Seoul Museum of History, 2-1 Sinmun-no, Jongno-gu
tel. 02/722-7002
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
COST: Entrées ₩10,000-25,000
SUBWAY: Gwanghwamun (Line 5)
Museums aren’t generally known for fine dining, but Congdu has enchanted visitors since it opened its doors in the Seoul Museum of History in 2006.
Defining its cuisine as “new” Korean, the restaurant emphasizes fresh, organic, local produce, particularly soybeans or kong (hence the restaurant name), which take center stage in dishes like tofu seafood steak and doenjang bibimbap (rice mixed with savory soybean paste and vegetables).
Much like the venue, service is hushed and unobtrusive, and the expansive views of the museum’s grounds contribute further to Congdu’s serene air.