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.

Just a stone's throw away from Majang meat market, Born and Bred is the premium hanwoo boutique restaurant that beefy dreams are made of. The restaurant was founded by Jeong Sang-wong, the son and descendent of a beef purveyor, who created this eatery focused on the highest quality of Korean beef. The establishment carries three different dining concepts in which a butcher lounge is on the first floor, a casual but modern eatery sits on the second, and then finally, a multi-course hanwoo experience can be had on the third floor.