Category: Hidden Restaurants

Short answer: if you’re spending the day at Lotte World or Lotte World Tower, the two most-reviewed restaurants inside Lotte World Mall are Samsamsam (Western comfort food) and Haemok (Japanese eel rice). If you can walk 10 minutes, the streets around the mall have more choice: rice bowls at Dandi on Songridan-gil, spicy baby octopus at Daehongjip, or Korean pork BBQ at Bondi. All ten come from the most-reviewed restaurants for “Jamsil” on Naver Map, the map app Koreans actually use.

I sorted Naver Map by number of reviews, then removed ads, cafés and bakeries, national and global chains (Gordon Ramsay Burger, Outback, a 69-branch pork chain and others), and places whose reviews come mostly from sponsored blog posts. Two of the ten are in the mall. The other eight are on Songridan-gil, in the Bangi-dong food alley, around Seokchon and in Jamsil Saenae.

Last checked: 2026-10-28. Prices and hours are from each restaurant’s Naver Map page. Menus change, so check the Naver Map link before you go. US dollar amounts use Naver’s base exchange rate on 2026-10-28 (₩1,332.80 = US$1), rounded.

Best Restaurants in Jamsil at a Glance

Restaurant	Area	What to eat	Price	Naver visitor reviews	Booking
Samsamsam	Lotte World Mall	Lasagna, pasta	₩23,000–46,000 (~US$17–35)	19,925	Naver booking
Dandi	Songridan-gil	Japanese rice bowls	₩13,000–18,000 (~US$10–14)	13,942	Naver booking
Haemok	Lotte World Mall	Hitsumabushi (eel rice)	₩38,000–59,000 (~US$29–44)	11,155	Tabling queue
Jigang Hansikdang	Near Songpa-gu Office	Cheese dakgalbi, octopus	₩19,000–25,500 (~US$14–19)	11,100	Naver booking
Imgeum Dwaeji	Seokchon	Pork BBQ	₩17,000 per portion (~US$13)	7,703	Naver booking
Daehongjip	Jamsil Saenae	Jjukkumi (baby octopus)	₩17,900–19,900 per person (~US$13–15)	7,497	Naver booking
Ugopjip	Jamsil Saenae	Hanwoo gopchang	₩18,000–27,000 (~US$14–20)	7,411	Naver booking
Gaenari Agujjim	Bangi-dong	Spicy braised monkfish	₩24,000 per person (~US$18)	6,938	Naver booking
Bondi	Songridan-gil	Pork BBQ	₩17,500–19,000 per portion (~US$13–14)	6,664	Naver booking
Bangiok	Bangi-dong food alley	Beef and pork BBQ	₩16,000–33,000 per portion (~US$12–25)	4,689	Phone

1. Samsamsam, Lotte World Mall (쌤쌤쌤 롯데월드몰점) — Local Pick

Why go: The most-reviewed restaurant in Jamsil, on the 5th floor of Lotte World Mall next to the cinema. The menu is Western comfort food like lasagna and pasta, handy before or after the aquarium or Seoul Sky.

• What to order: The hamburg-steak lasagna (₩26,000), jambon-beurre pasta (₩26,000) or shrimp bisque pasta (₩28,000)
• Price: ₩23,000–46,000 per dish (about US$17–35)
• Naver rating: not shown (19,925 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jamsil Station (Lines 2 and 8), Exit 11, about 4 minutes. Take the elevator on the aquarium side up to the 5th floor.
• Hours: Daily 10:30–22:00 (last order 21:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver, with a CatchTable waiting list
• Parking: Lotte World Mall garage, no restaurant discount
• Naver Map: Samsamsam Lotte World Mall

2. Dandi (단디) — Local Pick

Why go: A Japanese rice-bowl shop at the start of Songridan-gil, the café and restaurant street east of Seokchon Lake. It has nearly 14,000 visitor reviews, and every bowl is under ₩20,000.

• What to order: Hanwoo hormone-don, a Korean beef offal rice bowl (₩15,000), gyudon (₩13,000) or premium sake-don, salmon (₩18,000)
• Price: ₩13,000–18,000 per person (about US$10–14)
• Naver rating: 4.65 (13,942 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Songpa Naru Station (Line 9), Exit 1, about 4 minutes. Walk 150 m straight, turn left at the GS25 convenience store, and it’s 50 m ahead.
• Hours: Daily 11:30–21:30 (last order 21:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver
• Parking: None. Use the Songpa Women’s Culture Center public lot.
• Naver Map: Dandi

3. Haemok, Lotte World Mall (해목 롯데월드몰점) — Local Pick

Why go: Hitsumabushi is Nagoya-style grilled eel over rice. You eat it three ways: plain, with condiments, then with broth poured over. Haemok is on the 6th-floor restaurant level of Lotte World Mall, and it’s the priciest meal on this list.

• What to order: Hitsumabushi (₩40,000), or kaisendon, a raw seafood rice bowl (₩38,000). There’s a kids’ eel rice bowl (₩12,000).
• Price: ₩38,000–59,000 per person (about US$29–44)
• Naver rating: not shown (11,155 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jamsil Station Exit 10, then up to the 6th-floor restaurant level of Lotte World Mall
• Hours: Daily 10:30–22:00 (last order 21:00)
• Wait & booking: No bookings. Join the remote queue on the Tabling app.
• Parking: Lotte World Mall garage, no discount for the restaurant floor
• Naver Map: Haemok Lotte World Mall

4. Jigang Hansikdang, Jamsil (지강한식당 잠실점) — Local Pick

Why go: Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and nakji-bokkeum (spicy stir-fried octopus) cooked on an iron plate, most of them topped with Imsil cheese. It’s rated 4.86 and sits in the basement of KT Songpa Tower, a short walk from Lotte World.

• What to order: Imsil cheese dakgalbi (₩19,000) or iron-plate nakji-bokkeum (₩22,000)
• Price: ₩19,000–25,500 per dish (about US$14–19)
• Naver rating: 4.86 (11,100 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jamsil Station Exit 10, about 6 minutes. Walk 200 m straight, turn right at Songpa-gu Office, walk about 120 m, and take the escalator down to B1 of KT Songpa Tower.
• Hours: Daily 11:00–22:00
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver
• Parking: Free for 2 hours in KT Songpa Tower (B3–B4)
• Dietary note: Dakgalbi and nakji-bokkeum are spicy.
• Naver Map: Jigang Hansikdang Jamsil

5. Imgeum Dwaeji, Jamsil (임금돼지 잠실) — Local Pick

Why go: Korean pork BBQ near Seokchon Lake, open every day of the year. The cuts are aged, and the set menus make ordering simple if you can’t read the Korean menu.

• What to order: Aged pork neck (moksal) or pork belly (samgyeopsal), ₩17,000 each, or the Imgeumnim bansang set (₩49,000)
• Price: ₩17,000 per portion (about US$13); sets ₩49,000–89,000 (about US$37–67)
• Naver rating: not shown (7,703 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Seokchon Station (Lines 8 and 9), Exit 8, about 6 minutes
• Hours: Daily 12:00–23:00 (last order 22:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver and CatchTable
• Parking: Valet at the Songpa-gu Election Commission building (₩3,000), up to 2 hours free with your receipt
• Naver Map: Imgeum Dwaeji Jamsil

6. Daehongjip, Jamsil Saenae (대홍집 잠실새내본점) — Local Pick

Why go: Jjukkumi is baby octopus stir-fried in a red-hot sauce, and Daehongjip has the highest rating on this list (4.95). It’s in Jamsil Saenae, a busy bar and restaurant area near Jamsil Baseball Stadium.

• What to order: Daehong jjukkumi (₩17,900 per person), or the cheese iron-plate version (₩19,900). Lunch specials are ₩10,900–12,900.
• Price: ₩17,900–19,900 per person (about US$13–15)
• Naver rating: 4.95 (7,497 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jamsil Saenae Station (Line 2), Exit 4, about 7 minutes; or Sports Complex Station (Line 9), Exit 9, about 8 minutes
• Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30–23:30, Sat–Sun 13:00–23:30
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver
• Parking: Paid lot across the street, no validation
• Naver Map: Daehongjip

7. Ugopjip, Jamsil (우곱집 잠실본점) — Local Pick

Why go: Hanwoo (Korean beef) gopchang, grilled small intestines, on the same street as Daehongjip. On weekdays it opens at 16:00 and stays open until 1 a.m., so it’s a dinner and late-night place.

• What to order: Hanwoo gopchang-gui, 250 g (₩27,000), and daechang-gui, large intestine, 180 g (₩18,000)
• Price: ₩18,000–27,000 per portion (about US$14–20)
• Naver rating: 4.9 (7,411 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jamsil Saenae Station Exit 4, about 8 minutes. Walk about 200 m straight, turn right at the first intersection after the CU convenience store, and walk 50 m.
• Hours: Mon–Fri 16:00–01:00 (last order 00:00); Sat–Sun 13:00–24:00 (last order 23:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver
• Parking: Four spaces beside the shop
• Naver Map: Ugopjip

8. Gaenari Agujjim (개나리아구찜 본점) — Local Pick

Why go: Agujjim is monkfish braised with a mountain of bean sprouts in a spicy red sauce. Gaenari’s signature version adds daechang (large intestine). It’s a dinner place on weekdays, opening at 16:00.

• What to order: Signature daechang agujjim (₩24,000 per person, minimum two). Agu-gangjeong, fried monkfish (₩18,000), is a popular side.
• Price: ₩24,000 per person (about US$18)
• Naver rating: not shown (6,938 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Songpa Naru Station Exit 2, about 6 minutes; or Seokchon Gobun Station (Line 9), Exit 3, about 5 minutes
• Hours: Mon–Fri 16:00–23:00, Sat–Sun 12:00–23:00 (last order 22:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver, with a CatchTable waiting list
• Parking: None. Songpa public parking lot is 3 minutes away.
• Dietary note: Spicy
• Naver Map: Gaenari Agujjim

9. Bondi (본디) — Local Pick

Why go: Pork BBQ on Songridan-gil where the staff grill the meat for you at no charge, which helps if it’s your first Korean BBQ.

• What to order: The Bondi hanpan platter for two (₩59,000), or individual cuts like pork neck (₩17,500) and raw pork ribs (₩18,500)
• Price: ₩17,500–19,000 per portion (about US$13–14); platter for two ₩59,000 (about US$44)
• Naver rating: 4.88 (6,664 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Seokchon Station (Line 8), Exit 2, about 5 minutes
• Hours: Daily 12:00–22:30 (last order 22:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver, with a CatchTable waiting list
• Parking: Songpa Women’s Culture Center public lot (₩900 per 30 minutes)
• Naver Map: Bondi

10. Bangiok (방이옥 본점) — Local Pick

Why go: The original branch of a beef and pork BBQ restaurant in the Bangi-dong food alley (방이동먹자골목), a block of restaurants and bars a few minutes past Songpa-gu Office. It’s open until 1 a.m. every day.

• What to order: Sous-vide udae-galbi, a big beef short rib (₩33,000), or the Bangiok hanpan platter for 2–3 people (₩93,000)
• Price: ₩16,000–33,000 per portion (about US$12–25); platters ₩69,000–93,000 (about US$52–70)
• Naver rating: 4.74 (4,689 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jamsil Station Exit 10, about 12 minutes. Walk past Songpa-gu Office and cross, turn right at Twosome Place and walk 3 minutes, then turn left into the food alley.
• Hours: Daily 11:00–01:00
• Wait & booking: Phone 02-423-6592
• Parking: Small lot; paid lots nearby
• Naver Map: Bangiok

Tips for Eating in Jamsil

• Use Naver Map, not Google Maps. Search the Korean names in brackets above. Lotte World Mall is huge, and Naver shows which floor each restaurant is on.
• Mall or neighborhood. Lotte World Mall is convenient but can get crowded. Songridan-gil, Jamsil Saenae and the Bangi-dong food alley are 5–15 minutes away and have more local restaurants.
• Plan around dinner-only places. Ugopjip and Gaenari Agujjim open at 16:00 on weekdays.
• Baseball nights get busy. Jamsil Saenae is near Jamsil Baseball Stadium, so Daehongjip and Ugopjip can fill up on game nights.
• BBQ for one is hard. Many BBQ and braised-dish menus are priced for two or more. If you’re alone, Dandi and Jigang Hansikdang are the easiest picks.

Jamsil Restaurants FAQ

Where should I eat near Lotte World?

Inside Lotte World Mall, Samsamsam (5th floor) and Haemok (6th floor) are the most-reviewed. Jigang Hansikdang is about 6 minutes on foot from Jamsil Station Exit 10.

Are there Korean BBQ restaurants in Jamsil?

Yes. Bondi, Imgeum Dwaeji and Bangiok are pork or beef BBQ, and Ugopjip grills hanwoo gopchang. Prices start around ₩16,000–19,000 (about US$12–14) per portion.

Which Jamsil restaurants are open late?

Bangiok and Ugopjip (weekdays) are open until 01:00, and Daehongjip until 23:30.

Do I need a reservation?

Most of these take bookings on Naver. Haemok uses a remote queue on the Tabling app instead, and Bangiok takes phone bookings.

Short answer: the classic Dongdaemun meal is dakhanmari, a whole chicken boiled at your table, and Jinokhwa Halmae is the most-reviewed place for it, open until 1 a.m. For something different, try Nepali curry at Everest or Uzbek plov at Star Samarkand, both a few minutes from the subway. All ten places below come from the most-reviewed restaurants for “Dongdaemun” on Naver Map, the map app Koreans actually use.

The top of that Naver list is crowded with Starbucks, McDonald’s and other chains, so I removed those along with cafés, bakeries, ads and places whose reviews come mostly from sponsored blog posts. What’s left is spread around four stations: Dongdaemun, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (the DDP stop), Jongno 5-ga and Sindang. Most are within a 5-minute walk of an exit, and several stay open late for night shoppers.

Last checked: 2026-10-28. Prices and hours are from each restaurant’s Naver Map page. Menus change, so check the Naver Map link before you go. US dollar amounts use Naver’s base exchange rate on 2026-10-28 (₩1,332.80 = US$1), rounded.

Best Restaurants in Dongdaemun at a Glance

Restaurant	What to eat	Price	Naver visitor reviews	Open until
Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari	Dakhanmari (whole-chicken hot pot)	₩33,000 per pot (~US$25)	8,413	01:00
Everest Restaurant	Nepali and Indian curry	About ₩17,000 per person (~US$13)	5,692	22:00
Changsin-dong Maeun Jokbal	Spicy pork trotters	₩14,000–42,000 per dish (~US$11–32)	5,293	21:30
Uraya Sindang	Japanese yakitori, izakaya	₩3,500–24,900 (~US$3–19)	4,062	02:00 (03:00 Fri–Sat)
Deouri Gopchang	Gopchang (grilled intestines)	₩12,000–15,000 (~US$9–11)	2,362	22:00
Baeksong Sindang	Hanwoo beef BBQ	₩34,000–48,000 per portion (~US$26–36)	2,341	24:00
Jeonju-jip	Grilled fish set meal	₩13,000–15,000 (~US$10–11)	2,211	19:30, closed Sun
Choi Ramen	Mazesoba, ramen	₩11,000–13,000 (~US$8–10)	2,131	21:00
Daehwajeong Jinjja Haejangguk	Hangover soup	₩12,000–17,000 (~US$9–13)	2,054	23:50
Star Samarkand	Uzbek plov, lagman	₩4,000–11,500 (~US$3–9)	1,464	22:00

1. Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리) — Local Pick

Why go: Dongdaemun has a whole alley of dakhanmari restaurants, and this is the one with the most reviews. A whole chicken arrives in a pot of light broth and cooks at your table. When the chicken is gone, you add noodles to the soup. Naver’s own summary calls it popular with foreigners.

• What to order: Dakhanmari (₩33,000), then guksu sari, extra noodles (₩2,000). Potato (₩3,000) and rice cake (₩2,000) add-ons are popular.
• Price: ₩33,000 per pot (about US$25), plus add-ons
• Naver rating: 4.22 (8,413 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Dongdaemun Station (Lines 1 and 4), Exit 9, about 5 minutes. Walk toward Jongno 5-ga, turn left into the lane between Zen Cafe and Jeongbodang Optical, and follow the alley to the Najoo Sikdang (나주식당) sign.
• Hours: Daily 10:30–01:00 (last order 23:30)
• Wait & booking: Walk in; phone 02-2275-9666
• Naver Map: Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari

2. Everest Restaurant (에베레스트 레스토랑 본점) — Local Pick

Why go: The streets behind Dongdaemun Station have a small Nepali and South Asian community, and Everest is the most-reviewed restaurant there. This is the original branch. The restaurant’s own description says many foreign customers eat here.

• What to order: The A set for about two people (₩34,000), with butter or garlic naan (₩3,500) and a lassi (₩4,500)
• Price: about ₩17,000 per person on a shared set (about US$13)
• Naver rating: not shown (5,692 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Dongdaemun Station Exit 3, about 2 minutes, in the alley by Woori Bank
• Hours: Daily 11:00–22:00
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver
• Good to know: Everest Curry World (에베레스트커리월드) nearby is a separate business.
• Naver Map: Everest Restaurant

3. Changsin-dong Maeun Jokbal (창신동매운족발) — Local Pick

Why go: Jokbal is pork trotter braised in soy sauce and spices, then sliced. The specialty here is the spicy kind. You’ll see shops with the same name all over Seoul; this is the one in Changsin-dong itself.

• What to order: Maeun mini jokbal, spicy small trotters, large (₩36,000). If spice isn’t your thing, yeongyang jokbal, the regular braised kind (₩32,000).
• Price: ₩14,000–42,000 per dish (about US$11–32); main platters are made to share
• Naver rating: 4.36 (5,293 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Dongdaemun Station Exit 3, about 2 minutes. Turn into the Green Pharmacy (그린약국) alley and walk about 80 m.
• Hours: Tue–Sun 10:30–21:30. Closed Mondays.
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver
• Dietary note: The “maeun” (spicy) dishes are very hot.
• Naver Map: Changsin-dong Maeun Jokbal

4. Uraya Sindang (우라야 신당점) — Local Pick

Why go: A Japanese izakaya with grilled skewers, about 5 minutes on foot from DDP. It doesn’t open until 17:00 but stays open until 2 or 3 a.m., which suits Dongdaemun’s late shopping hours.

• What to order: The omakase course (₩24,900 per person), or order skewers one by one: negima, chicken and green onion (₩3,500), and tsukune, chicken meatball (₩4,800)
• Price: ₩3,500–7,900 per small plate (about US$3–6); course ₩24,900 (about US$19)
• Naver rating: not shown (4,062 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Sindang Station (Lines 2 and 6), Exit 8, about 3 minutes. Go straight, then turn left.
• Hours: Sun–Thu 17:00–02:00, Fri–Sat 17:00–03:00
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver for groups of up to 10
• Naver Map: Uraya Sindang

5. Deouri Gopchang (더우리곱창) — Local Pick

Why go: Gopchang is grilled or stir-fried intestines, a cheap and very Korean night out with soju. Deouri is rated 4.74, and nothing on the menu costs more than ₩15,000.

• What to order: Yachae gopchang, stir-fried with vegetables (₩12,000), or the mixed grill (₩15,000)
• Price: ₩12,000–15,000 per portion (about US$9–11)
• Naver rating: 4.74 (2,362 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 5, about 4 minutes
• Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00. Closed on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of each month.
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver
• Good to know: There are several gopchang shops with similar names in the same alley. The shop says the ones calling themselves its 2nd and 3rd branches are not related.
• Naver Map: Deouri Gopchang

6. Baeksong Sindang (백송 신당) — Local Pick

Why go: The splurge on this list: Korean hanwoo beef grilled at the table, open until midnight. Its Naver page has a section for foreign guests and says staff give English guidance.

• What to order: Jjak-galbitsal, boneless short rib (₩34,000), or salchisal, chuck flap (₩48,000). Hanwoo yukhoe, beef tartare, is ₩28,000.
• Price: ₩34,000–48,000 per portion (about US$26–36). Seodaesal requires at least two portions.
• Naver rating: 4.59 (2,341 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Sindang Station Exit 8, about 4 minutes. Walk 200 m straight; it’s on the left, opposite the 21st Century Meat Department Store. From Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit 3, cross the road.
• Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00–24:00, Sun 13:00–24:00 (last order 23:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver and CatchTable
• Parking: None. The Sindang intersection public lot is a 5–7 minute walk (₩1,500 per 30 minutes).
• Naver Map: Baeksong Sindang

7. Jeonju-jip (전주집) — Local Pick

Why go: The first shop in Dongdaemun’s grilled fish alley, opposite Dongdaemun Market. A grilled fish set comes with rice and side dishes, an easy everyday Korean lunch. Reviews say plenty of foreigners eat here.

• What to order: Godeungeo baekban, grilled mackerel set (₩13,000), or galchi baekban, hairtail set (₩15,000)
• Price: ₩13,000–15,000 per person (about US$10–11)
• Naver rating: 4.42 (2,211 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Dongdaemun Station Exit 9, about 4 minutes. It’s in the lane between Jongno 6-ga and Cheonggyecheon, across from Dongdaemun Market.
• Hours: Mon–Sat 08:30–19:30 (last order 19:10). Closed Sundays.
• Wait & booking: Walk in; phone 02-2274-6564
• Naver Map: Jeonju-jip

8. Choi Ramen (초이라멘) — Local Pick

Why go: A small ramen shop across from Heunginjimun, the old East Gate, near the start of the Naksan city wall trail. It’s rated 4.8, and the menu is short.

• What to order: Mazesoba, brothless noodles with toppings (₩13,000), or tonkotsu ramen (₩11,000). Add yaki gyoza (₩5,000).
• Price: ₩11,000–13,000 per bowl (about US$8–10)
• Naver rating: 4.8 (2,131 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Dongdaemun Station Exit 10, about 1 minute. Turn back into the alley by Tongil Medical (통일의료기); it’s behind the 7-Eleven.
• Hours: Daily 11:00–21:00 (last order 20:30)
• Wait & booking: Walk in; phone 0507-1406-7666
• Good to know: It’s a no-kids zone.
• Naver Map: Choi Ramen

9. Daehwajeong Jinjja Haejangguk (대화정 진짜해장국) — Local Pick

Why go: Haejangguk means “hangover soup,” and this place opens at 5 a.m., so it works after a late night or before an early start. The menu has just three items.

• What to order: Jinjja haejangguk (₩12,000), or the large “teuk” bowl (₩17,000)
• Price: ₩12,000–17,000 per person (about US$9–13)
• Naver rating: 4.35 (2,054 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit 14, about 2 minutes. Walk straight and turn left into the alley by the Emart24 next to Olive Young.
• Hours: Naver lists daily 05:00–23:50 (last order 23:10), but the listing looked partly out of date when I checked, so confirm on Naver Map before you go.
• Wait & booking: Walk in; phone 0507-1348-8485
• Parking: None. Use a shopping mall or public lot.
• Naver Map: Daehwajeong Jinjja Haejangguk

10. Star Samarkand (스타사마르칸트) — Local Pick

Why go: The streets near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station have a cluster of Central Asian shops and restaurants. Star Samarkand serves Uzbek and Russian dishes, and reviews say most of the customers are foreign. It’s also the cheapest meal on this list.

• What to order: Plov, rice cooked with meat and carrots (₩11,500), lagman noodle soup (₩9,900) and a samsa pastry (₩4,000)
• Price: ₩4,000–11,500 per dish (about US$3–9)
• Naver rating: 4.76 (1,464 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit 12, about 3 minutes. Walk 100 m straight, turn left into the alley beside the Jo Tennis shop, and it’s 50 m in on the right.
• Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00. Closed every other Tuesday.
• Wait & booking: Walk in; phone 0507-1406-7834
• Naver Map: Star Samarkand

Tips for Eating in Dongdaemun

• Use Naver Map, not Google Maps. Search the Korean names in brackets above. Dongdaemun’s alleys are tight, and Naver’s walking directions are more reliable.
• Know your station. Dongdaemun Station (Lines 1 and 4) is closest to the dakhanmari, jokbal and grilled fish alleys. Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4 and 5) is the DDP stop and closest to the Central Asian street. Sindang Station is one stop further.
• Eating late is easy. Jinokhwa (01:00), Uraya (02:00, or 03:00 on weekends), Baeksong (24:00) and Daehwajeong (23:50) all work after a night of shopping.
• Check closing days. Changsin-dong Maeun Jokbal is closed Mondays, Jeonju-jip on Sundays, and Deouri Gopchang on some Sundays.

Dongdaemun Restaurants FAQ

What food is Dongdaemun famous for?

Dakhanmari (whole-chicken hot pot), spicy jokbal and grilled fish set meals, each in its own alley near Dongdaemun Station. The area is also known for Nepali and Central Asian restaurants.

Where can I eat late at night near DDP?

Uraya Sindang is open until 02:00 (03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) and Jinokhwa until 01:00. Daehwajeong opens again at 05:00.

Is there cheap food near Dongdaemun?

Yes. Star Samarkand’s dishes run ₩4,000–11,500 (about US$3–9), and a gopchang portion at Deouri is ₩12,000–15,000 (about US$9–11).

Do I need a reservation?

Usually not. Everest, Changsin-dong Maeun Jokbal, Uraya, Deouri Gopchang and Baeksong take bookings on Naver, which helps for groups.

Short answer: start at Gwangjang Market with a mung bean pancake at Soonhee-ne Bindaetteok and a plate of yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) at Buchon Yukhoe. Then walk west into Euljiro for Pyongyang cold noodles at Woo Lae Oak. All ten places below are among the most-reviewed restaurants for “Euljiro” and “Gwangjang Market” on Naver Map, the map app Koreans actually use.

Gwangjang Market and Euljiro sit side by side, about 15 minutes apart on foot, so I’ve put them in one list. I sorted Naver Map by number of reviews for both searches, then took out ads, cafés and bakeries, national chains, and places whose reviews come mostly from sponsored blog posts. Gwangjang Market has a lot of near-identical bindaetteok and yukhoe shops, so I kept the most-reviewed ones and skipped the repeats.

Last checked: 2026-10-28. Prices and hours are from each restaurant’s Naver Map page. Menus change, so check the Naver Map link before you go. US dollar amounts use Naver’s base exchange rate on 2026-10-28 (₩1,332.80 = US$1), rounded.

Best Restaurants in Euljiro & Gwangjang Market at a Glance

Restaurant	Area	What to eat	Price	Naver visitor reviews	Booking
Soonhee-ne Bindaetteok	Gwangjang Market	Mung bean pancake	₩6,000–16,000 (~US$5–12)	14,139	Walk in
Monyeo Gimbap	Gwangjang Market	Mayak gimbap	₩4,000–11,000 (~US$3–8)	10,528	Walk in
Woo Lae Oak	Euljiro 4-ga	Pyongyang naengmyeon	₩18,000 (~US$14)	10,314	Phone
Tercero Costes	Euljiro 3-ga	Spanish tapas, paella	₩18,000–34,000 per dish (~US$14–26)	9,297	Naver booking
Bakga-ne Bindaetteok	Gwangjang Market	Mung bean pancake, jeon	₩6,000–25,000 (~US$5–19)	7,442	Walk in
Buchon Yukhoe	Gwangjang Market	Yukhoe (beef tartare)	₩11,000–23,000 (~US$8–17)	5,828	Walk in
Sancheong Sutbul Garden	Euljiro 3-ga	Charcoal-grilled pork	₩19,000–59,000 (~US$14–44)	5,052	CatchTable
Yukhoe Jamaejip	Gwangjang Market	Yukhoe, yukhoe bibimbap	₩11,000–26,000 (~US$8–20)	5,048	Walk in
Jinjak	Euljiro 3-ga	Japanese rice bowls, futomaki	₩13,900–20,900 (~US$10–16)	4,767	Naver booking
Eunseong Hoetjip	Gwangjang Market	Spicy cod stew	₩30,000 for two (~US$23)	4,384	Walk in

1. Soonhee-ne Bindaetteok (순희네빈대떡) — Local Pick

Why go: It has more Naver visitor reviews than any other place on this list. The pancakes are made from ground mung beans and fried thick and crispy in a pool of oil.

• What to order: Nokdu bindaetteok, the mung bean pancake (₩6,000), plus gogi wanja, fried pork patties (₩4,000). Groups often get the mixed platter (₩16,000).
• Price: ₩6,000–16,000 per person (about US$5–12)
• Naver rating: not shown (14,139 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 8, about 2 minutes on foot
• Hours: Daily 10:00–21:00 (last order 20:30)
• Wait & booking: Walk in; phone only for other requests
• Good to know: Naver lists this shop twice, as 순희네빈대떡 and 원조순희네빈대떡, with the same address. Both pages point to the same place.
• Naver Map: Soonhee-ne Bindaetteok

2. Monyeo Gimbap (모녀김밥) — Local Pick

Why go: Mayak gimbap are small, finger-sized rice rolls served with a mustard dipping sauce. “Mayak” means “drug,” a joke about how hard they are to stop eating. Monyeo means “mother and daughter,” and this shop has the most reviews for them.

• What to order: Mayak gimbap (₩4,000). For a full meal, yukhoe bibimbap (₩11,000).
• Price: ₩4,000–11,000 per person (about US$3–8)
• Naver rating: 4.26 (10,528 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 7, about 2 minutes on foot
• Hours: Daily 09:00–21:00
• Wait & booking: Walk in
• How to order: One visitor review mentions English and Japanese descriptions on the menu.
• Naver Map: Monyeo Gimbap

3. Woo Lae Oak (우래옥) — Local Pick

Why go: The menu is almost all Pyongyang naengmyeon: cold buckwheat noodles in a clear, lightly beefy broth. The flavor is mild, so don’t expect the punch of the spicy version.

• What to order: Pyongyang naengmyeon (₩18,000). Bibim naengmyeon, the spicy version without broth, is the same price.
• Price: ₩18,000 per person (about US$14)
• Naver rating: not shown (10,314 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 4-ga Station (Lines 2 and 5), Exit 4, about 1 minute on foot
• Hours: Tue–Sun 11:30–21:00 (last order 20:20). Closed Mondays.
• Wait & booking: Phone only (02-2265-0151)
• Parking: Parking and valet are listed
• Naver Map: Woo Lae Oak

4. Tercero Costes (떼르세로 코스테스) — Local Pick

Why go: A second-floor Spanish restaurant in Euljiro’s old printing district, rated 4.89 on Naver. The menu marks which dishes are vegan, lacto or pescatarian.

• What to order: Seafood paella (₩26,000), gambas al ajillo (₩22,000) and truffle cream gnocchi (₩22,000)
• Price: ₩18,000–34,000 per dish (about US$14–26); plan on sharing
• Naver rating: 4.89 (9,297 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 9, about 4 minutes on foot. Cross at the Myeongbo intersection, go into the alley past Paper Crane, and look for the second floor.
• Hours: Daily 11:00–21:30 (last order 20:20)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver; guests with a booking are seated first
• Parking: None. Use public street parking or a paid lot nearby.
• Naver Map: Tercero Costes

5. Bakga-ne Bindaetteok (박가네 빈대떡) — Local Pick

Why go: The other big bindaetteok name in Gwangjang Market, with a much longer menu of jeon (Korean pan-fried dishes). It’s right inside the north gate, so it’s easy to find.

• What to order: Maetdol bindaetteok, the millstone mung bean pancake (₩6,000), and yukjeon, pan-fried beef slices (₩25,000), to share
• Price: ₩6,000–25,000 per dish (about US$5–19)
• Naver rating: 4.33 (7,442 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 8, about 2 minutes. Enter Gwangjang Market through North Gate 2 (북2문); it’s on the left.
• Hours: Daily 09:00–22:00
• Wait & booking: Walk in. Call ahead for groups (02-2264-0847).
• Naver Map: Bakga-ne Bindaetteok

6. Buchon Yukhoe (부촌육회 본점) — Local Pick

Why go: Gwangjang Market has a whole alley of yukhoe shops, and Buchon has the most Naver visitor reviews of them. Yukhoe is raw beef seasoned with sesame oil and pear, usually topped with an egg yolk.

• What to order: Yukhoe, 200 g (₩23,000), or yukhoe bibimbap (₩11,000) if you’re eating alone. Yukhoe nakji tangtangi, beef tartare with chopped live octopus (₩38,000), is for the adventurous.
• Price: ₩11,000–23,000 per person (about US$8–17)
• Naver rating: 4.5 (5,828 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 8, about 3 minutes. From underground Exit 10, turn left at Ujeong Pharmacy (우정약국) into the yukhoe alley.
• Hours: Daily 10:00–21:30 (last order 21:00)
• Wait & booking: Walk in; phone 02-2267-1831
• Good to know: There’s an annex (부촌육회 별관) nearby if the main shop is full.
• Naver Map: Buchon Yukhoe

7. Sancheong Sutbul Garden (산청숯불가든 을지로) — Local Pick

Why go: Pork grilled over charcoal in a busy Euljiro alley, a minute from the subway. It’s open until 23:00, so it works for a late dinner.

• What to order: Gochujang yangnyeom-gui, pork in a spicy red pepper marinade (₩19,000), or hangjeongsal, pork jowl (₩22,000). Finish with jaecheop doenjang sulbap, rice in soybean paste stew with tiny clams (₩10,000).
• Price: ₩19,000–22,000 per portion (about US$14–17); the large salt-grilled platter is ₩59,000 (about US$44)
• Naver rating: not shown (5,052 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 2), Exit 11, about 1 minute. Walk straight and turn into the alley beside Obongjip (오봉집).
• Hours: Daily 11:30–23:00 (last order 22:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookings and waiting list through CatchTable
• Parking: None. Use a public or paid lot.
• Good to know: A second branch is a minute away (을지로14길 12, 2nd floor) if the first is full.
• Naver Map: Sancheong Sutbul Garden

8. Yukhoe Jamaejip (육회자매집) — Local Pick

Why go: The name means “yukhoe sisters’ house.” Its menu has Japanese translations, which helps if you read some Japanese.

• What to order: Yukhoe (₩23,000), or yukhoe bibimbap with perilla oil and aged kimchi (₩13,000)
• Price: ₩11,000–26,000 per person (about US$8–20)
• Naver rating: 4.42 (5,048 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 8, about 3 minutes. The shop says branches 1 and 2 are closest to Exit 10, and branch 3 to Exit 9.
• Hours: Tue–Sat 09:30–21:20, Sun 09:30–21:00. Closed Mondays.
• Wait & booking: Walk in; phone 02-2272-3069
• Naver Map: Yukhoe Jamaejip

9. Jinjak (진작) — Local Pick

Why go: A Japanese rice-bowl and futomaki shop behind a hotel in Euljiro, for when you want a break from Korean food. It takes bookings.

• What to order: Futomaki, the thick sushi roll (₩17,900), sake-don salmon bowl (₩18,900) or hormone-don, a grilled beef offal bowl (₩16,900)
• Price: ₩13,900–20,900 per person (about US$10–16)
• Naver rating: 4.53 (4,767 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 3-ga Station, Exit 9 (Line 3) or Exit 11 (Line 2), about 5 minutes. It’s behind the Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong 2.
• Hours: Daily 11:00–20:50 (last order 20:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver, with a CatchTable waiting list
• Parking: Paid hotel lot next door (₩4,500 per 30 minutes)
• Naver Map: Jinjak

10. Eunseong Hoetjip (은성횟집) — Local Pick

Why go: The name means “raw fish house,” but the dish to order is daegu maeuntang, a spicy cod stew that bubbles at the table. Go on a cold day.

• What to order: Daegu maeuntang, spicy cod stew for two (₩30,000), with a bowl of rice (₩1,000)
• Price: about ₩15,000 per person (about US$11)
• Naver rating: 4.28 (4,384 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 7, about 3 minutes. From Exit 11, walk down the alley next to Ujeong Pharmacy; it’s on the left.
• Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00
• Wait & booking: Walk in; phone 02-2267-6813
• Naver Map: Eunseong Hoetjip

Tips for Eating in Euljiro & Gwangjang Market

• Use Naver Map, not Google Maps. Search the Korean names in brackets above. Gwangjang Market shops are packed close together, and Naver’s pins are more accurate.
• Two stations, one walk. Gwangjang Market is closest to Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1). The Euljiro places are around Euljiro 3-ga and 4-ga (Line 2). You can walk between them in about 15 minutes.
• Watch for Monday closures. Woo Lae Oak and Yukhoe Jamaejip are both closed on Mondays.
• Share at the market. Portions are made for sharing. Two or three people can try a pancake, gimbap and yukhoe across a couple of stalls without overeating.
• Same name, different shop. Many Gwangjang stalls have several branches or look-alike names. Check the Korean name before you sit down.

Euljiro & Gwangjang Market Restaurants FAQ

What should I eat at Gwangjang Market?

Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), mayak gimbap and yukhoe (beef tartare) are the three classics. Soonhee-ne, Monyeo Gimbap and Buchon Yukhoe are the most-reviewed places for each.

Is Gwangjang Market food expensive?

Not really. A mung bean pancake is ₩6,000 (about US$5) and mayak gimbap is ₩4,000 (about US$3). Yukhoe is the priciest classic at around ₩23,000 (about US$17) a plate.

Which of these restaurants are open late?

Sancheong Sutbul Garden stays open until 23:00, and Bakga-ne Bindaetteok and Eunseong Hoetjip until 22:00. Check the last-order times above.

Do I need a reservation?

Not for the market stalls. In Euljiro, Tercero Costes and Jinjak take bookings on Naver, and Sancheong Sutbul Garden uses CatchTable.

Is Euljiro worth visiting for food?

Yes, especially in the evening. Many old print shops and workshops are now restaurants and bars, and within a few blocks you can go from Pyongyang cold noodles at Woo Lae Oak to Spanish tapas at Tercero Costes.

Short answer: if you only eat one meal in Myeongdong, make it kalguksu and dumplings at Myeongdong Kyoja. For something heartier, go for the dakhanmari (whole-chicken hot pot) at Hyodam, or the beef bone soup at Hadonggwan, which closes at 4 p.m. All ten places below are among the most-reviewed restaurants in Myeongdong on Naver Map, the map app Koreans actually use.

Most Myeongdong lists you’ll find in English mix in cafés, chains and places that paid for exposure. I built this one differently. I sorted Naver Map by number of reviews, then removed ads, cafés, national franchises and places whose reviews come mostly from sponsored blog posts. What’s left is where Koreans and visitors actually line up.

Last checked: 2026-10-28. Prices and hours are from each restaurant’s Naver Map page. Menus change, so check the Naver Map link before you go. US dollar amounts use Naver’s base exchange rate on 2026-10-28 (₩1,332.80 = US$1), rounded.

Best Restaurants in Myeongdong at a Glance

Restaurant	What to eat	Price	Naver visitor reviews	Booking
Myeongdong Kyoja	Kalguksu, dumplings	₩12,000–13,000 (~US$9–10)	21,837	Walk in
101 Namsan Donkatsu	Pork cutlet	₩13,000–23,000 (~US$10–17)	19,524	Walk in
Namsan Sanchaejip	Pork cutlet, bibimbap	₩14,000–16,000 (~US$11–12)	10,220	Naver booking
Hyodam Kalguksu Dakhanmari	Whole-chicken hot pot	₩13,000–15,000 (~US$10–11)	9,795	Walk in
Onjeom Euljiro	Korean BBQ, galbi	₩20,000–58,000 (~US$15–44)	5,203	Naver booking
Huoguo Meokgo	Chinese hot pot	From ₩19,900 (~US$15)	4,494	Walk in
Bobae Banjeom	Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodles)	₩11,000–16,000 (~US$8–12)	4,069	Naver booking
Bantianyao Kaoyu	Chinese grilled fish	From ₩43,000 to share (~US$32)	3,252	Naver booking
Hadonggwan	Gomtang (beef bone soup)	₩19,000–25,000 (~US$14–19)	2,251	Walk in
Myeonghwadang	Bunsik (Korean snack food)	₩4,800–8,500 (~US$4–6)	1,643	Walk in

1. Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자 본점) — Local Pick

Why go: It’s the restaurant every Myeongdong list agrees on, and the review numbers back it up. The menu is short: knife-cut noodles, dumplings, bibim-guksu, and cold soybean noodles from April to October.

• What to order: Kalguksu (₩12,000) and a plate of mandu dumplings (₩13,000) to share
• Price: ₩12,000–13,000 per person (about US$9–10)
• Naver rating: 4.37 (21,837 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Myeongdong Station (Line 4), right outside Exit 8
• Hours: Daily 10:30–21:00 (last order 20:30)
• Wait & booking: No reservations for small groups. Expect a line at lunch.
• Parking: None. The alley is closed to cars until 22:00.
• Good to know: There’s a second branch, Myeongdong Kyoja 1st Branch (명동교자 1호점), about 300 m away with the same menu. If one line is long, try the other.
• Naver Map: Myeongdong Kyoja main branch · 1st branch

2. 101 Namsan Donkatsu (101번지남산돈까스 남산본점) — Local Pick

Why go: Giant Korean-style pork cutlets on the walk up to the Namsan cable car. It works well as lunch before N Seoul Tower.

• What to order: Namsan Wang Donkatsu, the classic big cutlet (₩13,900), or the spicy version (₩13,900)
• Price: ₩13,000–23,000 per person (about US$10–17)
• Naver rating: 4.47 (19,524 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Myeongdong Station Exit 3, about 7 minutes on foot. It’s 3 minutes from the Namsan cable car entrance.
• Hours: Daily 10:30–22:00 (last order 21:00)
• Wait & booking: Walk in
• Parking: Free for customers
• Naver Map: 101 Namsan Donkatsu

3. Namsan Sanchaejip (남산산채집) — Local Pick

Why go: A few doors from 101 Namsan Donkatsu, this one pairs pork cutlet with sanchae (wild mountain greens) bibimbap, so you get two Korean classics on one tray. Its Naver page is written partly in English, and plenty of overseas visitors eat here.

• What to order: The Namsan donkatsu and bibimbap set (₩15,500), or the beef tartare bibimbap (₩16,000)
• Price: ₩14,000–16,000 per person (about US$11–12)
• Naver rating: 4.57 (10,220 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Myeongdong Station Exit 3, turn right at the Pacific Hotel and walk about 200 m uphill toward the cable car. First floor of the Chotbul Building.
• Hours: Daily 10:30–20:50 (last order 20:00)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver
• Parking: Two free lots; valet ₩3,000
• Naver Map: Namsan Sanchaejip

4. Hyodam Kalguksu Dakhanmari (효담칼국수 닭한마리 명동본점) — Local Pick

Why go: Dakhanmari means “one whole chicken.” It’s boiled at your table in a light broth, and you finish by adding noodles to the pot. If you’re on your own, order the half-chicken kalguksu instead.

• What to order: Dakhanmari for two (₩30,000), or half-chicken kalguksu (₩13,000) for one. The potato pancake (₩18,000) is a popular side.
• Price: about ₩13,000–15,000 per person (about US$10–11)
• Naver rating: not shown (9,795 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2) Exit 6, about 2 minutes on foot
• Hours: Daily 10:30–22:15 (last order 21:30)
• Wait & booking: Walk in
• Parking: None. Use a public lot nearby.
• Naver Map: Hyodam Kalguksu Dakhanmari

5. Onjeom Euljiro (온점 을지로점) — Local Pick

Why go: The best-rated place on this list (4.95), and the one to choose if you want Korean BBQ near Myeongdong. Weekday lunch sets are much cheaper than dinner.

• What to order: Signature galbi, 250 g (₩38,000). At lunch, the Gwangyang bulgogi set (₩23,000) or spicy pork set (₩20,000).
• Price: ₩20,000–23,000 at lunch (about US$15–17); ₩28,000–58,000 per portion at dinner (about US$21–44)
• Naver rating: 4.95 (5,203 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 1-1, right at the exit. Basement 1 of The Zone Euljiro Tower (더존을지타워).
• Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–22:00, Sat 12:00–22:00 (last order 21:20). Closed Sundays.
• Wait & booking: Private rooms bookable on Naver
• Parking: In the building, first 2 hours free
• Naver Map: Onjeom Euljiro

6. Huoguo Meokgo (훠궈먹고 명동점) — Local Pick

Why go: Chinese hot pot has become a big part of eating out in Seoul. You pick a broth, then cook meat and vegetables at the table.

• What to order: Mala red broth or tomato broth (₩19,900)
• Price: ₩19,900 per person (about US$15), ₩23,000 (about US$17) on weekends, holidays and weekdays after 15:00
• Naver rating: not shown (4,494 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 5, about 250 m. Second floor.
• Hours: Daily 11:00–23:00 (last order 21:20)
• Wait & booking: Expect a wait at lunch and dinner
• Parking: Free
• Naver Map: Huoguo Meokgo

7. Bobae Banjeom (보배반점 명동점) — Local Pick

Why go: Korean-Chinese food is its own cuisine, and jjamppong, a spicy seafood noodle soup, is the dish to try. Bobae Banjeom has several versions.

• What to order: Whole-squid jjamppong, the house signature (₩16,000), or the seafood tray jjajang for 2–3 people (₩24,000)
• Price: ₩11,000–16,000 per person (about US$8–12)
• Naver rating: not shown (4,069 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 5, turn right at the Eulji Hanguk Building and walk about 200 m
• Hours: Daily 10:30–23:00 (last order 22:20)
• Wait & booking: Bookable on Naver for 1–12 people
• Naver Map: Bobae Banjeom

8. Bantianyao Kaoyu (반티엔야오 카오위 명동점) — Local Pick

Why go: Kaoyu is a whole grilled fish served in a pan of spicy broth, Sichuan-style. It’s a sharing meal, so come with friends.

• What to order: Mala kaoyu or tomato kaoyu (₩43,000 each)
• Price: One fish (₩43,000–55,000, about US$32–41) usually feeds 2–3 people
• Naver rating: 4.76 (3,252 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 5, turn right at Cheonggiwa Town, then left at Olive Young
• Hours: Daily 12:00–23:00 (last order 21:30)
• Wait & booking: Request a booking on Naver; the restaurant confirms it
• Parking: Paid lot nearby; 2-hour coupon ₩3,000 from the restaurant
• Naver Map: Bantianyao Kaoyu

9. Hadonggwan (하동관 명동본점) — Local Pick

Why go: A clear beef bone soup with sliced brisket and rice, a classic Korean breakfast. It opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m., so this is a morning or lunch stop.

• What to order: Gomtang, regular (₩19,000)
• Price: ₩19,000–25,000 per person (about US$14–19)
• Naver rating: 4.04 (2,251 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 5, about 50 m up the one-way street on the right
• Hours: Mon–Sat 07:00–16:00. Closed Sundays.
• Wait & booking: Walk in
• Parking: None
• Naver Map: Hadonggwan

10. Myeonghwadang (명화당 명동1호점) — Local Pick

Why go: The cheapest proper meal on this list. Bunsik is Korean snack food: gimbap, spicy rice cakes and noodles, the things Koreans eat after school or on a busy workday.

• What to order: Jjolbokki, spicy chewy noodles with rice cakes (₩6,500), plus a roll of Myeonghwadang gimbap (₩4,800)
• Price: ₩4,800–8,500 per dish (about US$4–6)
• Naver rating: not shown (1,643 visitor reviews)
• Getting there: Myeongdong Station Exit 6, about 250 m. Second floor.
• Hours: Daily 09:00–22:30
• Wait & booking: Walk in
• Naver Map: Myeonghwadang

Tips for Eating in Myeongdong

• Use Naver Map, not Google Maps. Search the Korean name in brackets above. Naver shows today’s hours and whether a place is booking online.
• Myeongdong costs more. Prices here run higher than in neighborhoods where mostly locals eat. The street food stalls on the main street are fun, but a sit-down meal at one of the places above is often better value.
• Eat early or late. Lunchtime is the busiest. Arriving before noon or after 1:30 p.m. usually means a shorter wait.
• Hot pot and BBQ are built for groups. Many grill and hot pot menus are priced for two or more. If you’re alone, Myeongdong Kyoja, Hadonggwan and Myeonghwadang are easy picks.

Myeongdong Restaurants FAQ

What is Myeongdong famous for food-wise?

Myeongdong Kyoja’s kalguksu and dumplings are the best-known meal, and the main street is lined with street food stalls in the evening.

Which Myeongdong restaurants are open late?

Bobae Banjeom and Huoguo Meokgo both stay open until 23:00, and Myeonghwadang until 22:30. Check the last-order times above.

Do I need a reservation?

Not for most of these. Onjeom, Namsan Sanchaejip, Bobae Banjeom and Bantianyao Kaoyu take bookings on Naver, which helps for groups.

Is Myeongdong expensive for food?

It’s pricier than neighborhoods that cater mainly to locals, but you can still eat well for ₩5,000–15,000 (about US$4–11) at places like Myeonghwadang and Myeongdong Kyoja.