December's things to do

Eulmildae boasts a 40-year tradition in Pyongyang-style naengmyeon. They have another branch in Gangnam, but Yeomri-dong is where it all started. The white paint is neat, though aged, and the furniture is distinctively retro. When it comes to Pyongyang-style naengmyeon, their variation is clean and light. The naengmyeon has thicker noodles and comes with the usual icy broth. Extra servings are 4,000 won but for the sizeable portions you’re getting, it’s quite the deal. Take note: the stewed brisket served on a bed of tossed chives is as much of a delicacy as the naengmyeon is.

Dimly-lit basements, serious furniture, and music vibrating in soft, repetitive hums—these are the visions we conjure up when imagining underground European techno clubs from the not-so-distant past. Lucky for us, this vision has come to life in the streets of Hapjeong. Set aside off from the major bustling streets of Hongdae, Vurt is only a minute walk from exit 6 of Hapjeong Station, and an easy 10-minute stroll from exit 1 of Sangsu Station. Burt carries a somewhat secluded and quiet vibe for a club and is managed by Suna, Unjin, DJI, and Soolee, old-timer DJs who have dedicated their lives to the club scene for over 10 years. Operated by a sound engineer from England’s reknowned audio company Allen & Heath, Vurt will appeal to true believers of underground sound.

Unlike other fine-dining restaurants, Ryunique offers one menu for dinner with no options for the customer to choose from. With the dinner course priced at 180,000 won, the problem of finding a friend to accompany you to the meal is as problematic as the cost (especially if you have yet to visit and can’t exactly guarantee them about the taste). Fortunately for myself, I was able to find such a friend for the special occasion of my birthday. At the restaurant, we were greeted with a quality selection of outstanding dishes throughout the 11-course meal. Although I had not planned on asking about the wine, by the time I had finished the amuse-bouche, I was enjoying the meal so much – I had to get it. The wines paired with the dishes maximized the taste of the cuisine. Equally pleased, my friend remarked that she hadn’t enjoyed this kind of high-end food for such a long time.   The tasting menu entitled “hybrid cuisine” starts out with five kinds of amuse-bouche. Straight away, you’ll notice the aesthetics of the meal – the dragonfly-shape dish whose wing is made of dried kimchi and tail made of potato puree draws particular attention. Memorable also are the Konbuzime Red Snapper and Cucumber Foam as well as the Foie Gras. Ryunique’s signature dish is the Quail “Nostalgia,” which comes served in a covered bowl. Upon opening the bowl, you’ll be tickled with the scent of burnt hay rose. Inside, there’s a quail egg wrapped in bacon and garnished with beet sauce. While this might...