Seeking Outdoor Oases in Seoul
As someone who has had the misfortune of battling COVID-19 not once, but twice, I can attest to the overwhelming desire to minimize any unnecessary risks to my health. The invisible, airborne nature of this insidious virus has left me hyper-vigilant, constantly seeking out the safest dining options to satisfy my love of good food without compromising my wellbeing.
My research prior to a recent trip to Seoul proved challenging, as the majority of information was in Korean, and Google Maps was not as widely utilized as I had hoped. Scouring the internet, I stumbled upon a gem of a blog post by Winnie Lim, which provided invaluable insights into the alfresco dining scene in the vibrant capital of South Korea.
Winnie’s account resonated with me deeply, as she eloquently expressed the delicate balance between our desire to dine and the need to prioritize our safety. Her honest reflections on the risks and precautions she and her partner undertook mirrored my own struggles, and I knew I had to incorporate her knowledge into my own Seoul adventure.
Embracing the Great Outdoors
Armed with Winnie’s insider tips, my partner and I set out to explore the alfresco dining options that Seoul had to offer. Our first stop was the iconic Myeongdong district, where we stumbled upon a BHC fried chicken branch with an outdoor seating area. As we settled into our seats, taking in the bustling energy of the street, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Finally, we had found a place where we could indulge in a local favorite while minimizing our exposure to the potential risks of indoor dining.
But our culinary exploration didn’t stop there. Venturing further, we discovered a hidden gem in the Ikseondong neighborhood – a vibrant area teeming with outdoor barbeque restaurants. The aromas of sizzling meat and the lively atmosphere drew us in, and we couldn’t resist the temptation to try a traditional Korean barbeque experience al fresco.
Navigating the Language Barrier
As we navigated the streets of Seoul, the language barrier presented its fair share of challenges. Winnie’s advice to download the Naver Maps app proved invaluable, as the interface provided English-language labels, making it easier for us to locate and plan our outings. However, we quickly learned that the real test came when interacting with the restaurant staff.
On several occasions, we encountered confusion and hesitation when requesting to dine outdoors or near open windows. Some establishments seemed unsure of how to accommodate our preferences, leading to a few awkward interactions. But we didn’t let these minor setbacks deter us. Instead, we embraced the language barrier as an opportunity to hone our communication skills, relying on a combination of pointing, hand gestures, and the occasional use of Google Translate to get our message across.
Discovering Hidden Gems
As we ventured deeper into Seoul’s diverse culinary landscape, we stumbled upon a few unexpected delights. In the vibrant Hongdae neighborhood, we found a cozy army stew restaurant with large windows that opened up to the street, providing a perfect alfresco dining experience. The hearty, flavorful dish warmed our souls and fueled our exploration of the area.
Another hidden gem we uncovered was a charming cafe in the Bukchonikseondong district, which boasted a delightful outdoor seating area. Sipping on artisanal coffee and indulging in delectable pastries while surrounded by the bustling energy of the city felt like a little slice of heaven. These unexpected discoveries only added to the sense of adventure and delight that permeated our Seoul adventure.
Embracing the Challenges
Throughout our time in Seoul, we encountered a few frustrations, but we refused to let them dampen our spirits. On a few occasions, we were met with rejection when requesting to dine near open windows or in sparsely populated areas, but we recognized that this was not unique to Seoul – it was a challenge we had faced back home in Singapore as well.
Undeterred, we adapted our approach, becoming more resourceful and creative in our dining choices. When certain restaurants didn’t accommodate our preferences, we opted for takeout or sought out street food stalls, savoring our meals in nearby parks or public spaces. This flexibility and willingness to explore alternative options enriched our overall experience, allowing us to discover hidden gems and unexpected delights.
Embracing the Seoul Food Scene
Despite the occasional hiccup, our time in Seoul was a culinary adventure that we will always cherish. While we may have missed out on some of the renowned indoor restaurants mentioned in the Michelin guides, we found solace in the fact that we were prioritizing our health and safety. As Winnie so eloquently stated, “We are choosing to focus on the overall travel experience and take what we can when it comes to food.”
And what an experience it was! From the tantalizing flavors of traditional Korean barbeque to the delicate pastries and artisanal coffee, the Seoul food scene captivated our senses. We marveled at the creativity and ingenuity of the city’s eateries, which seamlessly adapted to the changing dining landscape, offering alfresco options that allowed us to indulge without compromising our wellbeing.
A Culinary Odyssey Worth Savoring
As we reflect on our time in Seoul, we can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the insights and guidance we received from Winnie’s blog post. Her willingness to share her personal experiences and challenges paved the way for our own alfresco dining adventure, and for that, we are truly thankful.
While the COVID-19 pandemic may have altered the way we approach dining, it has also inspired us to be more resourceful, adaptable, and adventurous in our culinary explorations. And in the vibrant city of Seoul, we found a kindred spirit in our pursuit of safe and enjoyable outdoor dining experiences.
So, if you find yourself in Seoul, be sure to venture beyond the typical indoor restaurants and explore the hidden alfresco gems that the city has to offer. With a little bit of creativity and a willingness to embrace the challenges, you just might uncover a culinary odyssey worth savoring. And who knows, you might even stumble upon your own version of the Seoul Garden Picnic Day – a delightful celebration of the city’s vibrant outdoor dining scene.
