Who is The Real Seoul?

Me! My name is Michael and I’m a 38 year old American that’s lived in Seoul since 2011. I moved here to teach English, but around 2014, I decided to stay here forever. I completed a government-sponsored language and culture program and received my residency visa in August 2017. While I’m still teaching business English to fancy office workers in the day, I dedicate my nights and resources to you!

What Is The Real Seoul?

The Real Seoul is anything and everything you want it to be. Simple questions about navigating Seoul? Ok. Restaurant recommendations? Ok. A nightlife/drinking buddy? Absolutely yes.  No request is too weird, no favor too burdensome!

Where is The Real Seoul?

The Real Seoul is everywhere. Outside your door step, on the corner, in the back alleys. It’s yours for the taking! Seriously though, I work out of my home and cafes in the Gangnam area.

When is The Real Seoul?

The Real Seoul primarily serves visitors food and nightlife needs. All of the historical stuff and tourist sites have been covered 1,000,000 times over everywhere online. What hasn’t been covered: real local restaurants without English menus. That cool corner basement bar that was full of people that you couldn’t muster up the courage to visit yourself.

Why The Real Seoul?

Because you want to meet a real local and have just a normal night out like you would at home (well, except, Korean style). Not with 20 people stuck in a market alleyway awkwardly blocking the locals…or taking over a tiny restaurant with loud English, being “that guy.” You want to eat, drink, do it well, and make a friend you can come back and see!