The Local Guide to Mapo-Gu: Must-Eats for a First Time Visitor

Skip the tourist traps and eat like a local.
Whether you're staying around Mapo-gu or just visiting for a day, here are the best places to experience real Korean food for the first time.

After eight years in Seoul, I’ve handpicked these spots based on where I actually go with local friends, and where I take visiting first-timers — no influencer hype, no gimmicks, and no 2-hour lines for average tteokbokki.

This guide is designed to make your first trip to Seoul delicious, stress-free, and genuinely memorable.

📍Includes:
— A downloadable PDF guide with local tips, context, and category breakdowns
— A private Google Map with 40+ curated food and drink spots, ready to use on your phone

🍜 Categories include:
Lunch • Dinner • Snacks • Coffee • Drinking/Late Night

The guide will be updated regularly as spots open, close, or fall off — and you’ll always have access to the latest version.