Are you looking for a restaurant you won’t regret?
Here are 7 restaurants in Seoul recommended by gourmets. Delicious and refreshing bean noodles, heart-warming sundae soup, udon, and even a Korean BBQ pork belly restaurant.
Check it out here.
Hongtak Mokpojip
(홍탁목포집)
‘Hongtak Mokpo House’ is a place run by a grandmother, and it’s an old restaurant in Sindang. The menu consists of only four items: Kongguksu (soybean noodle soup), Bibim guksu (spicy mixed noodles), pork, and a plate of fermented skate (hongeo).
The signature dish is the ‘Kongguksu,’ made in the Jeolla Province style. It is characterized by generously adding savory soybean powder and sesame on top of the soybean noodle soup.
The Kongguksu is not seasoned, so you can choose to add salt or sugar according to your taste. The bean broth that comes with the noodles is rich and mild, enhancing the overall flavor.
The ‘Yeolmu Kimchi’ served as a basic side dish pairs exceptionally well with the Kongguksu. The ‘Yeolmu Kimchi’ is available for unlimited self-refills.
Other menu items such as hongeo (fermented skate) and suyuk (boiled pork) are only available for order after 7 p.m., and advance reservation is required to enjoy these dishes. Please keep this in mind when planning your visit.
📌 Info
- Address: 86-1 Cheonggu-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone Number: +82-10-7921-4799
- Business Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Break Time: Not available Closed on: Every Sunday
Sinchon Instant Raw Udon
(신촌즉석생우동)
‘Sinchon Instant Fresh Udon’ is a cost-effective restaurant where every menu item is priced below 10,000 won. The signature dish here is the Udon, where the noodles are hand-pulled, resulting in varying thickness but consistently chewy and elastic texture. The piping hot broth complements the Udon perfectly, creating an irresistibly delicious flavor. The portions are generous enough to satisfy both men and women, making it a great value for money.
Another hidden gem on the menu is the ‘Donkatsu’ (pork cutlet), which pairs perfectly with the Udon. If you’re dining with a companion, it is recommended to order one Udon and one Donkatsu for a delightful combination. During the summer, don’t miss out on trying the refreshing and savory ‘Kongguksu’ offered as a seasonal menu.
📌 Info
- Address: 1F, 38 Daehak-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone Number: 02-717-7897
- Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on: Sundays
Minam-Og
(미남옥)
‘Minamok’ is a specialty restaurant known for its Gomtang (oxtail soup) and Suyuk (boiled beef or pork slices).
Firstly, the Gomtang is served in a brass bowl, generously filled with meat. It boasts a clear and mild broth without any meaty odors. The sizes available include regular and special, with the special size also including internal organs. When enjoying Gomtang, it is recommended to add plenty of chopped green onions and roll the rice in it, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
As a side dish, they provide green onion kimchi which is highly recommended to try together with the main dish.
Another highly recommended menu includes Suyuk and Naepo Muchim (seasoned internal organs).
The Suyuk comes with three varieties: Chadol (beef brisket), Yangji (thinly sliced lamb), and Naepo (internal organs). The meat is thick and tender, making it irresistible.
The Naepo Muchim, marinated in spicy seasoning, is a strong recommendation and pairs well with soju.
📌 Info
- Address: 1F, 12 Eonju-ro 153-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone Number: 02-549-5553
- Business Hours: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM (Last Order at 08:30 PM)
- Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on: Every Sunday
Hanokjeong
(한옥정)
‘Hanokjeong’ boasts a 44-year history, passing down its culinary legacy through generations. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Korean dishes, including Kimchi Jeongol (Kimchi hot pot), Braised Cutlassfish, and Spicy Chicken Stew.
Among these, the most beloved dish is the ‘Samgyeopsal’ (pork belly). The restaurant sources A++ grade fresh meat directly from Majang-dong every morning. The meat is tender, with no undesirable odor, and it glistens with juiciness. The prices are reasonable, adding to the overall satisfaction.
The complimentary side dishes and the soybean paste stew that comes as a standard are each delicious enough to make a bowl of rice disappear in no time. Keep in mind that this place tends to have a waiting line due to its popularity. Additionally, if you go in the evening, they may close earlier than the business hours in case ingredients run out. Please plan accordingly.
📌 Info
- Address: 146-4 Dapsimni-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone Number: 02-2249-1082
- Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Break Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on: Please check locally
Lee Jo Sundaeguk
(이조순대국)
When it comes to sundae guk (blood sausage soup), the smell of meat can be overwhelming if not done right. However, ‘Ijo Sundae Guk’ is a place where the scent is completely absent, allowing even those sensitive to odors to enjoy a bowl without hesitation. The chewy meat generously piled on top makes the dish hearty and satisfying, providing a filling and satisfying meal.
The broth is exceptionally clean and savory, making it a taste that lingers in your memory. While there is a special size for the sundae guk, unless you have a big appetite, it’s not highly recommended due to the substantial quantity.
Another highly praised item on their menu is the Neck Meat Boiled Pork Set. A plate full of tender, well-marinated meat that is sure to please.
📌 Info
- Address: 54 Wonhyo-ro 41-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone Number: 02-717-3387
- Business Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Break Time: Not specified Closed on: Sundays
Chunhyangmien
(춘향미엔)
‘Chunhyang Mien’ is not only famous within the Wangsimni Haengdang Market but has also been introduced multiple times on popular TV programs as a Chinese noodle specialty restaurant. Unlike typical Chinese restaurants, it doesn’t offer menu items like jjajangmyeon, jjamppong, fried rice, or tangsuyuk. Instead, ‘Onmyeon’ (wheat noodles) and ‘Mandu’ (dumplings) are their specialties.
The Onmyeon is made with corn noodles, providing a chewy and delicious texture. While they also serve ‘Ongukbap,’ where rice is used instead of noodles with the same broth base, personally, the Onmyeon is more recommended.
The ‘Nunkkot Mandu’ (Snowflake Dumplings) are another highlight. The outer layer is crispy, and the inside is moist. Each bite is filled with juicy goodness, and the crispy fried dumpling skin adds an interesting texture.
If you visit this place, be sure to try the ‘Onmyeon’ and ‘Nunkkot Mandu.’ With Onmyeon priced at 7,000 won and Mandu at 9,000 won, you can enjoy a satisfying meal for a total of 16,000 won.
📌 Info
- Address: 26 Wangsimni-ro 21-gil, 1F, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone Number: 02-2281-9031
- Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Break Time: 2:50 PM – 4:30 PM
- Closed on: Not specified
Hamheung Myeonok
(함흥면옥)
“Hamheung Myeonok is a noodle restaurant specializing in various types of naengmyeon (cold noodles), including bibim naengmyeon, mul naengmyeon, and hwe naengmyeon. In addition, the menu features items such as mandu (dumplings), manduguk (dumpling soup), galbi jjim (braised short ribs), and galbitang (short rib soup).
The signature dish here is the ‘Hwe Naengmyeon’—a cold noodle dish with a sweet and tangy sauce that makes it irresistible, prompting you to keep using your chopsticks. The noodles are made from high-quality potato starch, providing a chewy texture that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Pairing perfectly with the naengmyeon is the ‘Mandu,’ filled to the brim with juicy goodness. If a full plate of mandu seems overwhelming, they also offer a half-plate option for your convenience.
With just one serving of naengmyeon and half a plate of mandu, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect combination that won’t disappoint.”
📌 Info
- Address: 826 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone Number: 02-515-2505
- Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Break Time: Not available
- Closed on: Not available
Until now, we’ve carefully selected restaurants praised by gourmets.
If there’s a restaurant near your area or a particular cuisine that catches your interest, don’t hesitate to visit. Each of them is truly delicious, and you won’t regret it.
Wishing your journey to be even more enjoyable with these delightful culinary experiences.😉❤️