It was a gloomy day in Seoul, but that didn’t stop me from meeting my best friend Alex. As her welcome treat, we wandered around lively Hongdae and stumbled upon the cutest Japanese restaurant called Switch. Even with the drizzle, the energy of the streets and our excitement made everything feel bright.

The restaurant had such a simple, charming vibe. It was run by men, and most of the guests were men too, so Alex and I felt like the only ladies in the room — which made the experience even more fun and memorable. We both ordered ramen, and the service was quick. The hot, flavorful soup was exactly what we needed for the cold weather. It warmed us up instantly and set the tone for the rest of our day.

Even though the sky was gray, Alex and I were full of excitement for our first day exploring Seoul. A little rain never stops us, especially when good food and good company are involved.

If you are visiting or staying in Hongdae, this restaurant is definitely worth a stop. It’s a simple spot with comforting food — perfect for cozy weather days.

For more food adventures and travel stories, follow my Instagram @foodie__mickey.