now, let's get back to the food. Going up the cable car. Of course, we had to stop by one of the most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods in Korea, known for its endless shopping, beauty stores, and yes, so much street food. Okay, I'm gonna keep it real. This is definitely a little bit of a tourist trap. Dom and I are in our 30s now, and it was a lot. Very packed and very, very overly stimulating, but honestly, we still had so much fun. We spent hours walking around, shopping, and trying all kinds of classic touristy eats such as the cheesy corn dog, the stretchy mozzarella, warm and fluffy egg bread that was more of a dessert than a savory dish. And of course, sweet and crunchy tanghulu. Basically, if you've seen it go viral online, it's probably here. It's actually a really good tanghulu. It's really crunchy. Beyond all the food, this place is also known as a shopping paradise. I personally enjoy shopping way more in Gangnam because it's way less busy, but every store that you can think of is definitely here. Our favorite store is for sure the Nike store. We got custom-designed t-shirts where you can choose the color, style, graphics, and they print it out in less than 20 minutes. Would we go here again? Maybe, but if it's your first time in Seoul, 100%, it is worth checking out. It's currently 10 p.m. We're gonna order some takeout, go to the convenience store to pick up some beer and some snacks, and have dinner in our room. All bundled up. Hi guys. It is currently 9 a.m. Yesterday, I accidentally broke my nail. So, we're gonna go get our nails done here in Korea, and then I'm also gonna go try to get some coffee and some breakfast. So, let's head out and explore together. Side note, as a female traveler, I used to get so nervous walking around new cities by myself, but honestly, everyone here in Seoul was so kind and so welcoming. I felt super, super safe exploring on my own. I wandered around the streets, popped into little cafes, treated myself to a slice of the fluffiest strawberry shortcake, and of course, iced Americano, a.k.a. South Korea's unofficial national drink, and just sat there and people watched. I ended up spending a solid four hours on my own, and I had so much fun. I used to feel really awkward eating out by myself, but now it feels like such a comforting, self-healing thing to do. Maybe it was because the kimchi jjigae I found that day was hands down one of the best I have ever had. It was spicy, cozy, and packed with flavor. But honestly, there is something so peaceful about enjoying a meal alone, treating yourself to something yummy, and being totally present in the moment. The lunch was so, so good. I'm walking back now to meet up with Dom, and we're going to head out to the village today! Today is going to be a full day of cafe hopping in one of my favorite neighborhoods here in Seoul. This place honestly feels like a secret, tucked away from the busy streets filled with winding alleyways, old homes, and the dreamiest little cafes around every corner. It's quiet, it's cozy, and so full of character, a beautiful mix between past and present. Our first stop was Soha Salt Pond. One of the most well-known bakeries in the area. They're famous for their salt bread, and honestly, I get it. It's soft, it's warm, it's a little bit crisp on the outside, and perfectly salty in the best way. I've tried so many salt breads so far in Korea, and honestly, every single one has been delicious. Every single cafe and shop here feels like a scene from a movie. The warm lighting, the soft music, the thoughtfully designed interiors. There are endless options here, and somehow every spot is so aesthetically pleasing. Whether you're into minimalist spaces or cozy vintage vibes, there's something for everyone here. Walking through the alleyways honestly felt like flipping through pages of a lifestyle magazine, but in real life. Remember how I said I can never say no to salt bread? Well, this cafe might just be my number one cafe for salt bread. It is that good. Every time I walk by, if there's less than 10 people in line, I am lining up. No question asked. My stomach will always have room for salt bread here. The outside is crispy, the inside is buttery and soft, and the balance of salty and sweet is just chef's kiss. They also had fresh Jeju orange juice here, and I'm not even kidding, this was probably one of the best orange juice I have ever had. So simple, so fresh, and just so satisfying. The last stop of the day was Cafe Onion, and oh my goodness, this place has been on my bucket list forever. The moment we stepped inside, it felt like we were transported into a complete different time. They actually turned a 100-year-old traditional Korean home into a cafe, blending old-school architecture with simple modern touches, and it somehow just works perfectly. Okay, now let's talk about the food. There were so many pastry options. Seriously, I was overwhelmed in the best way possible. But since we already had so many sweets, I ended up going with a savory pesto pizza and a super refreshing yuzu tea. But trust me, I am 100% going to be coming back next time for the sweet pastries because they looked delicious. Sitting on floor cushions under those beautifully aged wooden beams in the softest breeze and quiet all around, it honestly felt so peaceful, like truly a core memory kind of moment. Getting our first ever scalp treatment here in Korea. Are you excited? Should be relaxing. We're going to go have some Korean barbecue after this. Our scalp is going to smell like barbecue, but... As someone who has always been super passionate about scalp help, getting a proper scalp treatment here in South Korea was honestly a dream. It felt like one of those things that I just had to experience, and I'm so glad that Dom and I got to do it together. They start off with a super detailed scalp analysis using a tiny camera to see your scalp close up. Kind of wild, but also really, really cool. Based on the result, they personalize everything based on whether your scalp needs help with more dryness, oiliness, or buildup. Luckily, Dom and I both had pretty healthy scalps, so for today's session, we focus on hair growth. They start off with a deep cleanse and exfoliation that honestly felt like they were scrubbing my stress away. They went through every single layer. Then came the steam therapy, and it was so, so relaxing that Dom and I fell asleep right away. It was then followed up by the gentlest scalp massage and another round of deep cleaning. They finish off with microneedling and nourishing syrup to help encourage hair follicle growth. We both literally fell asleep mid-treatment, so I kind of forgot to vlog some of the process, but it was so, so relaxing. I totally recommend doing one if you're ever in Korea. The skin on your scalp deserves just as much love as the skin on your face. Currently walking to Olive Young to do a late night shopping. I'm going to get some sheet masks, and also I burned my forehead, so I want to go get some whitening cream. Dom and I fell asleep once we finished our hair treatment. It was so, so relaxing, but let's go pick up some sheet masks, and then we're going to head to late night barbecue. I'm about to show you my favorite meal from this trip, and I'm not even exaggerating when I say Dom and I both agree we would 100% fly back to Seoul just to eat here again. It was that good. This spot specializes in Korean barbecue, and it's actually right across from our hotel. We've been eyeing it since the first day we checked in, and I'm so glad we trusted our gut and finally went. You start off by heading to the butcher counter to choose your own cut of meat, and based on your pick, the chef will then curate the side dishes to complement your selection. The meat here, the quality is insane, and there's endless options that you can choose for. They then grill it right at the table, and each server somehow juggles five grills at a time, yet every cut comes out perfect. It's smoky, it's tender, it's juicy, and all you need is a dab of wasabi or sea salt, and it's the best bite of meat you'll ever have. Hands down the best Korean barbecue we have ever had in our life. The side dishes here were also insanely delicious. I highly recommend it. I can't believe they had raw crab as one of the selections. And then there's their raw beef bibimbap. Thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned raw beef, paired with warm rice, fresh chives, roasted seaweed, and topped with a raw egg yolk. I don't even know how to describe how fresh and tender everything was. It was perfectly balanced, so so flavorful. We actually came back again before our flight just to have another bowl because it was absolutely delicious. This was an unforgettable dinner experience that I highly highly recommend for you to check out if you ever visit Seoul. This is the most tender beef I've ever had in my life. I'm shocked. So I've been doing the same makeup my whole life, so I really wanted to treat myself to an everyday makeup session. And not just with anyone, but with a professional makeup artist who has actually done so many Korean celebrities' makeup as well. Right away, the biggest thing I noticed was how much time she spent on my skin prep. I've always struggled with dry skin, and her trick was to really focus on hydration to create a smooth, glowy base before any makeup goes on. One tip that I really love was instead of using a heavy foundation, she mixed a light BB cream with a little bit of highlighter to give that natural glow from within. And instead of kicking on concealer right away, she actually waited until the very very end just to touch up a little tiny bit of imperfection. This gave a very soft and natural finish to my skin. Honestly, just watching her work was my favorite part. I usually hate getting my makeup done because I feel like it doesn't come out right. However, she did such an amazing job. She said the key isn't to change your features, but instead to enhance what you already have. At the end, she let me take a photo of every product she used so I could pick them out at Olive Young, and yes, I definitely went on another mini shopping spree right after this. My skin has never felt more moisturized and glowy, and thank you so much to my friend Annie for recommending her makeup artist. This was such a fun experience. I'll include her information down below, and I learned so so so much, so I highly recommend checking it out. This is the completed look! I'm very impressed with the skin makeup, and the eye makeup, and the hair actually looks really good. I'm very happy. The last thing on my South Korea bucket list, and one that I was secretly most excited for, was renting a hanbok and walking around the palace. And I'm not kidding when I say it ended up being one of the most magical things I have ever done. Like one of those core memories that you know you're going to carry with you forever. There are hanbok rentals everywhere, right by the palace, and the whole process was really easy and really fast. They helped us choose the color, the styles, and matched us together, and got us dressed, did our hair, and somehow made the whole thing feel effortless and dreamy in less than 10 minutes. Yes, she did this hairstyle in less than 10 minutes. Oh, and a little fun tip. When you actually wear a hanbok, you actually get to go to the palace for free, which made the whole experience feel even more special. The palace itself felt like stepping into another world. It was calm, grand, and so, so beautiful. I walked around just breathing it all in, feeling completely present. Lately, with social media, it can feel like everyone is constantly going somewhere or doing something amazing, and it's easy to get caught up in that. But standing in that palace, dressed in a hanbok, surrounded by history and beauty, I just felt so, so lucky. Like, what a blessing it is to be able to travel, to try new food, to meet strangers, and to learn a new culture. I know this might sound dramatic, but this trip honestly healed a part of me. After my birthday this year, I just felt very lost. I didn't know what was next, and navigating grief while trying to stay creative just felt very heavy. And yes, I know, I am so, so lucky and so grateful to have a type of job that gives me space to feel things, to create my own timeline, but I also felt very uninspired because all I wanted to do was just hide under my blanket and cry. But being in Seoul, being a new place, surrounded by so much energy, so much life, and so much food, like this bowl of gamjatang that ended up being one of the best I've ever had in my life. It was rich, it was bold, it was spicy in that warm, comforting way that makes your cheeks a little bit flushed, but you can't stop eating it. The pork was fall-off-the-bone tender, and the potatoes soaked up all the delicious flavor. And the broth, the broth, don't get me started on it, it was deep, it was savory, with the perfect balance of spice and umami. It hit in all the right ways, especially on a freezing winter day. It was exactly what my body and soul needed in that moment, being wrapped in the coziest blanket, but edible. And I think that's what life is sometimes, finding tiny moments of peace in unexpected places, letting yourself fake it until you make it, reminding yourself that there's still so much more to live for. Did I cry when I got back from this trip? Yes, a lot. But it was okay, because those five days in Seoul gave my heart a little breathing room. It gave me joy, food, adventure, healing, and it came back a tiny bit stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically. So I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being here, for watching me, for supporting me, for being part of this messy, beautiful journey. And thank you, Seoul, for being the kindest host for your people, your flavors, your culture. I'll definitely be back soon, and I already can't wait.