Sinchon is one of the best areas in Seoul if you’re looking for a place close to many universities such as Yonsei, Ewha Womans University, and Hongik. The neighborhood is known for its night and university life, affordable shopping malls, and being so close to Hongdae and Hapjeong, which makes it even more exciting! While living in such a lively and busy neighborhood for my exchange semester, I started collecting my favorite places to eat or spend time with my friends one by one! Here follows a little list I made:

1.  아소비바 Asoviva

I found this restaurant by accident while looking up a good donkassu place on Naver Maps, and what can I say? I was not disappointed! If you’re looking for good quality, crispy and savory donkassu, Asoviva is the answer! It’s located near Yonsei University’s main gates and Sinchon's main street, and it’s a relatively quiet place with kind staff and good food. What more can we ask for?

Address: 52-151 Changcheon-dong Seodaemun-gu Seoul

Link: https://naver.me/GJTyTwUx

2.     미도인 Midoin

I must admit I am not the biggest steak fan myself, but Midoin almost made me change my mind! A good and affordable steak dopbab? Yes, please! The meat is meticulously cut and placed in a bed of white rice, pickled radish, spring onion and soy sprouts, all accompanied by a side of miso soup. My mouth is already watering just by thinking about it! And you know what’s the best thing? Midoin is a food chain, hence you don’t have to go all the way to Sinchon to try it!

Address: 31-86 Changcheon-dong Seodaemun-gu Seoul

Link: https://naver.me/GNWaWNgL

3.     이화다방 Ewha Dabang

If you love a good breathtaking view and enjoy cozy cafés with good vibes, Ewha Dabang is the place for you! I can’t recall how many days I have spent inside the café cramming for finals, eating croffles, and enjoying good conversations with my friends. If you feel like you need a quiet place to work, I 100% advise you this place!

Address: Ihwa Tower 8th floor, 37-1 Daehyeon-dong Seodaemun-gu Seoul

Link: https://naver.me/G38j8oaY

4.  슬로우 칼리 Slow, Cali

Slow, Cali is also a food chain situated near Ewha Womans University. It’s a 2024 new opening and it offers Poké and other healthy food options! Personally, my main problem in Korea was always the vegetables and fruits, as they are all so expensive. Thankfully, Slow, Cali is the right place for you! Mouth salivating pokés, with fresh fish or well-done steak accompanied by either rice or salad. You can't get enough of it! (I couldn’t find the exact location, so I’ll leave the link of the photobooth next to it).

Address: 33-15 Daehyeon-dong Seodaemun-gu Seoul

Link: https://naver.me/5chlhn0w

5.   카페 플레이스 CAFÉ PLACE