Myeongdong Hotel 'The Plaza'
Hidden Food Gems Inside the Hotel
A Culinary Journey Within the Heart of Seoul
Seoul’s food scene always makes my travels more memorable. This visit was dedicated to deeply exploring diverse culinary cultures. But instead of wandering around, I dreamed of staying somewhere where all great meals could happen within the hotel. After scouring Myeongdong hotels, I discovered The Plaza Hotel Seoul—exactly the hidden culinary sanctuary I had in mind.
When the Hotel Door Closes,
a New Epicurean World Opens
Let me walk you through the delightful dining experiences awaiting inside The Plaza—where each space is like a map of flavors waiting to be discovered.
1. Private Dining Breakfast – A Peaceful Start to the Morning
Begin your day in the hotel’s serene private dining room rather than the bustling buffet hall. I opted for the American breakfast: freshly squeezed juice, warm croissants and pastries, scrambled eggs with potatoes and crispy bacon, followed by seasonal fruit and a cup of coffee. It was a classic, comforting spread that filled me with energy.
My companion chose the Korean breakfast featuring rice, warm soup, bulgogi, fried egg, kimchi, seasoned cod roe, seaweed, and side dishes—simple yet elegant, perfect for any traveler seeking a genuine taste of Korea. This calm, quality-focused breakfast truly felt like a special way to start the day.
2. Boulangerie (Lower Lobby Floor) – Sweet Aromas of Bakery Bliss
The moment you walk in, the scent of freshly baked bread is alluring. From flaky croissants and rich scones to seasonal fruit cakes and a curated selection of wines, the bakery invites you on a modern take of French inspiration enriched with Korean flavors
One standout was the Orange Mascarpone Cake—layers of sponge brushed with orange coulis, topped with smooth mascarpone cream. I took it back to my room with a cup of warm tea, and it felt like a little indulgent reset in peaceful comfort.
3. Oyster Bar & Dining (LL Floor) – Seoul Nights Perfected by Oysters
In the basement, this upscale Oyster Bar offers premium oysters—fresh and safe year-round—paired with an impressive lineup of 234 curated beverages such as fine whiskeys, classic cocktails, and rare wines, selected by a mixologist.
I savored Stella Maris oysters with mushroom carpaccio and shrimp croquette. The view of Seoul’s city lights and Deoksugung Palace elevated the experience, making it a highlight of my culinary journey.
4. Towon Chinese Restaurant (3F) – Refined Dinner with Tradition
Towon blends tradition with modern style in a beautifully atmospheric setting. I enjoyed the seasonal dinner course, thoughtfully prepared and paired with Domaine René Cachet wine, offering rich, terroir-driven flavors. This refined meal elevated my Seoul experience from just dining to memorable fine cuisine
5. The Lounge (Lobby Floor) – Brunch Peace & Wine Charm
Overlooking City Hall, The Lounge provides a peaceful space to unwind. In summer, I enjoyed the limited-time Mango Bingsu—with ripe yellow mango, mango sherbet, and honeycomb toppings. The refreshing sweetness felt like a moment of calm in the city bustle
Marriott.
� Seoul Gourmet Hotel Trip
– Smart Tips for Enjoying The Plaza Hotel!
Q. Are there pairing options other than wine at Towon for dinner?
A. Yes, Towon offers not only wine but also a curated selection of traditional Chinese liquors (Baijiu) that pair wonderfully with the dishes. Depending on the flavor profile of your meal, here are some recommended options:
Kweichow Moutai (53%): Known for its deep fermentation aroma with hints of fruit, this bold Baijiu pairs well with spicy or rich meat dishes.
Recommended pairings: Spiced Beef Shank, Szechuan-style Grouper, Dongpo Pork.
Wuliangye (52%): Brewed from five grains, it has a sweet and smooth flavor that complements robust, saucy dishes.
Recommended pairings: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Red-Braised Shark Fin.
Tianzhilan (42%): Light, fresh aroma with a smooth finish, ideal for seafood or sweet-flavored dishes.
Recommended pairings: King Crab Soup, Lemon Chicken.
Yantai Old Gold (52%): Mild and clean, this Baijiu is well-suited to seafood and fried dishes.
Recommended pairings: Towon Signature Appetizer Platter, Sweet and Sour Beef.
Kinmen Kaoliang (58%): With a high alcohol content and rich aroma, this bold spirit pairs well with sweet or savory-sweet dishes.
Recommended pairings: Chili Shrimp, Sweet and Sour Pork, Dongpo Pork.
Q. Are there other cake options besides the Orange Mascarpone?
A. Absolutely—there’s a wide range of premium cakes including:
Earl Grey & Grapefruit Cake (fragrant + refreshing)
Berry Fresh Cream Cake (with rich dairy cream)
Royal Chocolate Cake (dark chocolate mousse + cherry ganache)
Shine Muscat Shortcake (topped with sweet green grapes)
Sé Maron (deep chestnut flavor)
Basque Cheesecake (creamy cheese + caramelized top + espresso glaze)
Matcha Chiffon Cake (with matcha cream icing)
These are crafted using premium ingredients for a sophisticated dessert experience.
Stylish, serene, and gourmet-friendly—The Plaza Hotel Seoul isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a culinary basecamp. If you’d like help turning this into a blog post or social media highlight, I’d be happy to assist further!
