Seoul

In Young Shin

A lawyer and member of the Korea Desk at Gianni & Origoni, she assists Italian and foreign clients in M&A transactions. Trained in Italy, she has also lived and worked in Seoul. Her work focuses on providing corporate law and M&A advisory services to Korean investors who wish to enter or consolidate their position in the Italian market.

An hour alone in a beautiful place – Alver Coffee

A stone’s throw from the Gang Nam district is this three-story café. The entrance is surrounded by imposing trees that burst into different colors depending on the season, welcoming customers into a comfortable and relaxed environment. The interior is sophisticated and modern, and each room has high-speed Wi-Fi. It’s an ideal place to get some work done between appointments. There is also a terrace where you can relax before returning to the hustle and bustle of Seoul.

A small outdoor balcony with colorful chairs and tables overlooks lush green trees. A mug sits on one table, and the wooden floorboards and metal railing add a cozy atmosphere.

A formal lunch with a client – Top Cloud

A must for a spectacular lunch of refined international cuisine. Located on the 33rd floor of Jongno Tower, it is entirely surrounded by windows offering an exclusive view of the Jongno district and the city of Seoul. An excellent place for networking, it is a favorite spot for business lunches in one of the city’s liveliest business districts. Those who want to try traditional Korean cuisine cannot miss an experience at Junsik, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the chic Apgujeong district.

A modern buffet setup in a spacious restaurant with wooden floors, an open kitchen, food warmers, decorative shelves, and diners seated in the background near artworks on the wall.

A relaxing lunch – Parkview

This restaurant is run by the prestigious Shilla hotel chain and offers all-day dining, including both a refined buffet and an à la carte menu, with Asian dishes (not only Korean) and vegan-friendly options. Seated at your table, you can watch the chefs at work in the spectacular open kitchen on one side and enjoy the magnificent view of Namsan Mountain on the other. All while sipping a glass of wine from the excellent cellar in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere.

A modern, upscale restaurant interior with wooden accents, neatly arranged dining tables, soft lighting, and large windows overlooking greenery. A sign reads “The Parkview Café & Restaurant.”.

A trendy aperitif – Privilege Bar at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon

This rooftop bar is the ideal place to sip your first cocktail after a busy day of meetings or to end the working day with an informal get-together. The bar is located in the international district of Itaewon, where there is no shortage of restaurants and clubs to continue the evening. The clientele is stylish and select. Don’t miss the elaborate themed cocktails and excellent selection of spirits. I like it because it allows you to meet people of different nationalities, which is a good representation of Seoul’s evolution in recent years.

Rooftop bar at sunset with a circular, illuminated canopy over the bar area, surrounded by modern black chairs and tables, city buildings visible in the background under a colorful sky.

An ideal place for informal meetings – Cafe 105

This garden café is one of my favorite places to relax and chat with friends in Seoul. The patio is decorated in a simple and welcoming style, almost like the well-kept garden of a house. The coffee is excellent and the menu also boasts a good selection of pastries and desserts. I recommend going in spring, when you can enjoy the scent of flowers in bloom, in the shade of the majestic trees surrounding the garden.

A peaceful outdoor café with wooden tables and chairs on a grassy lawn, shaded by large trees and white umbrellas, with sunlight filtering through the branches. A building entrance is visible on the right.

A dinner to intrigue – Jihwaja

A place to sample top-notch Korean royal cuisine. The cuisine is traditional, but revisited with sophisticated style and attention to every detail. The staff are highly trained, and each course is accompanied by an explanation of the dish and interesting anecdotes about its origins. The interior is decorated in a modern Korean style, minimalist but at the same time very traditional. I recommend it for an extraordinary culinary experience.

A modern, two-story restaurant with large windows, warm lighting, and a spacious, neatly landscaped front yard at dusk. The building features dark stone walls and a welcoming entrance.

A gourmet dinner – Mosu

This two-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant is a must-visit gastronomic destination for lovers of Asian cuisine visiting Seoul. Sung Ahn, the chef who founded the restaurant, offers fusion cuisine that combines North Korean dishes with Chinese and Japanese influences, telling the story of his life. The restaurant also offers private dining options, with exclusive service and private rooms if you want to organize a dinner with clients to discuss business in complete privacy.

A modern restaurant interior with large windows on both sides, wooden floors, round tables with chairs, and hanging globe lights on the ceiling. The space is open and bright with scenic views outside.

The latest trendy spot – Le Chamber

This exclusive venue is one of the most beautiful speakeasies in Seoul. Located in Gangnam, in the heart of the metropolis, it is a wonderful retreat to unwind after a hectic day in the Korean capital. The atmosphere is charming, and the bar offers sophisticated cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients and a wide selection of whiskey and rum. The evening is often accompanied by a live pianist, and it is not uncommon to encounter celebrities.

A stylish lounge bar with leather sofas, armchairs, dim lighting, a chandelier, and a long bar stocked with bottles. A TV is mounted on a brick wall, and candles are placed on tables for ambiance.

The place to be and be seen – Bongeunsa Temple

This exclusive venue is one of the most beautiful speakeasies in Seoul. Located in Gangnam, in the heart of the metropolis, it is a wonderful retreat to unwind after a hectic day in the Korean capital. The atmosphere is charming and the bar offers sophisticated cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients and a wide selection of whiskey and rum. The evening is often accompanied by a live pianist and it is not uncommon to meet celebrities.