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The Seoul My Soul Lounge at Seoul Forest — a one-day guide to ‘Seoul food’ perfect for the heat

Practical guide focused on verified information: a pop-up lounge at Seoul Forest central lawn during the Seoul International Garden Expo (7/31–10/27) — what to eat, how to move around, and confirmed CU collaboration prices.

The Seoul My Soul Lounge at Seoul Forest — a one-day guide to ‘Seoul food’ perfect for the heat — AI-generated editorial illustration
AI-generated editorial illustration

At a glance

  • When: 31 July 2026–27 October 2026, open 10:30–21:00 (event information basis).
  • Where: Seoul Forest central lawn (inside the Seoul International Garden Expo grounds). Within walking distance of Seoul Forest Station and Ttukseom Station. On-site staff and an air‑conditioned indoor area allow you to avoid the heat while shopping and sampling.
  • What to eat: You can buy and try featured public–private collaboration products in one place — Goryeodang’s “Seoul bread,” the CU collaboration “Seoul My Soul healthy convenience meals” (boxed meals, gimbap, sandwiches, etc.), and Pungshimdang’s “rice chips.” (Items and sources are based on verified information.)

Rules for choosing “today’s meal” by purpose

- If you need a quick park meal (tight on time for travel or viewing):
* Pick: “Seoul My Soul healthy convenience meals” (CU collaboration). Why: packaged like convenience‑store items for immediate eating and designed with disclosed nutrition profiles (low sugar, high protein). Example: the low‑sugar, high‑protein garlic chicken gimbap was reported sold at 3,500원 — easy to grab and eat in a shaded spot or on the grass.
* Check: read the product label for nutrition (calories, sugars, protein) to confirm it fits your diet.

- If you want a site‑experience focused on snacks and souvenirs:
* Pick: Goryeodang’s “Seoul bread” and Pungshimdang’s “rice chips.” Why: the lounge gathers flagship public–private collaboration foods, so it’s good for experiencing textures (bread softness/crispness, rice chip snackability).
* Tip: ask staff if a bread item was freshly baked — breads taste best warm.

- If you’re picnicking with family or children:
* Pick: use the nearby ground fountain (operational) and shaded areas. The lounge provides an air‑conditioned indoor space to escape the heat. Note: the fountain area is a water play zone, so supervise children closely.

Concrete pre-arrival checklist (before you get there)

1) Confirm hours and dates: the lounge operates 7/31–10/27, 10:30–21:00 (Seoul City announcement). Check the overall Seoul International Garden Expo schedule as well.
2) Transport: parking may be crowded — public transit recommended (walking access from Seoul Forest Station and Ttukseom Station). On-site directions suggest routes via Seoul Forest entrances passing the horse statue and ground fountain.
3) Payment & packaging: on-site staff sell and explain products. Convenience‑style items are easy to pack and store — immediate consumption is recommended.
4) Allergies & ingredients: although the healthy meals promote low sugar and high protein, ingredient lists vary. Check labels on site for allergen information.
5) Time of visit: weekends and evenings can be busier; visit weekday mornings or early evenings to avoid crowds.

Price & buying tips (verified items only)

  • Verified price example: the “Seoul My Soul low‑sugar high‑protein garlic chicken gimbap” was reported at 3,500원 (Seoul City press materials). Other items (Seoul bread, etc.) have varying stall prices — confirm at the counter.

Suggested route on site (60–90 minute loops)

  • 60‑minute course (light): Arrive at Seoul Forest Station → enter via gates 1 or 3 → pass the horse statue and ground fountain → visit The Seoul My Soul Lounge (explore Seoul Food Zone, sample) → picnic on the lawn.
  • 90‑minute course (leisurely): same as above + visit Seoul Goods Garden and photo zones → walk around themed corporate lounges → buy souvenirs and snacks, then rest at a cafe or shaded area.

Notes for travelers and foreign visitors

  • The lounge is inside the Expo grounds, so you can combine it with broader Expo visits. For official details on operating period, hours, and subway access, refer to Seoul City announcements.
  • Product distribution/sale locations (for example, Seoul bread sold at some Goryeodang stores and department store corners) will be announced separately — if you must buy a specific item, check stock and sales locations in advance.

Final suggestion

The Seoul My Soul Lounge is a compact experience where you can view, sample, and pick up Seoul‑brand products. If you’re short on time, choose CU’s low‑sugar/high‑protein convenience meal to eat in the park. If you have time, pick a Goryeodang Seoul bread and enjoy it warm on site — the immediate tasting is the popup’s main appeal.