The French Village (Seorae Village)

Do you like good food? Do you enjoy eating posh at a reasonable price? 

Not many people have heard of the French Village (서래마을 – Suhrae ma-eul) and many who have heard about it have no idea where to find it. This is because it is tucked away in a cluster of side streets no one would ever glance at if they were among the few travelling by on a bus. 

Getting there can be tricky. The closest station is “Express Bus Terminal” Station on lines 3, 7 and 9. The closest exit is exit 5. This can only be accessed on the Line 7 side, so if you go out the gate off of Line 9 or 3, head to surface and follow the numbers until you get to 5. You’ll come up on the peaceful corner of a busy intersection. Follow the walking path straight ahead to the overpass bridge. The path is between an upscale apartment complex and a small stream. Go over the overpass and head down the closest street.

This may look like your standard Korean fare, but look a little closer. It has a certain “je ne sais quois” that most places are lacking. Once you figure it out, take your pick. Not every place is strictly French, in fact MOST aren’t, but they do have a standard that guarantees something good to eat.

A few suggested places:

Paris Croissant – Yep. Paris Croissant. But this isn’t your typical Korean Bakery. You can smell it halfway there from the main street. Follow your nose and your mouth will water. Three stories and a basement of the best baked goods in Korea. The top two are Café space. Same as below, but more expensive.

Shy Bana – Comfort food. Cajun Style! This is down one of the side streets and is so small you’re likely to walk by it. Try the Mac’n’Cheese. As one friend put it: “Well, I guess I like Cajun Food.” Do not miss this one.

Steak – Not a place, but top notch in several locations, done in a variety of styles. Throw a dart at a road map and you’ll hit a good one.

Izakaya – The nicest looking establishment of the well known Japanese Pub franchise.

Wine – See “Steak”.

Pick a nice day to sit on a terrace and enjoy several places in one day.