Korea - Best of Seoul According to Monocle

The best of Seoul, according to Monocle in its April 2010 Seoul City Survey:

Hotels: Rakkojae (Best Traditional Boutique Hotel), The Grand Hyatt (Best Karaoke Lounge), The Shilla (Best Service), IP Boutique Hotel (Best Newcomer)

Restaurants: Jung Sik Dang (Spanish-Korean), Wood & Brick (Italian), Doorei (Korean), Allo Papergarden (Brunch, Desserts), Sangbong (Korean BBQ)

Bars: Au Gout des Autres (Jongro-gu), Platoon (Gangnam-gu), Lupin (Gangnam-gu), Fruit Alcohol Soju (Gangnam-gu), DDAL

Shopping: aA Design Museum (Mapo-gu), Boon the Shop (Gangnam-gu), Daily Projects (Gangnam-gu), Talk/Service (Gangnam-gu), Jang Mee (Chung-gu), Galleria West (Gangnam-gu)

I'd say don't seel yourself short with that list. There are tons of hole in the wall places you can find on review sites that are worth while.