The Korea Blockchain Expo will be held at Walkerhill Seoul on September 23rd and 24th. According to a survey, Seoul will be the fourth most popular city for Chinese outbound tourists in 2024. ABMedia editors have compiled information on accommodation, transportation, cafes, food, and bars to help you avoid feeling like a headless fly when traveling abroad.
Beware of mobile payments in South Korea!
First, Korean-made Papago Translator is more recommended than Google Translate. Also, South Korea doesn't offer much information on Google Maps, so I recommend downloading Naver Maps. A common problem is that store names on the map differ from the actual store names. For example, Trimage Apartments is called Teurimaje on the map. Therefore, you should use your imagination and translate Chinese addresses online into Korean for easy searching.
Also, while credit cards are convenient in Korea, don't be fooled by online rumors that "just bring your phone with you when you go to Korea." Some stores only accept physical cards, and street vendors mostly accept cash.
How to get to the Korea Blockchain Week main venue
Grand Walkerhill Seoul is the main venue for Korea Blockchain Week, with events concentrated on the 23rd and 24th. Speakers for this year's KBW include Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes, Bitmine chairman Tom Lee, Hyperliquid CEO Jeff Yan, and Tron founder Justin Sun, among other well-known figures.
The most widely used transportation card in South Korea is T-Money, which is sold in major convenience stores (GS-25, 7-11, CU). Other cards like WOWPASS also have transportation card functions and can be used for public transportation such as subways and buses.
For Korean subways, we recommend downloading the "Hanchao Subway Map." You can set your starting and ending points to get the fastest way to get there and transfer information. The closest MRT station to the Korea Blockchain Week main venue is Gwangnaru Station on Line 5, #546. Walkerhill usually has a shuttle bus from the subway station, but it runs infrequently. This year's event has a shuttle bus sponsored by Movement, so you can research the specific schedule.
KBW Running Club recommends Gangnam and Seongsu-dong
As for accommodations, most activities are concentrated in Gangnam and Hannam-dong, so we recommend staying in Gangnam. Sinsa-dong and Seongsu-dong are also good options and close to the main venue. Hongdae and Myeong-dong, popular destinations for Chinese tourists, are quite a distance from the event.
Recommended Seoul Cafes: From Modern Style to Natural Scenery
There are cafes everywhere in Korea. Here are a few good ones:
A modern cafe in Hannam-dong, with a superb environment and excellent drinks.
Maxim Plant : This standalone cafe on Hannam-dong Street offers a spot where you can find a seat upstairs and then choose your beans and order on the ground floor. A blue art installation runs through the center of the building, and the overall quality is above average, making it a great place for work.
Gangnam Cafe, open until 10pm
Coffee Island : This cafe is located at Shinronyem Station, just one stop from Gangnam. The coffee is decent, but the tiramisu is a must-try. They're open until 10 PM.
Kwon Eunbi realizes her dream and opens a cafe for her beloved dog, Kimbi
Geum Eun Bong : Founded by popular Korean singer Kwon Eun Bi, who worked in a bakery before her debut, Geum Eun Bong dreamed of opening a cafe. Today, Geum Eun Bong has become a frequent hangout for the members of IZ*ONE. The coffee is excellent, and the desserts, like the limited-time strawberry sponge cake, are truly incredible. The entire shop is designed around Kwon Eun Bi's beloved dog, Geum Eun, and the owner, Geum Eun, occasionally pops in.
Enjoy the natural scenery at the Forest Café in Seoul
Forest Seoul Forest : This cafe next to Seoul Forest offers multiple outdoor seating areas for immersive viewing of the forest's flora. The adjacent street is popular with locals, primarily for small items.
GD once filmed a show here, Hannam-dong Landscape Painting Tea House
Shanshuihua Teahouse : Located near the upscale residential area of Hannam-dong, this teahouse boasts an elegant interior featuring wooden crafts. They sell traditional Korean teas and a variety of premium teas, particularly Korean teas. It's worth noting that G-Dragon once filmed a show here.
Seoul Food Guide: From Snacks to Western Restaurants
Solsot: A Korean restaurant chain with branches in almost every major city in the country. Hotpot is a dish made by cooking rice, seafood, and meat in a pot called a "pot." Solsot's signature dishes include steak and abalone. After serving, the rice is scooped into the bowl that comes with the pot and mixed with the rice crust from the pot and bottled broth. This allows you to savor both the hotpot rice and the rice crust broth. For those who prefer spicy food, the accompanying side dishes are recommended.
Eulji Handmade Dumplings and Sliced Noodles : Located at Euljiro 3-ga Subway Station, this local favorite is a slicing noodle shop. The incredibly fresh broth, chewy noodles, and generous portions of ajumma-made pancakes make this a popular and affordable option.
Hannam Italian Noodles : This Italian restaurant on Hannam-dong Street has a great atmosphere. The scallop and crab risotto, tiramisu, and white wine I ordered were all above average. Highly recommended for a full meal in Hannam-dong.
Spring and Autumn : Hannam-dong is a great place for a quick meal, focusing on Korean cuisine. I highly recommend the blood clam bibimbap; the spicy sauce is a perfect match for the blood clams, and the ajumma is incredibly friendly.
애월식당압구정점 : This BBQ restaurant near Apgujeong is primarily popular with locals. They specialize in Jeju pork, making it affordable and offering food that rivals the more expensive tourist restaurants.
Oasis : Located in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul's most expensive neighborhood, next to Apgujeong Rodeo, this brunch spot offers everything from Western-style brunch to Thai seafood salad. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a perfect start to the day.
From Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gangnam, here are four of Seoul's best bars
Bar Tea Scent : Located in Apgujeong Rodeo Station, a prime bar destination, this Zen-themed tea bar features a selection of teas and spices from around the world. The interior features a landscaped landscape. Watching the cocktails being made while gazing at the waterfall from the bar is a truly unique experience.
Tansan : Located in a Hannam-dong alleyway, this bar specializes in bubbly. They have a fantastic selection of signature cocktails and even welcome you with chocolates.
Le Chamber : Also located in Apgujeong Rodeo, this bar has been ranked among Asia's 50 best bars for years, boasting a hidden gem at the entrance. The Espresso Martini is highly recommended, and the bartender's Korean Kaoliang is also quite enticing.
Bar Cham : Cham means "tree" in Korean. Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, this bar is also listed among Asia's 50 best bars. Their cocktails draw inspiration from regional Korean specialties, and their menu is presented like a map of the country, showcasing regional specialties. For food, their grilled chicken and lasagna are highly recommended.
The article " A Complete Guide to Accommodation, Transportation, and Payment Methods for Korea Blockchain Week! Seoul's Secret Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars Revealed" originally appeared on ABMedia ABMedia .
