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Seoul Food: 10 Celebrity Restaurants (Part 1)

Looking to have fun while you're in South Korea? We're introducing a new feature 'Seoul Food', in whichaskkpophelps you navigate through the metropolis of Seoul, filling you in on cool places that are creating abuzz!


As most of us here are K-Pop fans, let's start off with some more obvious attractions--celebrity restaurants! Many K-Pop celebrities own family restaurants in the city of Seoul. These restaurants are especially catered to the fans as they can not only grab a bite to eat but also talk to their favorite idol's parents, purchase idol merchandise, and sometimes even leave messages for their idol to read.


They may even be able to catch a glimpse of that very idol yourself and fangirl (or fanboy) within the same room!




Just make sure to not go overboard.



Er.... Anyways. Here's our first batch of celebrity restaurants you should definitely check out!


Se7en's Yeolbong in Shinsadong


Ever want to meetSe7enin person? Well, unless you're blessed by whoever controls the K-Pop universe, you can't. #Sadface. But hey, at least you can take a picture with the next best thing! Multiple celebrities such asGirls' Generation'sYoonaandRainhave posed next to the cardboard cut-out of Se7en at his chicken restaurant. Have your way with his 2D form and then order somejjimdak(chicken boiled with vegetables and marinated in a Korean fermented soybean sauce) afterwards for a good time.





Even Se7en wants to meet Se7en!


JYJ Jaejoong's Coffee Cojjee in Cheongdamdong



If the cardboard cut-out is not enough for you, then maybe some coffee and the potential of being near the real thing will hit the spot! Check outJaejoong's sleek coffee shop and survey the shelves of autographed albums. The coffee shop is said to deliver toJYJ's favorite hair salon within the same building. Who knows, maybe you might bump into the precious trio yourself!




Super Junior Yesung's Babtol in Hongdae


Looking for some inexpensive and chill food?Super JuniorYesung's parents own a Korean fusion restaurant you might want to check out. In addition to having good food, it also acts as a shrine as pictures of Yesung and post-it notes from ELFs decorate the walls.



An ELF posing with Yesung's mom.


SS501 Kim Hyun Joong's Jaksal Chicken in Ilsan


While you have the opportunity to meet Yesung's parents in Babtol,  you might be served by the idol's older brother inKim Hyun Joong's chicken restaurant! Hellooooo handsome genes!



Hyunjoong's fan-made birthday cake on display.


JYJ Junsu's Misarang Imshil Cheese Pizza in Ilsan


Junsu's father owns a pizza place that makes really, really cheesy pizza. Lovers of both cheese and Junsu should gather here to grab a bite, as well as gawk at the endless amount of graffiti scribbled at the entrance.




Cube Studio Cafe in Gangnam

Enjoy people-watching? Try idol-watching.Cube Entertainmenthas a cafe set up right outside their company called Cube Studio Cafe where customers have a view of idols going to and leaving work.BTOBhas even served as waiters in the cafe before for a special event!




I spy with my little eye a cutie who goes by the nameMinhyuk.



A wildHyunAhas appeared!


B2ST Yoseob's Chilk Naengmyun near Seokgye Station



Naengmyunis the best thing to have during the hot summer! Give this cold noodle dish a try at the restaurant owned byB2STYoseob's mom while surveying the wall of Yoseob's B2SThood and childhood. Awww baby Yoseob and his never-changing baby face!




Honest talk: I couldn't find a picture of his mom'snaengmyun, so I had to make-do with this random but refreshingnaengmyunpicture right here. Sorry!


Leessang Gary's Paljamakchang in Gangnam

Meat lovers should checkLeessangGary's place out in Gangnam as it is said to specialize in grilling pork intestine! Watch the food sizzle right in front of you and make sure to take a good look around as the walls are covered in some interesting graffiti artwork.



HaHa's 401 in Hongdae


HaHa's restaurant, once known as Sang Sang Madang, is actually an extension of Gary's Paljamakchang located in Hongdae. HaHa himself visits the restaurant occasionally to eat with friends and grill customers' meat.


Running Man has actually filmed at this restaurant for an episode. It featured a Monday couple moment captured here.



All together now--SQUEE!


Park Shin Hye's Little Tin Drums in Seongnae

Speaking of ships, does anyone happen to shipLee Min HoandPark Shin Hyetogether? Well get excited, because the beautiful actress's mother has Lee Min Ho's autograph, as well as the autographs of other big celebrities, displayed in her restaurant. Of course, there's also a lot of Park Shin Hye eye candy decorating the walls, as well.



For those still missing the'You're Beautiful'days, here's a picture ofJang Geun Sukenjoying a meal at Park Shin Hye's restaurant as well!


There you have it, our first 10 celebrity restaurants! Which ones would you like to go visit? Let us know in the comments below!