When it comes to social media trends, Korea does not joke around. Any restaurants, cafes, or stores that start trending on social media create a huge wave of visitors, causing waiting times to be up to 2-3 hours long! 

Even famous K-Pop idols and K-drama actors find themselves at these trending spots. We've compiled a list of some of those most popular restaurants and cafes in Korea, along with an exclusive offer that is only available to Creatrip members; the Creatrip Pass!

With the Creatrip Pass, you can enjoy exclusive benefits such as skipping long lines and getting complimentary items and discounts! Keep reading to find out more about this pass!

Information

Creatrip Pass Benefits: Priority entry, exclusive discounts, and freebies

*Note: The Seoul Pass and Busan/Jeju Pass are separate products and must be purchased separately.
*The 3rd Edition is only valid for use until June 30, 2024, regardless of the start date of use.

Seoul Pass | 3rd Edition

*Cafe Highwaist: Purchase of at least 20,000 KRW → 1 complimentary drink / Purchase of at least 30,000 KRW → 1 complimentary drink + free postcard
*Cafe Pepper, Ginger Bear Pie Shop, Cafe Layered: Additional benefits apply only after making a purchase of 20,000 KRW or more. 
*Song Gye Ok: 10% discount applies only after ordering menu items worth a total of 50,000 KRW or more.
*Bangi Donga: 10% discount applies only after ordering menu items worth a total of 40,000 KRW or more.
*Mongchon Dakgalbi: Additional benefits apply only after ordering menu items worth a total of 40,000 KRW or more.
*On 6.5: The priority pass is not included for On 6.5, but you can make a reservation here. Additional benefits apply only after ordering menu items worth a total of 60,000 KRW or more (excluding alcoholic beverages).
*Knocker Upper: Additional benefits apply only after ordering a total of 30,000 KRW or more.

Seoul Pass | Purchase Here

Busan/Jeju Pass | 3rd Edition

*Cafe Layered: Additional benefits apply only after making a purchase of 20,000 KRW or more. 
*Sukseongdo: Additional benefits apply only after ordering menu items worth a total of 50,000 KRW or more.

Busan/Jeju Pass | Purchase Here

Things to Keep In Mind

The benefits of the Creatrip Pass are valid for use by foreigners only.

The Creatrip Pass voucher is valid for use within 7 days from the reserved date after purchase. It is not valid before the start date or after the expiration date.

You must purchase the Creatrip Pass at least 2 days before the intended date of use. Your reservation will be confirmed within 1 business day.

The reservation dates are based on Korean Standard Time.

The 3rd Edition is available for purchase until June 25, 2024 and is only valid for use until June 30, 2024, regardless of the start date of use. 

To enjoy the benefits, present the QR code for the respective designated location on the voucher from My Page or your email within the validity period.

Additional benefits that include one complimentary drink, menu item, or product worth 10,000 KRW or less are limited to one item. You cannot get multiple items that add up to 10,000 KRW.

If you are a minor or have a minor in your party, any benefits including alcoholic beverages may not be applicable.

Benefits for each designated location can only be used once. You may not use it at the same location again on a different day or distribute the voucher to others.

The Creatrip Pass voucher is valid for up to 4 people. If your group has 5 or more people, please purchase a separate voucher.

The Priority Pass is subject to availability and seating arrangements at each location. You may still have to wait a little if spots are full, but you will have priority entry once spots open up.

The Creatrip Pass voucher includes information for each designated location, including a Google Maps link. Please refer to the provided instructions for specific store regulations for each designated location.

Tips

Look through this blog and save it to help you decide which locations you want to visit.

Make sure to use the special benefits at the designated locations within 7 days of the reserved date. By using the Creatrip Pass at just two locations, you'll already reap the benefits!

Restaurants

1. Song Gye Ok | 송계옥

Branches: Jamsil, Hongdae, Seongsu

Creatrip Pass Benefits: Priority Pass + 10% Discount (with order of menu items worth a total of 50,000 KRW or more)

If you're looking for a good Korean restaurant to try, definitely check out Song Gye Ok! You can try a unique version of K-BBQ with cuts of chicken here. It's very popular among Koreans, and even K-drama actor Song Kang loves it! 

It's so popular that Koreans often line up to have a meal here! It is especially known for its delicious grilled chicken and the Earl Grey Highball. There are lots of other menu items available at Song Gye Ok as well! 

The Yaki Onigiri had a perfect savory flavor that paired well with the grilled chicken. Here at Song Gye Ok, you can enjoy both special chicken cuts and other unique dishes! 

You can get 10% off your meal with an order totaling 50,000 KRW or more with the Creatrip Pass. Check out the link below to see more details on Song Gye Ok!

Song Gye Ok | Seoul

2. Sukseongdo | 숙성도

Branches: Jeju (Nohyeong, Aewol, Jungmun, Hamdeok)

Creatrip Pass Benefits: Priority Pass + 1 Complimentary Menu Item (Worth 10,000 KRW or less & with order of at least 50,000 KRW)

If you have plans on visiting Jeju Island, you have to try black pork, or 흑돼지 (Heukdweji)! The most famous black pork restaurant is Sukseongdo (숙성도), which has four branches across Jeju. It is so famous that waiting 2 or 3 hours is a given here! Even famous celebrities like Jungkook of BTS have eaten here.

The restaurant offers high-quality, thick-cut black pork that is grilled to perfection right on your table. Every bite is succulent and juicy and comes with several flavorful side dishes. It's a truly satisfying experience and a must-visit when in Jeju!

Thankfully, if you pre-purchase the Creatrip Pass, you can skip the ridiculous line and receive one complimentary menu item under 10,000 KRW per table (with an order of at least 50,000 KRW). It's a great deal that you definitely should not miss out on! Check out our full review in the link below.

Sukseongdo | Jeju Island

3. Bangi Donga | 방이돈가

Branches: Songridangil (Jamsil)

Creatrip Pass Benefits: Priority Pass + 10% Off (with an order worth 40,000 KRW or more)

Bangi Donga is one of the most popular Korean BBQ restaurants in Jamsil and is known for having incredibly thick and juicy pork belly. Once it's grilled to a golden brown, each bite is truly delightful! Remember to try their cheesy fried rice as well!

TWICE's Momo, Sana, and Jeongyeon visited this restaurant three times! Enjoy your meal and snap a photo at their favorite seat. You can ask the staff to guide you to the seats!

There are tons of other side dishes you can order along with the pork as well. With the Creatrip Pass you can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount when your order is over 40,000 KRW!

4. Mongchon Dakgalbi | 몽촌닭갈비

Branches: Songridangil (Jamsil)

Creatrip Pass Benefits: Priority Pass + 10% Discount (with order of menu items worth a total of 40,000 KRW or more)

Mongchon Dakgalbi is a newly opened specialty shop for spicy stir-fried chicken near Seokchon Lake in Jamsil. The interior decor has a strong vintage vibe, and even the menu looks like an old newspaper! 

The signature items here are the "Hanbang Spicy Chicken" and the "Nostalgic Cold Udon," a perfect combination of hot and cold dishes that's truly exceptional! With the Creatrip Pass, you can receive 10% off your meal for orders totaling 40,000 KRW or more! 

5. On 6.5 | 온6.5

Branches: Anguk

Creatrip Pass Benefits: 1 Complimentary Menu Item (Worth 20,000 KRW or less & with order of at least 60,000 KRW)

On 6.5 is a popular Korean dining bar in Anguk that specializes in kimchi! On 6.5 derives its name from the ideal temperature at which kimchi ferments to achieve the most delicious taste. It embodies the philosophy of providing all kimchi dishes in the most delicious way possible.

Source: @yoon_ambush, @xxxibgdrgn

Being one of the hottest spots in Seoul, On6.5 has hosted various celebrity events. The restaurant gained fame as the venue for the PeaceMinusOne x Nike dinner event, a collaboration collection with GD.

If you're looking to explore the Bukchon Hanok Village and experience unique flavors of kimchi during your visit to Korea, we highly recommend On 6.5! It's a fantastic restaurant where you can taste delicious dishes and discover the diverse flavors of kimchi in a unique way. 

Plus, with the Creatrip Pass, you can get a free menu item worth 20,000 KRW or less (with an order worth at least 60,000 KRW excluding alcoholic beverages)! Although the pass does not grant priority entry to On 6.5, you can make a reservation on Creatrip! Click the link below to make a reservation:

On 6.5 | Anguk

6. Knocker Upper | 노커어퍼

Branches: Sinyongsan

Creatrip Pass Benefits: Priority Pass + Two Free Glasses of Pink Sparkling Wine (With an order totaling to 30,000 KRW or more)

Knocker Upper is an English-style bar located in Yongridangil that has been gaining lots of attention lately for its unique concept and great menu!

Source: Instagram @knockerupper_seoul

The interior is very cozy and they have a wide selection of alcoholic beverages including wine, champagne, whiskey, and cognac! They also have different DJ's come in on Fridays and Saturdays! You can check the lineups on their official Instagram here.

Source: Instagram @knockerupper_seoul

They also have a selection of finger foods and appetizers to pair with your drinks! We highly recommend Knocker Upper if you're looking for a unique, fun bar to hangout at. Plus, you can get two glasses of sparkling pink wine for free with the Creatrip Pass!

Cafes

1. Cafe Layered | 카페 레이어드

Branches: Seoul (Yeonnam-dong, Anguk, The Hyundai Seoul) / Jeju Island / Busan (Shinsegae Centum City)

Creatrip Pass Benefits: Priority Pass + 1 Complimentary Drink (worth 10,000 KRW or less; with purchase of at least 20,000 KRW)

You may have already heard of this famous scone bakery called Cafe Layered! The Yeonnam-dong branch, located near Hongdae, is where the craze started, which led to the opening of branches in other areas of Seoul and even Busan. The Anguk branch is near Gyeongbokgung Palace, so the exterior resembles that of a Korean traditional house!

Cafe Layered is especially loved for its wide variety of scones and desserts, which are beautifully presented in the cafe's stylish ambiance, reminiscent of a cozy London home. Many consider it delicious enough to wait in line for the desserts! 

With the Creatrip Pass, you can skip the line and even get a complimentary drink! The vibes here are very cozy and unique so we highly recommend this place for some afternoon tea and scones. For all details regarding Cafe Layered, check out the link below!

Cafe Layered | Anguk

2. Cafe Highwaist Ikseon | 카페하이웨스트 익선점

Branches: Ikseon-dong

Creatrip Pass Benefits: Priority Pass + 1 Complimentary Drink (worth 10,000 KRW or less; with purchase of at least 20,000 KRW; additional free postcard with purchase of 30,000 KRW or more) 

Cafe Highwaist is another bakery and coffee shop loved by Koreans. There are three branches, one in Ikseon-dong, one in Yeonnam-dong, and one in Hyundai Department Store Pangyo. The Ikseon-dong location is especially popular for its ideal location and cute exterior design! 

The desserts are beautifully set up and offer a wide variety of options. The cafe is brightly lit thanks to the skylight, making every seat perfect for taking photos.

It's difficult to secure a seat on the weekends, but with the Creatrip Pass, you can skip the line and get a free drink! Cafe Highwaist is not only known for their scones and afternoon tea desserts but also for their cakes, which frequently appear on social media.

Source: Instagram BLACKPINK Jisoo @sooyaaa__ / Girls' Generation Yuri @yulyulk / Song Hye Kyo @kyo1122

Even Korean celebrities, such as BLACKPINK's Jisoo, Girls' Generation's Yuri, and famous actress Song Hye Kyo have enjoyed cakes from Cafe Highwaist! The cakes from Cafe Highwaist are loved for their cute, vintage designs, which is why so many celebrities love to order them. 

If you want one of these cakes, you can order one right here on Creatrip! For more details regarding Cafe Highwaist, check out the link below.

Cafe Highwaist | Ikseon

3. Ginger Bear Pie Shop | 진저베어

Branches: Jamsil Songridangil

Creatrip Pass Benefits: Priority Pass + 1 Complimentary Drink (worth 10,000 KRW or less; with purchase of at least 20,000 KRW)

Songridangil is an area in Jamsil that is one of the most sought out spots for aesthetic cafes with unique menus. One of the most popular spots in the area is Ginger Bear Pie Shop, which has been visited by several Korean celebrities such as BTS's SUGA, MINO, Song Kang, Lee Jehoon, and more!

Even just from the outside, Ginger Bear gives off a unique vibe. The white lion statue at the entrance makes the cafe look like a hotel! There is also an outdoor terrace, which is the most popular seating area as it gives off very European vibes.

The menu items are all displayed on the right side of the counter, featuring a variety of dishes from savory meat pies and flavorful soups to creamy lattes and sweet dessert pies. We highly recommend the Classic Mash Set, which comes with a meat pie and buttery mashed potatoes. 

If you'd like to make a visit to Ginger Bear during your trip to Korea, you can skip the line and get a free drink with the Creatrip Pass! Check out the link below for all details regarding Ginger Bear.

Ginger Bear Pie Shop | Songridangil

4. Cafe Pepper | 카페페퍼

Branches: Jamsil Songridangil

Benefits: Priority Pass + 1 Complimentary Drink (worth 10,000 KRW or less; with purchase of at least 20,000 KRW)

Cafe Pepper is also located in Songridangil, right by the famous Seokchon Lake, Lotte Tower, and Lotte World! It is known for its wide variety of gluten-free desserts, which is very unique in Korea. With its beautiful interior design that looks like a cottage from British countryside, it has become a popular spot in the Jamsil area.

It is so popular that it has also been visited by ITZY's Chaeryeong, Girls' Generation's Yuri, The Boyz's Hyunjae, and actor Lee Jinwook. Cafe Pepper is also quite busy on the weekends and people find themselves waiting for a while just to get in!

You can find classic French pastries as well as a variety of Korean-style cakes at Cafe Pepper. The desserts are beautifully adorned with seasonal fruits, and the menu also includes scones, beverages, cookies, and more. Since there are so many to choose from, it is quite difficult to make a decision! 

If you'd like to make a visit to Cafe Pepper during your trip to Korea, you can skip the line and get a free drink with the Creatrip Pass! Check out the link below for all details regarding Cafe Pepper, including menu recommendations.

Cafe Pepper | Songridangil

5. Golden Piece | 골든피스

Branches: Hannam

Benefits: 10% Off Entire Purchase

Recently, a traditional Korean cookie called 'Yakgwa' (약과) has gained huge popularity and has been included on many cafe menus. In the neighborhood of Hannam-dong, Itaewon, there is a high-end Yakgwa shop called Golden Piece. 

During the opening of a pop-up store collaboration between G-DRAGON and NIKE, they distributed Golden Piece Yakgwa desserts as small gifts to all attendees, including BTS RM and Jimin, LE SSERAFIM Kazuha, and many others! If you want to try high-quality Yakgwa cookies that celebrities love, you have to check out Golden Piece! 

The Yakgwa cookies at Golden Piece are special because they are made with great precision and healthy ingredients. Some of them are even adorned with an edible gold leaf as a decorative touch. A box of Golden Piece Yakgwa cookies are perfect as a souvenir or gift from your trip to Korea. 

You can get 10% off your entire purchase with the Creatrip Pass too! For a full review on Golden Piece, check out our blog in the link below.

Golden Piece | Hannam

Creatrip Pass

From delicious restaurants and trendy cafes to adorable stationery stores, the Creatrip Pass has it all. This is one of the best deals you can get for these famous spots and all the benefits are exclusive to Creatrip members! Don't miss out on this great offer and purchase your voucher today using the links below!

Creatrip Pass 3rd Edition | Seoul

Creatrip Pass 3rd Edition | Busan, Jeju

We hope that you can enjoy some of the best restaurants, cafes, and stores while you're in Korea! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!