124 restaurants joining, from well-known spots to hidden neighborhood gems
Discounts, limited menus and free desserts on offer throughout the week
Naver Pay users can earn back 50% of their payment, up to 10,000 won
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold the 2026 Seoul Restaurant Week across the city from Friday through next Wednesday, it announced Thursday. At participating stores, customers can earn back 50% of their payment — up to 10,000 won ($8) — as points.
Seoul Restaurant Week is a flagship program of the 2026 Taste of Seoul, running during the same period, designed to let residents and tourists discover a wide range of food and exclusive deals at venues throughout the city. The event aims to help people find not only well-known restaurants but also distinctive neighborhood eateries tucked away in local alleyways, offering a taste of Seoul's diverse food culture in everyday settings.
Taste of Seoul is a global food festival that promotes the unique culinary identity of Seoul to the world. Held at venues across the city, including Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the festival is tied to the announcement of the "Seoul's Top 100 Restaurants" list and brings together chefs, restaurants and traditional markets for a wide range of dining experiences.
This year, 124 establishments are taking part — 23 hansik restaurants, 28 Western cuisine venues, 11 Asian restaurants, seven grill restaurants and three vegetarian spots. In addition to discounts on popular menu items, participants will offer free desserts and limited menus available only during the festival period.
For the first time this year, the city has partnered with Naver Pay to offer a 50% points-back promotion. Customers who pay using Naver Pay QR or Face Sign at participating stores will receive up to 10,000 won in points instantly, limited to one redemption per person.
An Instagram event will also run alongside the festival. Participants who leave a comment on the Seoul Restaurant Week event post or share a verification photo from a participating venue will be entered into a draw for meal vouchers and desserts. Full details are available on the Taste of Seoul website and official SNS accounts.
"This is an opportunity to discover the full range of Seoul's flavors, from renowned restaurants to hidden gems in neighborhood alleyways," said Jo Seong-ho, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Tourism and Sports Bureau. "We hope everyone will enjoy the culinary charm of Seoul through the special benefits and diverse programs on offer throughout the week."
ikson@heraldcorp.com