Embracing the Leisurely Seoul Brunch Scene
As a self-proclaimed brunch enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of late mornings filled with delectable dishes and strong cups of coffee. But when I landed in Seoul, the city’s vibrant brunch culture quickly captured my heart (and my taste buds). From traditional Korean flavors to creative fusion fare, the best brunches in Seoul are a feast for the senses.
Exploring the Late-Opening Phenomenon
One of the first things I noticed about Seoul’s brunch scene is that the cafes and restaurants don’t exactly operate on an early bird schedule. As I wandered the streets of Gangnam, near the Sinsa neighborhood, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why do these places open so late?”
According to a post on the r/korea subreddit, this late-opening phenomenon is quite common in the city. Even doctor’s offices seem to prefer a leisurely 10 or 11 AM start time. It’s as if the entire city has collectively decided that mornings are for sleeping in and afternoons are for fueling up on delicious brunch.
Kimchi Jjigae: The Comfort Food of Brunch
As I delved deeper into the Seoul brunch scene, I discovered that Korean flavors reign supreme. One dish that kept popping up on menus was the beloved kimchi jjigae, a comforting stew that’s quite the departure from your typical Western brunch fare.
According to Hyosun Ro, the blogger behind Korean Bapsang, kimchi jjigae is the “most beloved jjigae in Korea.” Growing up, she remembers her mother making massive batches of kimchi during the annual kimjang (or gimjang) tradition, which would then be used to create endless variations of stews, soups, and more throughout the winter.
While the classic version features fatty pork, Ro also notes that the dish can be made with just anchovy broth, which was the way she enjoyed it as a child. The key is using well-fermented, sour kimchi, which adds a depth of flavor that truly makes this stew shine.
As I sipped my first spoonful of kimchi jjigae at a charming neighborhood cafe, I was instantly transported. The rich, spicy broth and tender, kimchi-infused pork pieces were exactly the comforting, flavor-packed start to the day that I didn’t know I needed. It’s no wonder this dish is a brunch staple in Seoul – it’s the perfect way to fuel up and embrace the leisurely mornings.
Banchan Brilliance: Korean Side Dishes Steal the Spotlight
But kimchi jjigae isn’t the only Korean brunch star. In fact, the real showstoppers might just be the banchan, or small side dishes, that often accompany a traditional Korean meal.
As Hooni Kim, author of “My Korea,” explains, a typical Korean meal can feature anywhere from 5 to 12 of these little dishes, each offering a unique flavor profile to complement the main course. And while banchan are more commonly served as dinner accompaniments, some, like the savory-sweet black bean dish, have found their way onto Seoul’s brunch menus.
I first stumbled upon this black bean banchan, known as kong jaban or kongjang, when I was desperately searching for a protein-packed breakfast to fuel my day of exploring. What I found was a revelation – the firm, flavorful beans, cooked in a soy sauce-based broth and dressed with a touch of sugar and sesame oil, were the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and downright addictive.
Whether I was enjoying them over a steaming bowl of rice and eggs, scattered atop a hearty breakfast sweet potato, or simply by the spoonful, these black bean banchan quickly became a brunch staple. And as Hooni Kim noted, their appeal seems to transcend age and cultural boundaries – even the pickiest of eaters, like his own son, can’t resist their unique chewiness and bold flavors.
Brunch with a View: Seoul’s Scenic Spots
Of course, no brunch experience is complete without the perfect setting. And in a city as visually stunning as Seoul, the options for breathtaking brunch backdrops are endless.
For a panoramic view of the city skyline, I recommend heading to one of the rooftop cafes in the Gangnam district. Here, you can sip your morning coffee or indulge in a hearty Korean breakfast spread while taking in the sweeping vistas of towering skyscrapers and bustling streets below.
If you’re in the mood for a more peaceful, nature-inspired setting, consider venturing to the charming Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean hanok homes line the winding streets. Several cafes and restaurants in this historic neighborhood offer brunch with a side of cultural immersion, allowing you to savor your meal amid the serene beauty of ancient architecture.
Brunch and Beyond: Exploring Seoul’s Diverse Dining Scene
Of course, Seoul’s brunch offerings aren’t limited to just traditional Korean fare. The city’s diverse dining scene has also birthed a wealth of creative fusion brunch dishes that blend local flavors with international influences.
At one trendy cafe in the Hongdae neighborhood, I indulged in a kimchi benedict, where the classic eggs benedict was given a spicy Korean twist with the addition of tangy, fermented kimchi. And at a charming spot in Itaewon, I savored a unique take on the breakfast burrito, filled with bulgogi (marinated beef), kimchi, and a creamy gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce.
Whether you’re in the mood for time-honored Korean comfort food or a delightful fusion creation, the best brunches in Seoul are sure to leave you feeling satisfied and inspired. And with the city’s laid-back, leisurely approach to the late-morning meal, you can’t help but embrace the pure joy of savoring each and every bite.
So the next time you find yourself in Seoul, be sure to set aside ample time for exploring the city’s dynamic brunch scene. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite Korean-inspired breakfast dish – and maybe even a new appreciation for the art of the late morning meal.
