VDF
Our Pick Best Place to Stay in Dubai
Independently reviewed by Toronto Studio
Stay and Play in Downtown Dubai
If Dubai were a playlist, Downtown Dubai would be a banger on replay. It’s the city’s main character where all the iconic vibes come together. Imagine waking up, pulling back the curtains, and boom—there’s the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, flexing like a modern-day pyramid. Whether you’re a first-timer, honeymooner, or just here to live your best life, Downtown Dubai is the vibe. It doesn’t just show off the city—it pulls you right into the action. Think postcard-perfect moments, but you’re the main character in every shot.
Shopping in Dubai
Dubai’s crown jewel of shopping is the destination for luxury. With high-end brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, plus perks like a fashion concierge and VIP experiences, it’s retail therapy on another level. Pro tip: Take breaks to watch the Dubai Fountain.
If you love a good bargain, Dubai Outlet Mall is your go-to. Located on Al Ain Road, explore offers up to 90% off big-name brands l. It’s perfect for snagging everything from designer handbags to sportswear at a fraction of the price.
Dive into the authentic side of Dubai at this bustling market in Deira. Famous for its gold, it also has spices, textiles, and souvenirs for a fraction of mall prices. Bring your bargaining A-game and leave with treasures and stories to match.
Our Top 5 Best Hotels in Seoul
Independently reviewed by Toronto Studio
The GLAD Mapo Hotel s a hidden gem in Seoul, perfectly nestled with direct subway access for effortless exploration of the city. With a 7-Eleven right on-site for your convenience, its sleek, modern rooms offer a cozy and stylish retreat, all while being budget-friendly—making it the ideal base for your urban adventure.
It’s not Gangnam, but it’s got everything you need for your Seoul urban adventure—without the Gangnam prices!
Hotel details
Buffet breakfast available for added fee
Restaurant + bar lounge
Coffee shop
Meeting rooms
24-hour business centre
How to get there
Gongdeok Station - 3 min walk
Mapo Station - 9 min walk
Hyochang Park Station - 14 min walk
Gimpo Intl. Airport (GMP) - 35 min drive
Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) - 49 min drive
Food nearby
La Grillia - Italian
Mongjungheon - Chinese
Emart - Supermarket
7-Eleven - Convivence store
McDonald's - American fast food
Halal food nearby
The Halal Guys - American Halal food
The Kitchen Asia - Indian Nepalese Curry House
King Kebab - Turkish
Adnan Kebab Halal - Kebab shop
Kampungku Restaurant - Malaysian
2. Excellent - Luxury
Le Meridien Seoul
Myeongdong, SeoulBuilt in 2022
Vegan + vegetarian dinning options
Myeongdong Street - 3 min walk
Myeong-dong Station - 5 min walk
Gimpo Intl. Airport (GMP) - 57 min drive
Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) - 60 min drive
#83 of 523 hotels in Seoul TripAdvisor Stylish and high-quality amenities, including an in-room Illy espresso machine, Le Méridien's location allows for easy access to Myeongdong's vibrant shopping and dining scene.
3. Great - Lux-on-a-Budget
VOCO Seoul IHG
Gangnam, Seoul24-hour communal kitchens
Self-service laundromats
Garosu-gil - 2 min walk
Sinsa Station - 5 min walk
Gimpo Intl. Airport (GMP) - 47 min drive
Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) - 62 min drive
#164 of 523 hotels in Seoul TripAdvisor Experience luxury, located in the vibrant Gangnam district. The VOCO offers beautifully designed rooms with stunning skyline views and Hinoki baths.
4. Very Good - Four Star
Hilton Garden Inn Seoul
Gangnam, SeoulBuilt in 2021
Connecting rooms available
Teheranno - 19 min walk
Yangjae Station - 2 min walk
Gimpo Intl. Airport (GMP) - 57 min drive
Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) - 62 min drive
#164 of 523 hotels in Seoul TripAdvisor In the heart of Gangnam, Hilton Garden Inn offers affordable, spacious rooms with breathtaking views of Seoul. Don't miss the rooftop swimming pool!
5. Good - Budget
ibis Style Seoul
Myeongdong, SeoulRooftop terrace
Dry cleaning & laundry services available
Myeongdong Street - 5 min walk
Myeong-dong Station - 4 min walk
Gimpo Intl. Airport (GMP) - 57 min drive
Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) - 62 min drive
#33 of 523 hotels in Seoul TripAdvisor Well-known for its location, guests have easy access to attractions and public transport. Travellers will praise Ibis Style for its inviting atmosphere, affordable rates, and helpful staff.
Our Top 5 Korean Eats to try in Seoul
Independently reviewed by Toronto Studio
1. Korean BBQ 고기구이
What it is: Grilled meats, typically pork belly (삼겹살) or beef (갈비), cooked at your table.
Must-have sides: Kimchi, pickled radish, and ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce).
Pro tip: Wrap your grilled meat in lettuce with a slice of garlic and sauce for the perfect bite.
2. Tteokbokki - 떡볶이
Where to Try
Mabongnim Halmeoni TteokbokkiWhat it is: Spicy rice cakes stir-fried with fish cakes, boiled eggs, and vegetables.
Flavor profile: Sweet, spicy, and chewy.
Pro tip: Pair it with Korean street food classics like fried dumplings (만두) or soondae (blood sausage).
3. Bibimbap - 비빔밥
Where to Try
Street Bibimbap at Gwangjang MarketWhat it is: A colorful rice dish topped with assorted vegetables, an egg, and gochujang (chili paste).
Special variation: Jeonju-style bibimbap, which includes raw beef and unique seasoning.
Pro tip: Mix everything thoroughly to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.
4. Korean Fried Chicken - 치킨
Where to Try
Kyochon ChickenWhat it is: Crispy, double-fried chicken available in various flavors, like soy garlic or spicy.
Perfect pairing: A cold pint of Korean beer (치맥).
Pro tip: Order half-and-half (반반) for a mix of flavors.
5. Gimbap - 김밥
Where to Try
Gimbap Cheonguk (김밥천국) or local convenience storesWhat it is: Seaweed rice rolls filled with a variety of ingredients, like beef, egg, and pickled radish.
Why it's great: Portable, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Pro tip: Try the tuna mayo or bulgogi variations for a modern twist.
Our Top 5 Restaurants in Seoul
Independently reviewed by Toronto Studio
1. Jungsik 정식당
Why it’s great: A Michelin-starred restaurant that redefines Korean cuisine with modern techniques and artistic presentation.
Signature Dishes: Gochujang-marinated lamb, Hanwoo beef tartare, and their famous Bibim dessert.
Ambience: Elegant and minimalist, perfect for special occasions.
Pro tip: Book weeks in advance for a tasting menu experience..
2. Mingles - 밍글스
Modern Korean Fusion
Gangnam-gu | 19 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: Combines traditional Korean flavours with global culinary techniques, earning its spot in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Signature Dishes: Doenjang-aged beef and seasonal seafood creations
Ambience: Upscale yet cozy, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
3. Gwangjang Market - 광장시장
Traditional Korean Street Food
Jongno-guWhy it’s great: A bustling market filled with iconic dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rolls), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Ambience: Vibrant and casual, ideal for food lovers exploring local culture.
Pro Tip: Grab a seat at a vendor’s stall and watch your food being prepared fresh.
4. La Yeon - 라연
Traditional Korean Fine Dining
Namsan, The Shilla Hotel | 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite Korean dishes paired with stunning views of Namsan.
Signature Dishes: Hanwoo beef, seasonal royal cuisine-inspired plates.
Ambience: Refined and luxurious, with impeccable service.
Pro tip: Opt for the tasting menu to explore a curated journey through Korean cuisine.
5. Balwoo Gongyang - 발우공양
Temple Cuisine
Jongno-gu | 56 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: Offers a serene dining experience featuring Buddhist temple food, focusing on fresh, vegetarian ingredients.
Signature Dishes: Seasonal vegetable stews and rice dishes, all free of garlic and onion.
Ambience: Tranquil and meditative, perfect for a unique cultural experience.
Pro tip: Rooted in mindfulness and spirituality. You may be expected to eat in a calm and respectful manner.
Our Top 5 Halal Restaurants in Seoul
Independently reviewed by Toronto Studio
1. Eid 이드 Halal Korean Food
Why it’s great: This family-run restaurant offers classic Korean dishes prepared according to halal standards. Highlights include bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi stew.
Ambience: Cozy and welcoming, ideal for those wanting an authentic Korean meal in a halal setting.
Pro Tip: The owners are friendly and happy to explain halal Korean food to visitors.
2. Yang Good BBQ - 羊国
Halal Korean BBQ
Gangnam | 15 Nonhyeon-ro 95-gil, Gangnam-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: Offers a rare chance to enjoy Korean BBQ in a halal-friendly environment. Lamb is the main highlight, with marinated and non-marinated options.
Ambience: Modern and lively, perfect for groups.
Pro Tip: Pair the BBQ with their homemade sauces for the best experience.
3. Petra Restaurant - 페트라 레스토랑
Middle Eastern
Itaewon | 26 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: Offers authentic Middle Eastern dishes like kebabs, hummus, falafel, and lamb stew, all halal-certified. The halal meat here is imported from Australia.
Ambience: Modern and lively, perfect for groups.
Pro Tip: Their mixed grill platter is perfect for sharing.
4. Hongdae Busan Jib - 홍대 부산집
Traditional Korean
Hongdae | 100-6, Seoul, Korea 04040Why it’s great: This halal-certified restaurant specializes in authentic Korean flavors, offering dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi jjigae in a convenient location near popular tourist spots.
Ambience: Simple and welcoming, great for both quick meals and relaxed dining.
Pro Tip: Their halal-friendly kimchi is a must-try, and you can buy some to take home!
5. Bombay Grill- 페트라 레스토랑
Indian | Korean Fusion
Itaewon | 39 Usadan-ro, Yongsan-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: Combines the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with Korean influences, offering a variety of halal dishes such as chicken tikka, lamb curry, naan, and even kimchi-inspired curries.
Ambience: Warm and vibrant, with a mix of Indian and Korean decor.
Pro Tip: Their butter chicken and garlic naan pair perfectly for a hearty meal.
Our Top 5 Vegetarian Eats in Seoul
Independently reviewed by Toronto Studio
1. Plant Café & Kitchen 플랜트
Why it’s great: Known for its fresh and delicious plant-based dishes, Plant Café offers everything from vegan burgers to smoothie bowls and salads. The vibrant, cozy atmosphere adds to its charm.
Must-try: Vegan burgers, chia seed pudding, and raw desserts.
2. The Bread Blue - 더 브레드 블루
Vegan Bakery
Sinchon | 15-1 Sinchon-ro 1-gil, Seodaemun-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: A 100% vegan bakery offering a variety of freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries. The bakery is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack.
Must-try: Vegan danishes, cinnamon rolls, and bread.
Pro Tip: Baked goods sell out quickly, especially pastries and items like vegan cinnamon rolls and croissants.
3. Loving Hut - 러빙헛
Vegan | Vegetarian | Asian Fusion
Itaewon | 26 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: A global vegan chain with a Korean twist, Loving Hut serves a range of Korean dishes like vegan bibimbap, kimchi, and tofu-based BBQ.
Must-try: Vegan bibimbap, fried dumplings, and mock meats.
Pro Tip: Their vegan kimchi is house-made and free of animal-based ingredients.
4. Osegyehyang - 채식요리전문점 오세계향
Korean Vegan
Insadong | 14-1 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: This vegan restaurant offers a traditional Korean menu made with plant-based ingredients. Their dishes include vegan versions of Korean classics like kimchi stew and bulgogi.
Must-try: Vegan kimchi stew, dumplings, and bibimbap.
Pro Tip: The set menu is a great way to try multiple veganized versions of traditional Korean dishes
5. Chosun Gimbap - 페트라 레스토랑
Korean Vegan
Myeongdong | 9 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, SeoulWhy it’s great: Specializes in vegetarian gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) with a variety of fillings such as tofu, veggies, and kimchi. They also offer other Korean dishes made vegetarian-friendly.
Must-try: Tofu gimbap, kimchi jeon (pancakes), and dumplings.
Pro Tip: Pair your gimbap with homemade tofu soup or vegetarian kimchi jeon for a balanced and hearty meal.