Seoul Table Notes

Where to Eat in Korea: Latest Guides

  • Cheongchun Dwaeji Jungmun: 2mm Jeju Pork Belly by the Sea

    Cheongchun Dwaeji Jungmun: 2mm Jeju Pork Belly by the Sea

    In short

    Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji is a pork BBQ restaurant on Jungmun-ro in Seogwipo, about 5 minutes by car from the Jungmun Tourist Complex. Instead of the usual thick-cut Jeju pork, it serves 2mm flower-cut Jeju pork belly and thin black pork special cuts, with the Cheongchun mixed platter at ₩29,700 (about $21). Open daily 12:00 to 24:00, free parking, and a view of the sea off Seogwipo.

    Most pork BBQ in Jeju is about thick, chunky cuts (geungogi). If you want something different, Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji does the opposite: thin, rolled slices of Jeju pork belly that cook in seconds and come out surprisingly soft.

    For the price, I think it is one of the best-value meals around the Jungmun Tourist Complex. Here is what I ate, what it costs now, and a few tricks with the side dishes that made the meal.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name중문청춘돼지 (Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji)
    • Address1F, 72 Jungmun-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju
      제주 서귀포시 중문로 72 1층
    • Getting thereAbout 5 minutes by car from Jungmun Tourist Complex; around 10 minutes from The Shilla, Lotte and Parnas hotels
    • HoursDaily 12:00–24:00 (last order 23:00)
    • Price360g platters ₩29,700; extra 120g special cuts ₩9,900
    • Good forA casual BBQ dinner in Jungmun, groups, anyone tired of thick-cut pork
    • Phone0507-1462-1280
    • ParkingFree, in front of the restaurant and in a larger lot on the right side; free valet listed
    • BookingNaver booking for 1 to 40 people; group seating for 6 to 40; high chairs available
    • MapNaver Map

    Finding it

    The restaurant is on Jungmun-ro, a short drive up from the resort strip. From Jungmun Post Office, drive up the road toward Jeju City and it is on the right just before the intersection. Searching “중문청춘돼지” in Naver Map or Kakao Map works fine.

    It is a low green building with its own parking. The spaces right in front face the sea, and there is a bigger lot on the right side, so parking was no stress at all.

    📍 Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji (중문청춘돼지), 1F, 72 Jungmun-ro, Seogwipo-si · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Green storefront of Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji, a pork BBQ restaurant on Jungmun-ro in Seogwipo, Jeju, with parking in front
    The green building on Jungmun-ro, with parking right outside.

    Inside it is bright and tidy, with flat-top grills on every table and separate men’s and women’s restrooms. Another plus is the view: the windows look out over the sea off Seogwipo, which is not something you get at most BBQ places.

    Dining room with flat-top grill tables at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji in Jungmun, Jeju
    The dining room.

    What is flower-cut pork belly?

    Kkot samgyeop (꽃삼겹) is pork belly sliced very thin, about 2mm here, and rolled up, so the marbled slices look a bit like flowers on the plate. Because it is so thin, it cooks in a few seconds on the griddle and stays tender. The restaurant uses Jeju pork for its belly and Jeju black pork for the special cuts, which come shaved thin too, in the style Koreans call daepae (대패).

    What we ordered

    The staff recommended eating the cuts in this order: flower-cut belly first, then jowl (항정, hangjeong), then neck (목살, moksal). The idea is that the flavor gets deeper as you go.

    1. Cheongchun mixed platter (청춘모듬, Cheongchun modeum)

    This is the one to get on a first visit. You get flower-cut pork belly, chewy black pork jowl and chewy black pork neck on one plate, so you can try all three. It cost ₩29,800 when I went in March 2025; Naver Place now lists it at ₩29,700 for 360g.

    Raw 2mm thin Jeju flower-cut pork belly and black pork special cuts on a platter at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji
    Thin flower-cut pork belly and black pork special cuts, ready for the grill.

    The belly really was soft, much softer than I expected from pork belly. Thin slices also mean no long wait: they go on, turn, and they are done.

    Thin rolled pork belly slices cooking on the griddle at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji
    The rolled belly slices cook in seconds.

    2. Extra chewy black pork neck (흑돼지꼬들목살대패, kkodeul moksal)

    I added a portion of this, and I would do it again. It has a pleasantly chewy, bouncy texture that is very different from the soft belly. It is ₩9,900 for 120g, and the jowl comes in the same size and price if you like that one more.

    3. The side dishes and sauces

    The table setting is a big part of the fun here. The onion and chive pickles were tangy and full of flavor, and they cut the richness of the pork nicely. You also get salt, a spicy buldak sauce and chamsoseu, a sweet and tangy soy dipping sauce, so you can mix and match.

    Side dish tray with kimchi, bracken, pickled onion and chive pickles at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji
    The side dish tray.

    The one I liked most was galchi sokjeot (갈치속젓), a salty Jeju sauce made from fermented hairtail innards. It comes heated, and dipping the pork into it while it is still warm makes every bite deeply savory.

    Grilled pork dipped in warm hairtail innards sauce (galchi sokjeot) at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji
    Pork dipped in warm galchi sokjeot.

    Put the kimchi and the bracken (고사리, gosari) on the griddle next to the meat. They are fine as they are, but grilled until a little crisp, they are even better.

    Pork, kimchi and bracken (gosari) grilling together on the griddle at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji
    Pork, kimchi and bracken sharing the griddle.
    Lettuce wrap with grilled pork belly and pickles at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji
    A lettuce wrap with belly and pickles.

    4. Black pork soybean paste stew (흑돼지 된장찌개, doenjang jjigae)

    At ₩5,000 this is an easy add. It is nutty and deep, and it goes perfectly with the meat and a bowl of rice. The menu also has a black pork kimchi stew (₩6,000), plus cold wheat noodles (밀면, milmyeon) in a spicy-sweet bibim version or a cool broth version, which are a nice way to finish after all that pork.

    5. Hairtail innards fried rice (갈치속젓 볶음밥)

    Instead of the usual kimchi fried rice, this is made with galchi sokjeot, which I had never seen before. It comes out already fried, topped with an egg and seaweed, but my tip is to spread it on the griddle and let it go crispy. Salty, savory and a clean finish to the meal.

    Hairtail innards fried rice topped with a fried egg and seaweed at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji
    Galchi sokjeot fried rice.
    Crispy griddle-fried rice on a spoon at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji
    Even better after a few minutes on the griddle.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Cheongchun mixed platter: flower-cut belly, black pork jowl and neck (360g)
    청춘모듬(360g)    		₩29,700
    ~$21
    2mm Jeju flower-cut pork belly platter (360g)
    제주산 꽃삼겹한판(360g)    		₩29,700
    ~$21
    4mm old-school frozen Jeju pork belly (360g)
    제주산 4mm 옛날냉삼(360g)    		₩29,700
    ~$21
    Extra flower-cut pork belly (120g)
    제주산 꽃삼겹(120g)    		₩9,900
    ~$7
    Chewy black pork neck, shaved (120g)
    흑돼지꼬들목살대패(120g)    		₩9,900
    ~$7
    Chewy black pork jowl, shaved (120g)
    흑돼지꼬들항정대패(120g)    		₩9,900
    ~$7
    Pork skin (170g)
    쫀득쫀득 두툼한 벌집껍데기(170g)    		₩7,000
    ~$5
    Hairtail innards fried rice (for two)
    갈치 속젓 볶음밥    		₩7,000
    ~$5
    Black pork soybean paste stew
    흑돼지 된장찌개    		₩5,000
    ~$3.60
    Black pork kimchi stew
    흑돼지 김치찌개    		₩6,000
    ~$4.30
    Cold wheat noodles, spicy or in broth
    비빔 밀면 / 부산식 물밀면    		₩7,000
    ~$5
    Steamed egg
    야들야들 계란찜    		₩4,000
    ~$2.90

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu updated October 2026). When I visited in March 2025, the mixed platter was ₩29,800 and the fried rice ₩6,000; rice was ₩1,000 and soft drinks ₩2,000 on the menu board then. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Eat in order. Flower-cut belly, then jowl, then neck, as the staff suggest.
    • Grill the sides. Kimchi and bracken on the griddle, and the fried rice spread out until crispy.
    • Try the warm galchi sokjeot. It is salty, so a light dip is enough.
    • Late dinner is fine. It is open until midnight, with last orders at 23:00.
    • Sit by the window if you can, for the sea view.
    • Ordering phrase: “Cheongchun modeum hana juseyo” (청춘모듬 하나 주세요) means “One Cheongchun mixed platter, please.”

    My verdict

    Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji is a nice change from thick-cut Jeju pork. The thin flower-cut belly is soft and quick to cook, the chewy black pork cuts add texture, and the warm galchi sokjeot and crispy fried rice make it feel like a Jeju meal rather than just another BBQ. With easy parking, late hours and a sea view, it is an easy pick for a relaxed dinner in Jungmun.

    Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji FAQ

    Where is Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji, and how do I get there?

    Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji (중문청춘돼지) is on the ground floor of 72 Jungmun-ro in Seogwipo, on the south coast of Jeju. Coming from Jungmun Post Office, head up the road toward Jeju City and it is on your right just before the intersection. Naver Place says it is about 5 minutes by car from the Jungmun Tourist Complex and around 10 minutes from The Shilla Jeju, Lotte Hotel Jeju and Parnas Hotel Jeju. Parking is free.

    What are the opening hours of Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji?

    Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji is open every day from 12:00 to 24:00, with last orders at 23:00, according to Naver Place in November 2026.

    How much does a meal at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji cost?

    The main 360g platters, including the Cheongchun mixed platter and the 2mm flower-cut pork belly platter, are ₩29,700 each. Extra 120g portions of the black pork special cuts are ₩9,900, the black pork soybean paste stew is ₩5,000, and the hairtail innards fried rice (for two) is ₩7,000.

    What should I order at Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji?

    I had the Cheongchun mixed platter, which gives you flower-cut pork belly plus two black pork special cuts, and added a portion of the chewy black pork neck. The restaurant recommends eating them in this order: pork belly, then jowl, then neck. Finish with the hairtail innards fried rice crisped on the griddle.

    Does Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji have parking?

    Yes. Jungmun Cheongchun Dwaeji has free parking right in front of the restaurant, facing the sea, and a larger lot on the right side of the building. Naver Place also lists free valet parking.

    Staying in Jungmun? Pair this with Samda Tong Galchi for a whole grilled hairtail set another night. For thick-cut black pork, see Pork80 near Jeju Airport. All island guides: Jeju restaurant guides.

    More Jeju picks

    Visited: March 2025. Prices and hours last checked: November 2, 2026, on Naver. Please check Naver Map before you go.

    This post is based on my own visit and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.

  • Samda Tong Galchi Jungmun: Whole Grilled Hairtail in Jeju

    Samda Tong Galchi Jungmun: Whole Grilled Hairtail in Jeju

    In short

    Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi is a hairtail specialist at the entrance to Jungmun Tourist Complex in Seogwipo, a few minutes’ drive from the big Jungmun hotels. The whole grilled Jeju hairtail set for two (₩70,000, about $50) comes with raw hairtail, grilled okdom, soy sauce crab and stone pot rice, and the staff debone the fish for you. Open daily 11:00 to 21:00 with free parking in front.

    Coming to Jeju and not eating galchi? That just feels wrong. Hairtail is one of the foods I always want on the island, and there are plenty of places selling it. This time I picked one known for a huge set menu, and I went in with high hopes.

    Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi in Jungmun did not let me down. The set looked like a lot of money on paper, and I honestly wondered if ₩70,000 for two was too much. Then the table filled up, and I stopped wondering. Here is what came out, what it costs now, and how to get there.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name중문삼다통갈치 (Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi)
    • Address1F, 23 Saekdaljungang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju
      제주 서귀포시 색달중앙로 23 1층
    • Getting thereAt the entrance to Jungmun Tourist Complex; about 40 minutes by car from Jeju Airport and 3 minutes from the main Jungmun resort hotels
    • HoursDaily 11:00–21:00 (last order 20:00)
    • PriceGrilled hairtail sets from ₩70,000 for two; solo abalone seafood stew with rice ₩13,000
    • Good forA proper Jeju seafood dinner, groups, anyone staying in Jungmun
    • Phone0507-1351-1960
    • ParkingFree, about 12 spaces in front of the restaurant, plus a nearby overflow lot
    • BookingNaver booking for 1 to 68 people; high chairs available
    • MapNaver Map

    Finding it

    The restaurant sits right where you turn into the Jungmun Tourist Complex, on the south side of the island in Seogwipo. If you are staying at one of the big Jungmun resorts, it is about a 3-minute drive. From Jeju Airport, allow around 40 minutes by car. The restaurant suggests putting “서귀포 색달동 23” into your navigation app.

    Look for the gray building with the blue sign reading 삼다통갈치 in white. There is free parking for about 12 cars directly in front. Naver Place notes that valet parking can be slow when it is very busy, and there is a nearby lot at 25 Saekdaljungang-ro that the restaurant also supports.

    📍 Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi (중문삼다통갈치), 1F, 23 Saekdaljungang-ro, Seogwipo-si · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Storefront of Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi, a hairtail restaurant at the entrance to Jungmun Tourist Complex in Seogwipo
    The storefront at the Jungmun entrance.

    Inside it is a big, bright dining room with long wooden tables. Each table has a long metal tray down the middle, which is where the hairtail platter goes.

    Dining room with long wooden tables and metal center trays at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi
    The dining room.

    What is galchi?

    Galchi (갈치) is hairtail, also called beltfish: a long, flat, silver fish that Jeju is famous for. Here it is grilled whole and served on a long platter. The flesh is soft and mild, and it is not spicy at all when grilled. The catch is the bones, which is why the deboning service here matters.

    What we ordered

    I ordered the whole grilled Jeju hairtail set for two (제주산 통 갈치구이 2인, ₩70,000). It is not just a fish on a plate. The set came as a full table: perilla seed seaweed soup, stone pot rice made to order, raw hairtail, kimchi pancake, soy sauce marinated crab and grilled okdom, plus side dishes.

    Grilled whole hairtail set for two with okdom, kimchi pancake and side dishes at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi
    The set for two, before the hairtail was deboned.

    1. Whole grilled hairtail (통갈치구이, tong galchi gui)

    The best part of the meal started before I even took a bite. A staff member came over and took the bones out for me. A lot of people avoid hairtail because picking out the fine bones is a chore, but here I could just pull off the soft flesh and eat.

    Staff member deboning a whole grilled hairtail at the table at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi
    Deboning the hairtail at the table.

    The fish itself was really fresh. The skin was crisp, the flesh was tender, and the more I chewed, the more savory it got. The salt was just right: not salty, clean, with a nutty richness. This is what Jeju hairtail should taste like.

    Deboned whole grilled Jeju hairtail (galchi gui) on a long white platter at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi
    Grilled hairtail, ready to eat.

    2. Raw hairtail (갈치회, galchi hoe)

    Most people eat hairtail grilled or braised, so raw hairtail is a special treat, and one you will mostly find in Jeju. If you think of sashimi as firm and chewy, this is different: very soft and a little sweet, with a gentle, slightly oily richness that builds as you chew. Honestly, this alone made me want to come back to Jeju.

    Slice of raw hairtail sashimi (galchi hoe) with dipping sauces at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi
    A slice of galchi hoe with dipping sauces.

    3. Grilled okdom (옥돔구이, okdom gui)

    Okdom is Jeju red tilefish, a prized local fish. The grilled one in the set had no fishy taste at all, just a light, clean flavor. Getting a second grilled fish in the same set is a big part of why the price makes sense.

    Grilled okdom (Jeju red tilefish) on a wooden plate at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi
    Grilled okdom.

    4. Soy sauce crab (간장게장, ganjang gejang)

    Raw crab marinated in soy sauce. It was not salty, more sweet and deeply savory, the kind of side dish Koreans call a “rice thief” because you keep reaching for more rice. The kimchi pancake (김치전, kimchijeon) on the same table was crisp outside and soft inside, and I could not stop at one piece.

    Soy sauce marinated crab (ganjang gejang) side dish at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi
    Ganjang gejang.

    5. Perilla seed seaweed soup and stone pot rice (들깨미역국 · 즉석솥밥)

    At many fish restaurants the soup is an afterthought. Not here. The perilla seed seaweed soup (deulkkae miyeokguk) was rich and nutty, and it felt like real care went into the broth. The rice is cooked to order in a stone pot, so it arrives hot with that fresh-rice aroma. The menu lists the pot rice as included free with the sets.

    Perilla seed seaweed soup (deulkkae miyeokguk) at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi
    Perilla seed seaweed soup.
    Freshly cooked rice in a stone pot (sotbap) at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi
    Fresh stone pot rice.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Whole grilled Jeju hairtail set, 2 people
    제주산 통 갈치구이 2인    		₩70,000
    ~$50
    Whole grilled Jeju hairtail set, 3 people
    제주산 통 갈치구이 3인    		₩90,000
    ~$64
    Whole grilled Jeju hairtail set, 4 people
    제주산 통 갈치구이 4인    		₩120,000
    ~$86
    Braised hairtail with abalone and shrimp, 2 people
    전복과 새우가 들어간 갈치조림 2인    		₩80,000
    ~$57
    Braised large hairtail with octopus, abalone and shrimp, 2 people
    문어&전복&새우 왕 갈치조림 2인    		₩100,000
    ~$71
    Braised and grilled hairtail combo, 4 people
    갈치조림&갈치구이 4인    		₩180,000
    ~$129
    Extra-large grilled hairtail, 5 to 6 people (call ahead)
    5~6인 한정 판매 특대물 갈치구이    		₩180,000
    ~$129
    Abalone seafood stew with pot rice (solo OK)
    전복해물해장뚝배기+솥밥    		₩13,000
    ~$9.30
    Butter-grilled abalone
    전복 버터 구이    		₩20,000
    ~$14

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu updated September 2026); the sets include okdom, raw hairtail, soy sauce crab, kimchi pancake, soup and pot rice. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Book ahead. There can be a wait, and Naver booking takes parties of 1 to 68.
    • Let the staff debone it. They do it at the table, so you do not have to fight the bones.
    • Do not skip the raw hairtail. It comes with the set and is the dish you will not easily find outside Jeju.
    • Dinner ends early. Last orders are at 20:00.
    • Big group? The extra-large hairtail for 5 to 6 depends on the daily catch, so call ahead for it.
    • Ordering phrase: “Galchi gui i-in seteu juseyo” (갈치구이 2인 세트 주세요) means “The grilled hairtail set for two, please.”

    My verdict

    Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi is not a cheap meal, but for the full table you get, ₩70,000 for two felt fair. Fresh hairtail with crisp skin, deboned for you, plus raw hairtail, okdom and a soup that is clearly made with care. If you want one proper hairtail meal in Jeju and you are staying around Jungmun, this is an easy choice, and I would happily go back.

    Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi FAQ

    Where is Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi, and how do I get there?

    Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi (중문삼다통갈치) is on the ground floor of 23 Saekdaljungang-ro in Seogwipo, at the entrance to the Jungmun Tourist Complex on the south coast of Jeju. Naver Place says it is about 40 minutes from Jeju Airport and about 3 minutes by car from the Lotte Hotel Jeju, The Shilla Jeju, Parnas Hotel Jeju and Grand Josun Jeju. There is free parking for about 12 cars right in front.

    What are the opening hours of Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi?

    Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi is open every day from 11:00 to 21:00, with last orders at 20:00, according to Naver Place in October 2026.

    How much is the grilled hairtail set at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi?

    The whole grilled Jeju hairtail set is ₩70,000 for two, ₩90,000 for three and ₩120,000 for four. It comes with grilled okdom, raw hairtail, soy sauce crab, kimchi pancake, perilla seaweed soup, stone pot rice and side dishes. The braised hairtail sets start at ₩80,000 for two.

    Do the staff debone the hairtail at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi?

    Yes. At Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi a staff member came to the table and took the bones out of the whole grilled hairtail for me, so I could just eat the flesh without worrying about the many fine bones.

    Do I need a reservation at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi?

    It is a good idea. There can be a wait, and the restaurant takes Naver bookings for 1 to 68 people. The extra-large hairtail for 5 to 6 people (₩180,000) depends on the daily catch, so the restaurant asks you to call ahead for that one.

    Heading north after Jungmun? Try Handam Guksu for Jeju pork noodles in Aewol or Pork80 for thick-cut black pork BBQ near the airport. All island guides: Jeju restaurant guides.

    More Jeju picks

    Visited: March 2025. Prices and hours last checked: October 30, 2026, on Naver. Please check Naver Map before you go.

    This post is based on my own visit and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.

  • Handam Guksu Aewol: Jeju Pork Noodles with an Ocean View

    Handam Guksu Aewol: Jeju Pork Noodles with an Ocean View

    In short

    Handam Guksu is a Jeju pork noodle shop on the main road in Aewol, with big windows facing the sea. Order the milky gogi guksu (₩10,000, about $7) and the tangy dongchimi bibim guksu (₩10,000) to share. Open daily 10:00 to 16:00; easy parking, a self bar with baby forks, and good for families.

    If you only eat one bowl of noodles in Jeju, it should probably be gogi guksu, the island’s pork noodle soup. We drove out to Aewol on the northwest coast this summer with our two kids and had lunch at Handam Guksu, a bright little noodle shop where you slurp your noodles while looking out at the sea.

    What surprised me was that my favorite bowl wasn’t the famous pork soup at all. It was the spicy bibim guksu with a bowl of cold radish kimchi broth on the side. Here is everything we ordered, plus how to skip the lunch queue.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name한담국수 곽지애월점 (Handam Guksu, Gwakji Aewol branch)
    • Address1F, 33 Aewol-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju
      제주 제주시 애월읍 애월로 33 1층
    • Getting thereOn the main road, about 10 m from Randy’s Donuts and Fizz Burger; 5 minutes on foot from the Handam coastal walk and Aewol cafe street
    • HoursDaily 10:00–16:00 (last order 15:30)
    • PriceNoodles and gukbap ₩10,000–11,000; chilled pork ₩15,000
    • Good forFamilies, a light lunch on a coastal drive, noodle lovers
    • Phone0507-1352-9929
    • Parking1 hour covered at the Aewol Handam lot (next to Randy’s Donuts) or the Handam Walking Trail lot (next to Olive Young)
    • BookingNaver booking for 2 to 16 people; no pets
    • MapNaver Map

    Finding it

    Handam Guksu is in Aewol-eup, on the west side of Jeju City, right on the busy coastal road. Look for the big cream signboard with four black Korean letters, 한담국수, and the red awning. It is about 10 m from Randy’s Donuts and Fizz Burger, so if you are already walking the Handam coastal path or hopping between the Aewol cafes, it is only about five minutes away.

    We came by car, which is how most people get around Jeju. There were spaces right in front of the shop. If those are full, the restaurant covers 1 hour at the Aewol Handam lot beside Randy’s Donuts or the Handam Walking Trail lot beside Olive Young. Note that Handam Parking Lot 1 and 2 are not included.

    📍 Handam Guksu Gwakji Aewol (한담국수 곽지애월점), 1F, 33 Aewol-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Storefront of Handam Guksu Gwakji Aewol branch with its large Korean signboard
    The storefront on Aewol-ro.

    Inside, the dining room is clean and bright, and the whole front is glass. From our table we could see the sea over the treetops, which made the noodles taste even better on a hot day.

    Window table with a view of the sea and green trees at Handam Guksu in Aewol, Jeju
    The view from a window table.

    Along one wall there is a tidy self bar with kimchi, pickled radish, green chili peppers and ssamjang (dipping paste). Take as much as you like. I really appreciated the baby forks and kids’ bowls stocked there, so we didn’t have to ask staff for anything.

    Self-service side dish bar with bowls and utensils at Handam Guksu Aewol
    The self bar, including kids’ utensils.
    Kimchi, pickled radish and green chili peppers from the self bar at Handam Guksu Aewol
    What we picked up: pickled radish, kimchi and chili peppers.

    What is gogi guksu?

    Gogi guksu (고기국수) means “meat noodles.” It is a Jeju specialty: thick wheat noodles in a cloudy pork bone broth, topped with slices of boiled pork. It is not spicy, which makes it a good first Korean meal for kids or anyone who avoids chili.

    What we ordered

    1. Dongchimi bibim guksu (동치미 비빔국수, dongchimi bibim guksu)

    This was my number one. The noodles come mixed with a sweet and spicy red sauce and topped with a big pile of lean pork that has been shredded by hand. On the side you get a bowl of dongchimi broth, the cold, tangy liquid from radish water kimchi.

    Eat it as spicy mixed noodles first. Then, halfway through, pour the dongchimi broth over and stir. It turns into a cool, slurpable noodle soup, and the sweet heat of the sauce with the cold broth was exactly what I wanted on a summer day. Chewy noodles, spicy sauce and clean-tasting pork together just kept me going back for more.

    Dongchimi bibim guksu with shredded pork, red sauce and a separate bowl of dongchimi broth at Handam Guksu Aewol
    Dongchimi bibim guksu with the broth on the side.
    Pouring cold dongchimi broth over spicy bibim noodles at Handam Guksu Aewol
    Pouring in the dongchimi broth halfway through.

    2. Dombe naengsuyuk (돔베냉수육, dombe naengsuyuk)

    We added this as a side. Dombe is Jeju dialect for a cutting board, and this is thin-sliced pork belly with the skin on, boiled and then served chilled on a wooden board. Cold pork can carry a bit of a porky smell, and I won’t pretend it has none, but for chilled pork this one was very clean. Put a dab of wasabi on top and eat it with a mouthful of noodles. The texture is great and the pork flavor comes through nicely.

    Dombe naengsuyuk, thin slices of chilled boiled pork with wasabi on a wooden board at Handam Guksu Aewol
    Dombe naengsuyuk with wasabi.

    3. Gogi guksu (사골 고기국수, sagol gogi guksu)

    The signature. The broth is made from pork bones, yet it had no gamey smell at all, even with all that meat in the bowl. It wasn’t greasy either. It tasted clean and light but still deep, and it clung nicely to the thick noodles.

    We ordered the large size, and the portion was huge. Unless you are a big eater, the regular is plenty. Our younger child loved this one, which made it the bowl the whole family shared.

    Jeju gogi guksu, pork noodle soup in milky bone broth topped with sliced pork at Handam Guksu Aewol
    Gogi guksu, the house signature.
    Lifting thick noodles with a slice of pork and wasabi from the gogi guksu at Handam Guksu Aewol
    Thick noodles with a slice of pork and wasabi.

    4. Salkogi gukbap (살코기국밥, salkogi gukbap)

    If you prefer rice to noodles, get this. It is the same rich broth with rice and lean shredded pork. Once the rice soaked up the broth, I put a piece of kimchi on top of each spoonful, and it was a very filling bowl.

    Salkogi gukbap, rice in pork bone broth with shredded lean pork and bean sprouts at Handam Guksu Aewol
    Salkogi gukbap.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Pork noodle soup in bone broth (signature)
    진한 사골 고기국수    		₩10,000
    ~$7.10
    Pork noodle soup, large (July kiosk)
    사골 고기국수 (곱빼기)    		₩11,000
    ~$7.90
    Spicy mixed noodles with dongchimi broth
    동치미 비빔국수    		₩10,000
    ~$7.10
    Mala pork noodle soup with peanut sauce
    마라 고기국수    		₩11,000
    ~$7.90
    Rice soup with lean pork
    살코기국밥    		₩10,000
    ~$7.10
    Chilled sliced pork
    돔베냉수육    		₩15,000
    ~$10.70
    Steamed rice (July kiosk)
    공깃밥    		₩1,000
    ~$0.70

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu updated October 2026); the items marked July kiosk are from the ordering screen at our visit and are not on Naver’s list. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Book on Naver. Lunch is the rush; on a Friday at noon many people were already waiting through CatchTable, while we walked straight in with a Naver booking.
    • It is a daytime shop. Open 10:00 to 16:00 with last orders at 15:30, so plan it for lunch.
    • Order at the table. Each table has an ordering tablet, and it has a LANGUAGE button.
    • Share two noodles. One gogi guksu and one bibim guksu gives you mild and spicy, hot and cold.
    • Think twice about the large size. The regular is already generous.
    • Ordering phrase: “Gogi guksu hana, bibim guksu hana juseyo” (고기국수 하나, 비빔국수 하나 주세요) means “One pork noodle soup and one bibim noodles, please.”

    Is it kid-friendly?

    Very much so, in our experience. The gogi guksu is mild, and our younger child ate it happily. The bibim guksu is spicy, but it is a pleasant level: our 7-year-old said it was spicy and still wouldn’t put her chopsticks down. Baby forks and kids’ tableware are at the self bar, and Naver lists high chairs and group seating for 6 to 24. No pets, though.

    My verdict

    Handam Guksu is an easy, satisfying lunch stop on an Aewol coastal day: a clean bone broth that even our kids loved, a bibim guksu with a clever cold broth twist, sea views from the table and simple parking. Book on Naver, order both noodles, and then walk it off along the Handam coastal path.

    Handam Guksu Aewol FAQ

    Where is Handam Guksu Aewol, and is there parking?

    Handam Guksu Gwakji Aewol branch (한담국수 곽지애월점) is on the ground floor of 33 Aewol-ro in Aewol-eup, on the west side of Jeju City. It sits on the main road about 10 m from Randy’s Donuts and Fizz Burger, a 5-minute walk from the Handam coastal walk and the Aewol cafe street. There were spaces right in front when we went. The restaurant also covers 1 hour of parking at the Aewol Handam lot next to Randy’s Donuts and the Handam Walking Trail lot next to Olive Young, but not at Handam Parking Lot 1 or 2.

    What are the opening hours of Handam Guksu Aewol?

    Handam Guksu Aewol is open every day from 10:00 to 16:00, with last orders at 15:30, according to Naver Place in October 2026. It is a lunch spot, so do not plan it for dinner.

    What should I order at Handam Guksu Aewol?

    Get one gogi guksu (pork noodle soup in bone broth) and one dongchimi bibim guksu (spicy mixed noodles with a cold radish water kimchi broth) and share. Both are ₩10,000. The bibim guksu was my favorite. Add the dombe naengsuyuk (₩15,000, chilled sliced pork) if there are three or more of you.

    Is Handam Guksu Aewol good for kids?

    Yes, in our experience. Our younger child happily ate the mild gogi guksu, and our 7-year-old kept eating the bibim guksu even while saying it was spicy. The self bar has baby forks and kids’ tableware, and Naver lists high chairs. Pets are not allowed.

    Do I need a reservation at Handam Guksu Aewol?

    It helps a lot at lunchtime. When we arrived around noon on a Friday, many people were already waiting through CatchTable, but we had booked on Naver beforehand and walked straight in. Naver booking takes parties of 2 to 16.

    Spending a night near the airport? My other Jeju pick is Pork80 for thick-cut black pork BBQ. Craving noodles back in Seoul? Try Sammi Tantanmyeon in Sinchon. All island guides: Jeju restaurant guides.

    More Jeju picks

    Visited: July 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 29, 2026, on Naver. Please check Naver Map before you go.

    This post is based on my own visit and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.

  • Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Seoul: 8 Places for Families (From a Local Parent)

    Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Seoul: 8 Places for Families (From a Local Parent)

    In short

    Eight Seoul restaurants that work for families, written by a Seoul-based parent of two. We ate at seven of them with our kids (Hyunsuni, Seogwan Myeonok, Sammi Tantanmyeon, Oksoban, Kosi, Namaste and Lacoon Pizza), and the eighth, Baekri Gomtang, serves a completely non-spicy beef soup. Each entry notes the nearest subway exit, what the kids actually ate, and what to skip.

    Eating out with children in Seoul is easier than many visitors expect, but spice levels, seating and no-kids zones can catch you out. These are restaurants from my own family outings, with honest notes on what worked for our kids. Each one links to a full guide with photos, prices and opening hours.

    Quick tips for eating out with kids in Seoul

    • Ask for mild. “Sunhanmat-euro juseyo” means “Mild, please.”
    • Look for soups and noodles. Gomtang, naengmyeon, udon and shabu-shabu are rarely spicy.
    • Check for no-kids zones on Naver Map before you go, especially for small cafés and bistros.
    • Mind break times. Many restaurants close from 15:00 to 17:00.

    1. Hyunsuni (현선이네), Yongsan: a first tteokbokki shop

    Hyunsuni Yongsan: Tteokbokki Combo Near Sinyongsan Station (Kid-Friendly)

    Nearest station: Sinyongsan Station, near Yongsan I’Park Mall. Tteokbokki with a choice of spice level (₩6,000), plus non-spicy sundae, mini gimbap and fritters. High chairs and a smaller baby set. My 7-year-old ate the mild tteokbokki with plenty of water and loved it.

    📍 2-13 Hangang-daero 39-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
    서울 용산구 한강대로39길 2-13
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Hyunsuni Yongsan →

    2. Seogwan Myeonok (서관면옥), Hongdae: soft cold noodles

    Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae: Pyongyang Naengmyeon Guide

    Nearest station: Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1, 10-minute walk. A spacious room with an elevator from the car park (1 hour free). Nothing we ordered was spicy, and laengban, cold noodles with rice in the broth, was my child’s favorite.

    📍 41 World Cup-buk-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Units 106–107 (ground floor of the NUDEET Hongdae building)
    서울 마포구 월드컵북로5길 41 106호~107호
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae →

    3. Sammi Tantanmyeon (삼미탄탄면), Sinchon: honey chashu noodles

    Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon: Dan Dan Noodles & Honey Chashu Lo Mein

    Nearest station: Sinchon Station Exit 3. The mild honey sauce chashu lo mein (₩13,000) went down very well with our kids. The room is roomy enough to get seats at weekend lunch. Skip the spicy dan dan noodles for little ones.

    📍 1F, 16 Myeongmul-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
    서울 서대문구 명물길 16 1층
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon →

    4. Oksoban (옥소반), Gongdeok: shabu-shabu with table service

    Oksoban Gongdeok: Shabu-Shabu with Table-Side Vegetable Refills

    Nearest station: Gongdeok Station Exit 7. A mild clear broth and thin beef that is easy for children to chew. Staff bring vegetable refills to the table, and Naver lists high chairs. Sets from ₩16,900 at weekday lunch.

    📍 1F Unit 11, Hyosung Harrington Square Bldg B, 92 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul
    서울 마포구 마포대로 92 효성해링턴스퀘어 B동 1층 11호
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Oksoban Gongdeok →

    5. Kosi (코시), Seongsu: udon and tonkatsu by Seoul Forest

    Kosi Seongsu: Sanuki Udon and Tonkatsu Near Seoul Forest

    Nearest station: Ttukseom Station Exit 6. A calm room, gentle broths and sauces, and high chairs listed on Naver. Udon, soba and tonkatsu on one table means everyone finds something. Udon and soba from ₩9,000.

    📍 1F, 31 Sangwon 1-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
    서울 성동구 상원1길 31 1층
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Kosi Seongsu →

    6. Namaste (나마스테), Dongmyo: mild curry across from the toy street

    Namaste Dongmyo: Indian Curry Across from Dongdaemun Toy Street

    Nearest station: Dongmyo Station Exit 5. The mild chicken butter curry with naan and rice and a mango lassi were a hit. It is right across from the Dongdaemun toy street, which makes for an easy reward after lunch. Skip the tikka masala, which has real heat.

    📍 2F, 18 Jibong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
    서울 종로구 지봉로 18 2층
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Namaste Dongmyo →

    7. Lacoon Pizza (라쿤피자), Mapo: pizza night

    Lacoon Pizza Mapo: Half-and-Half Pizza and Beer by Mapo Station

    Nearest station: Mapo Station Exit 1. Lots of families were eating there when we went. The pizza is not salty, the ragu pasta is a safe non-spicy dish, and my child happily worked through the cheese crust. Busy in the evening.

    📍 1F, 307 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
    서울 마포구 토정로 307 1층
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Lacoon Pizza Mapo →

    8. Baekri Gomtang (백리곰탕), Hongdae: the safest soup

    Baekri Gomtang Hongdae: Hanwoo Beef Soup Near Hongik Univ. Station

    Nearest station: Hongik Univ. Station Exit 7. Gomtang is one of the most child-friendly Korean dishes: a clear beef broth with no spice at all and soft beef. Tables are well spaced and the room is calm. Skip the raw beef bibimbap for young children.

    📍 40-18 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 1F
    서울 마포구 와우산로29길 40-18 1층 1호
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Baekri Gomtang Hongdae →

    Heading to Jeju too?

    On Jeju, we took our 7-year-old and 4-year-old to Pork80, a black pork BBQ near Jeju Airport, and the pork disappeared so fast we had to order more. In Aewol, Handam Guksu serves mild Jeju pork noodle soup with sea views, and its self bar has baby forks and kids’ bowls.

    Kid-friendly restaurants in Seoul FAQ

    What Korean food is safe for kids who don’t eat spicy food?

    Clear soups like gomtang, Pyongyang naengmyeon, shabu-shabu with a mild broth, udon, and bunsik sides such as gimbap, sundae and fritters. At tteokbokki shops, ask for the mild level.

    Which Seoul restaurants have high chairs?

    On their Naver listings, Hyunsuni in Yongsan, Oksoban in Gongdeok and Kosi in Seongsu list high chairs.

    Is it okay to bring young children to restaurants in Seoul?

    Yes, most casual restaurants are welcoming, but some cafés and bistros are no-kids zones (for example Decalcomanie in Haebangchon). Check the Naver listing before you go.

    What is a good family restaurant near Seoul Forest?

    Kosi Seongsu, about 115 m from Ttukseom Station Exit 6, serves udon, soba and tonkatsu in a calm room with high chairs.

    By neighborhood: Hongdae, Sinchon and Mapo · Itaewon, Haebangchon and Yongsan · all kid-friendly guides.

    Hours, prices and facilities come from each restaurant’s Naver listing, checked when each full guide was written (October 2026). Please check Naver Map before you go.

    Based on my own visits and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.

  • Where to Eat in Itaewon, Haebangchon and Yongsan: 3 Local Picks

    Where to Eat in Itaewon, Haebangchon and Yongsan: 3 Local Picks

    In short

    Three places I have eaten at in Itaewon, Haebangchon and Yongsan: Decalcomanie (a cozy bistro famous for ₩9,900 honey cod, no kids), Nurimaeul Gamjatang (24-hour pork bone stew by Itaewon Station Exit 4) and Hyunsuni (tteokbokki and Korean snack food near Sinyongsan Station, great with kids).

    Itaewon, Haebangchon and Yongsan sit right next to each other on the south side of Namsan, and they cover very different moods: a quiet date night up the hill, a big pot of stew at any hour, and a cheap, cheerful lunch with the kids. Each place below links to my full guide.

    Quick picks

    • Date nightDecalcomanie, Sinheung Market, Haebangchon
    • Late nightNurimaeul Gamjatang, Itaewon Station Exit 4 (24 hours)
    • With kidsHyunsuni, Sinyongsan Station Exit 5

    1. Decalcomanie (데칼코마니): honey cod in Haebangchon

    Honey cod with garlic aioli and tomato sauce at Decalcomanie, Haebangchon

    A small bistro inside Sinheung Market, uphill from Itaewon. We went for our wedding anniversary. The honey cod with Uiseong garlic aioli (₩9,900) is the reason to come, and the set for two (₩59,800) also covers basil pesto pasta and a sous-vide pork neck steak. Expect a wait; it is a no-kids zone. The walk up from Noksapyeong Station is steep, so a short taxi is easiest.

    📍 97-4 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, ground floor inside Sinheung Market
    서울 용산구 신흥로 97-4 신흥시장 1층
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Decalcomanie Haebangchon →

    2. Nurimaeul Gamjatang (누리마을감자탕): 24-hour pork bone stew

    Spicy gamjatang pork bone stew at Nurimaeul Gamjatang, Itaewon

    On the second floor of a building about 29 m from Itaewon Station Exit 4, open 24 hours. A small pot of spicy gamjatang (₩35,000) is a hearty meal, and single bowls of bone soup start at ₩12,000. A good stop for a late dinner or a filling lunch.

    📍 2F, 176 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
    서울 용산구 이태원로 176 2층
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon →

    3. Hyunsuni (현선이네): tteokbokki near Yongsan I’Park Mall

    Tteokbokki combo set at Hyunsuni, Yongsan

    A busy tteokbokki and bunsik shop about 180 m from Sinyongsan Station, close to Yongsan I’Park Mall. Tteokbokki is ₩6,000 with your choice of spice level, and combo sets add sundae, mini gimbap and fritters. It was my 7-year-old’s first tteokbokki shop, and there are high chairs and a baby set. Open 11:00–24:00 daily.

    📍 2-13 Hangang-daero 39-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
    서울 용산구 한강대로39길 2-13
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Hyunsuni Yongsan →

    Itaewon, Haebangchon and Yongsan FAQ

    Where can I eat late at night in Itaewon?

    Nurimaeul Gamjatang, about 29 m from Itaewon Station Exit 4, is open 24 hours. A small pot of spicy pork bone stew is ₩35,000 and single bowls start at ₩12,000.

    What is a good anniversary or date restaurant near Itaewon?

    Decalcomanie in Haebangchon’s Sinheung Market is cozy and known for its ₩9,900 honey cod. The set for two is ₩59,800. It often has a wait and is a no-kids zone.

    Where can I take kids for lunch near Yongsan I’Park Mall?

    Hyunsuni, about 180 m from Sinyongsan Station, serves tteokbokki with a choice of spice level plus non-spicy sundae, gimbap and fritters. It has high chairs and a baby set.

    More ideas: where to eat in Hongdae, Sinchon and Mapo, kid-friendly restaurants in Seoul, or all Seoul restaurant guides.

    Hours and prices come from each restaurant’s Naver listing, checked when each full guide was written (October 2026). Please check Naver Map before you go.

    Based on my own visits and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.

  • Where to Eat in Hongdae, Sinchon and Mapo: 4 Restaurants I’d Go Back To

    Where to Eat in Hongdae, Sinchon and Mapo: 4 Restaurants I’d Go Back To

    In short

    Four places I have eaten at around Hongdae, Sinchon and Mapo, all within a few minutes of a subway exit: Baekri Gomtang (clear beef soup, ₩12,000), Seogwan Myeonok (Pyongyang cold noodles, ₩17,000–19,000), Sammi Tantanmyeon (dan dan noodles, ₩10,500) and Lacoon Pizza (half-and-half pizza and beer). Two serve completely non-spicy Korean dishes, and we tried three of the four with our kids.

    Hongdae is full of trendy cafés and late-night chicken, but finding a good, honest meal can be harder than you’d think. These are the places in the Hongdae, Sinchon and Mapo area that I have actually eaten at and would go back to. Each one links to my full guide with photos, menu prices, opening hours and how to order.

    Quick picks

    • Non-spicy soupBaekri Gomtang, Hongik Univ. Station Exit 7
    • Cold noodlesSeogwan Myeonok, Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1
    • Spicy noodlesSammi Tantanmyeon, Sinchon Station Exit 3
    • Pizza and beerLacoon Pizza, Mapo Station Exit 1

    1. Baekri Gomtang (백리곰탕): clear hanwoo beef soup

    Hanwoo gomtang in a brass bowl at Baekri Gomtang, Hongdae

    A small soup restaurant about 220 m from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 7. The hanwoo gomtang (₩12,000) is a clear, non-spicy beef broth with plenty of tender beef and a ginseng sprout on top. It comes lightly seasoned on purpose, so salt it at the table. The beef tartare bibimbap (₩13,000) is a good second dish. Open 11:00–22:00 with a 15:00–17:00 break.

    📍 40-18 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 1F
    서울 마포구 와우산로29길 40-18 1층 1호
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Baekri Gomtang in Hongdae →

    2. Seogwan Myeonok (서관면옥): Pyongyang cold noodles

    Matbaki naengmyeon in a brass bowl at Seogwan Myeonok, Hongdae

    About a 10-minute walk from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1, this big, bright room serves Pyongyang-style naengmyeon made with 100% Jeju buckwheat in a clear beef broth (₩17,000–19,000). Taste the broth before adding vinegar. If it feels too plain, try the perilla-oil goldong naengmyeon. There is a car park with 1 hour free. Open daily 11:00–21:00, break 15:00–17:00.

    📍 41 World Cup-buk-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Units 106–107 (ground floor of the NUDEET Hongdae building)
    서울 마포구 월드컵북로5길 41 106호~107호
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae →

    3. Sammi Tantanmyeon (삼미탄탄면): dan dan noodles in Sinchon

    Chashu dan dan noodles at Sammi Tantanmyeon, Sinchon

    A roomy Chinese noodle shop about 270 m from Sinchon Station Exit 3. The signature chashu dan dan noodles (₩10,500) have a real kick, while the honey sauce chashu lo mein (₩13,000) is mild and was a hit with our kids. Open 11:00–22:20 daily, with no afternoon break.

    📍 1F, 16 Myeongmul-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
    서울 서대문구 명물길 16 1층
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon →

    4. Lacoon Pizza (라쿤피자): pizza and beer in Mapo

    Half-and-half pizza at Lacoon Pizza, Mapo

    A red, retro diner-style pizza and beer place about 3 to 4 minutes from Mapo Station Exit 1 (Line 5). A regular half-and-half pizza is ₩20,800 and a 300 ml draft beer is ₩2,900. It gets lively in the evening, with a wait around 7 pm. Open daily 11:00 to midnight.

    📍 1F, 307 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
    서울 마포구 토정로 307 1층
    Naver Map · Google Maps

    Read my full guide: Lacoon Pizza Mapo →

    Tips for eating around Hongdae

    • Plan around break times. Many smaller restaurants close from 15:00 to 17:00; go for lunch or after 5 pm.
    • Use Naver Map. It is far more accurate than Google for small Korean restaurants and shows current hours.
    • Mix spicy and mild. If you are with someone who avoids spice, gomtang and naengmyeon are safe; dan dan noodles are not.

    Hongdae, Sinchon and Mapo restaurant FAQ

    What is the best non-spicy food near Hongik Univ. Station?

    Baekri Gomtang, about 220 m from Exit 7, serves clear hanwoo beef soup with no spice at all. Seogwan Myeonok, about 10 minutes from Exit 1, serves Pyongyang naengmyeon, a mild cold buckwheat noodle soup.

    Where can I eat cheaply around Hongdae and Sinchon?

    Sammi Tantanmyeon in Sinchon has chashu dan dan noodles for ₩10,500, and Baekri Gomtang’s beef soup is ₩12,000. Lacoon Pizza in Mapo has half-and-half pizzas from ₩20,800 to share.

    Which of these Hongdae-area restaurants have a break time?

    Baekri Gomtang and Seogwan Myeonok both close from 15:00 to 17:00. Sammi Tantanmyeon (11:00–22:20) and Lacoon Pizza (11:00–midnight) stay open through the afternoon.

    Are these Hongdae restaurants good for kids?

    Yes. We ate at Seogwan Myeonok, Sammi Tantanmyeon and Lacoon Pizza with our kids, and Baekri Gomtang’s soup is completely non-spicy. Skip the spicy dan dan noodles for little ones.

    Travelling with children? See my kid-friendly restaurants in Seoul, or browse all Seoul restaurant guides.

    Hours and prices come from each restaurant’s Naver listing, checked when each full guide was written (October 2026). Please check Naver Map before you go.

    Based on my own visits and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.

  • Pork80 Jeju: Thick-Cut Black Pork BBQ near Jeju Airport

    Pork80 Jeju: Thick-Cut Black Pork BBQ near Jeju Airport

    In short

    Pork80 (포크80) Jeju Airport branch is a big, bright Jeju black pork BBQ restaurant in the Nohyeong hotel area of Jeju City, about 10 minutes by car from Jeju Airport. The signature Nanchuk Matdon (Jeju native black pork), 600 g for ₩72,000 (about $51), comes thick-cut, and staff grill the first round for you. Open daily 11:30 to 23:30 (last order 22:30). Great for families; don’t skip the ₩10,000 turban shell seafood stew.

    Black pork barbecue is the meal almost every visitor to Jeju has on their list, and there are a lot of places to choose from. On a hot summer day on the island, our family of four (two adults, a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old) went to Pork80, a black pork specialist close to the airport and the big hotels in Jeju City.

    Here is what we ate, the house rules for eating the pork (yes, there are rules), current prices, and how much to order if you are feeding a family.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name포크80 제주공항점 (Pork80, Jeju Airport branch). The sign reads 포-크, pronounced “po-keu”, like the English word pork.
    • Address1F, 37-1 Noyeon-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju
      제주 제주시 노연로 37-1 1층
    • Getting thereAbout 10 min by car from Jeju International Airport. Buses 301, 282, 291 to Nohyeong Ogeori (노형오거리), or 202 to Halla Hospital (한라병원).
    • HoursDaily 11:30–23:30 (last order 22:30)
    • PriceNanchuk Matdon black pork 600 g ₩72,000; other cuts ₩19,000–23,000; meal dishes ₩5,000–12,000
    • Good forFamilies, groups (group seating for 4 to 30), first black pork meal on arrival
    • Phone0507-1406-1528
    • Parking3 hours covered at the paid lot at 25 Wonnohyeong 3-gil; ticket from the counter
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    Pork80 is in the Nohyeong-dong and Yeon-dong part of Jeju City, the newer downtown where many of the big hotels are. According to the restaurant’s Naver listing it is within walking distance of Jeju Dream Tower, Grand Hyatt Jeju and Maison Glad Jeju, and about 10 minutes from the airport by car, so it works well for a first dinner after landing or a last meal before a flight. If you drive, park at the paid lot at 25 Wonnohyeong 3-gil and get a parking ticket at the counter.

    📍 Pork80 Jeju Airport branch (포크80 제주공항점), 1F, 37-1 Noyeon-ro, Jeju-si · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Spacious dining room with charcoal grill tables at Pork80 Jeju Airport branch
    A large, clean dining room with a charcoal grill at every table.

    Cold beer first, then the black pork

    It was so hot outside that the very first thing I ordered was a cold beer. After the heat of a Jeju summer day it was exactly what I needed. Then we ordered the house signature: Nanchuk Matdon (난축맛돈), Jeju native black pork, 600 g for ₩72,000. In Korea pork is often ordered by the geun (근), which is 600 g, so this is “one geun”.

    Grill table with side dishes, salt and sauces ready at Pork80 Jeju
    The table set up with side dishes, salt and sauces.
    Thick-cut raw Nanchuk Matdon Jeju black pork belly with green onions at Pork80 Jeju
    Nanchuk Matdon: thick slabs of black pork with green onions.

    What we ordered

    1. Nanchuk Matdon black pork (난축맛돈, nanchuk matdon)

    The pork arrives in very thick pieces, and there is a sign at the table asking you not to cut it any smaller. The idea is that you eat each grilled piece in one big bite. I did exactly that, and the juice that burst out was wonderful. There was no porky smell at all.

    Staff grilled the first round for us, and at first I thought it tasted so good because the person grilling was so skilled. As we kept eating, it was clear the meat itself was just that good. They grill green onions and king oyster mushrooms alongside the pork, and wrapping them up together was a real treat.

    Jeju black pork grilling over charcoal with green onions and king oyster mushroom at Pork80 Jeju
    Staff grill the first round, with green onions and king oyster mushroom.
    A bite of grilled Jeju black pork topped with green onion salad at Pork80 Jeju
    One piece, one bite, with green onion salad on top.

    The table card also suggests a few ways to eat it: try the first piece with just the matcha salt, then with fresh wasabi, then dip the grilled green onion and pork into the anchovy sauce the way locals do.

    2. Seconds: another 400 g, grilled ourselves

    I honestly thought one geun would be plenty for two adults and two small kids. It vanished, so we ordered another 400 g for ₩48,000, and that disappeared just as fast. We grilled the second round ourselves, and I was a bit worried it wouldn’t taste the same without the expert. No need: when the meat is this good, it is great even when you cook it yourself.

    Grilled Jeju black pork belly pieces and king oyster mushroom on the grill at Pork80 Jeju
    Our second round, grilled by us.

    3. Side dishes: marinated crab, green onion salad and kimchi

    A big surprise was the spicy marinated crab (양념게장, yangnyeom gejang) served as one of the side dishes. The crab was plump and full of meat, and the sauce was seriously good. One bite and I understood why there is a separate “extra marinated crab” option on the menu.

    Spicy marinated crab side dish served at Pork80 Jeju
    Spicy marinated crab, served as a side dish.

    Lots of BBQ places have stopped serving green onion salad (파절이, pajeori), so I was happy to see it here, and it was full of flavor. We also grilled the kimchi next to the pork; the well-fermented kimchi cuts through the fat, so we never got tired of the meat right up to the last piece.

    Green onion salad (pajeori) side dish at Pork80 Jeju
    Green onion salad (pajeori).

    4. Anchovy sauce in an earthenware pot (멜젓, meljeot)

    You can’t really eat Jeju black pork without meljeot, a sauce made from salted anchovies. I was expecting a small saucer, so I was a little taken aback when it came out simmering in a large earthenware pot. I have struggled with the strong, funky smell of meljeot before, so I tried it carefully. Pork80’s version has much less of that funk and a lot more savory depth. Dunk the pork right in; it only makes it better.

    Grilled pork dipped in bubbling anchovy sauce (meljeot) in an earthenware pot at Pork80 Jeju
    Pork dipped into the anchovy sauce.

    5. Turban shell seafood stew (뿔소라 해물뚝배기, ppulsora haemul ttukbaegi)

    To finish we ordered the turban shell seafood stew, and this is the one I would tell everyone to order. A huge Jeju turban shell sits right on top, so it looks amazing when it arrives. The broth is salty with seafood and has a mild spicy kick, and the turban shell meat, pulled out of the shell, was chewy and tender. The broth was so refreshing we finished every drop.

    Turban shell seafood stew in an earthenware pot at Pork80 Jeju
    Turban shell seafood stew.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Nanchuk Matdon, Jeju native black pork, 600 g (signature)
    난축맛돈 (제주토종흑돼지) 600g    		₩72,000
    ~$51.40
    Extra Nanchuk Matdon, 400 g (July menu board)
    난축맛돈 추가 400g    		₩48,000
    ~$34.30
    Nanchuk Matdon bone-in loin set, 900 g (5 sets a day)
    난축맛돈 뼈등심세트 900g    		₩109,000
    ~$77.90
    Fresh pork rib belly, 600 g
    생갈비 한접시 600g    		₩56,000
    ~$40.00
    Marinated pork ribs, 300 g
    양념갈비 1인분 300g    		₩19,000
    ~$13.60
    Pork belly with skin / pork neck, 300 g
    오겹살 / 목살 300g    		₩23,000
    ~$16.40
    Turban shell seafood stew (rice extra)
    뿔소라 해물뚝배기    		₩10,000
    ~$7.10
    Spicy soft tofu stew
    포크순두부찌개    		₩8,000
    ~$5.70
    Pork fried rice (2–3 people)
    포크볶음밥    		₩12,000
    ~$8.60
    Cold young radish kimchi noodles
    열무국수    		₩8,000
    ~$5.70
    Steamed egg with cheese
    폭탄치즈계란찜    		₩5,000
    ~$3.60
    Extra marinated crab (July menu board)
    양념게장 추가    		₩12,000
    ~$8.60

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu updated May 2026); the two items marked July menu board are from the menu at our visit and are not on Naver’s list. During the turban shell closed season the stew uses abalone instead. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Don’t cut the pork. The house rule is one thick piece, one bite. The juices are the point.
    • Let staff do the first round. Staff grill the first round of Nanchuk Matdon for you. The grilling service is for Nanchuk Matdon only, not the marinated meat.
    • Order the seafood stew. At ₩10,000 it is the best value on the table. Rice is extra (₩1,000).
    • Allergies: the menu asks you to tell staff in advance if you can’t eat shellfish, cucumber or tofu in the meal dishes.
    • Book on Naver if you are a group; the place seats groups of 4 to 30.
    • Ordering phrase: “Nanchuk matdon han geun juseyo” (난축맛돈 한 근 주세요) means “600 g of Nanchuk Matdon, please.”

    Is it kid-friendly?

    We went with our 7-year-old and 4-year-old, and the pork disappeared so fast we had to order more, which says a lot. The dining room is large, so a family table is not a squeeze. Keep in mind the seafood stew has a mild spicy kick and the marinated crab is spicy, so order something milder, like the steamed egg, for little ones who don’t eat spicy food.

    My verdict

    Pork80 is the kind of Jeju black pork restaurant I’d recommend to anyone arriving on the island: easy to reach from the airport and hotels, thick and juicy pork that tastes great even when you grill it yourself, and side dishes that go well beyond the basics. Order more meat than you think you need, eat each piece in one bite, and save room for the turban shell seafood stew.

    Pork80 Jeju FAQ

    Where is Pork80 Jeju and how do I get there?

    Pork80 Jeju Airport branch (포크80 제주공항점) is on the ground floor of 37-1 Noyeon-ro in Jeju City, in the Nohyeong and Yeon-dong hotel area. The restaurant says it is about 10 minutes by car from Jeju International Airport and a short walk from Jeju Dream Tower and Maison Glad Jeju. By bus, get off at Nohyeong Ogeori (노형오거리) on routes 301, 282 or 291.

    What are the opening hours of Pork80 Jeju?

    Naver lists Pork80 Jeju as open every day from 11:30 to 23:30, with last orders at 22:30. You can also book a table through Naver.

    What should I order at Pork80 Jeju?

    The signature at Pork80 Jeju is Nanchuk Matdon, a Jeju native black pork, at ₩72,000 for 600 g. Finish with the turban shell seafood stew (₩10,000), which I would call a must. Marinated crab came as a side dish on our visit, and the anchovy sauce comes bubbling in its own earthenware pot.

    How much pork should a family order at Pork80 Jeju?

    We were two adults with a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old, and I thought 600 g of Nanchuk Matdon would fill us up. It disappeared fast, and we added another 400 g, which was ₩48,000 on the menu board in July. So we ate about 1 kg between the four of us.

    Is there parking at Pork80 Jeju?

    Yes. According to Naver, Pork80 Jeju covers 3 hours of parking if you park at the paid lot at 25 Wonnohyeong 3-gil (원노형3길 25) and eat at the restaurant. Ask for the parking ticket at the counter after your meal.

    Back in Seoul and craving pork? Try Nurimaeul Gamjatang in Itaewon for pork bone soup. More family picks: kid-friendly restaurant guides. All island guides: Jeju restaurant guides.

    More Jeju and family-friendly picks

    Visited: July 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 28, 2026, on Naver. Please check Naver Map before you go.

    This post is based on my own visit and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.

  • Lacoon Pizza Mapo: Half-and-Half Pizza and Beer by Mapo Station

    Lacoon Pizza Mapo: Half-and-Half Pizza and Beer by Mapo Station

    In short

    Lacoon Pizza (라쿤피자) Mapo is a red, retro diner-style pizza and beer spot about 3 to 4 minutes from Mapo Station Exit 1 (Line 5). A regular half-and-half pizza is ₩20,800 (about $14.90) and a 300 ml draft beer is ₩2,900. Open daily 11:00 to midnight. Good for families, groups and a casual pizza-and-beer night; expect a wait around 7 pm.

    Mapo Station sits right by the Han River, between Yeouido and Gongdeok, and the side streets around it are packed with places where office workers eat and drink after work. One weekday evening we headed to Lacoon Pizza Mapo, a pizza place done up like an American diner, for what Koreans call pimaek: pizza and maekju (beer).

    Below: what we ordered, the current dine-in prices, why I think the pizza works well for kids, and how to find it from the station.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name라쿤피자 마포역점 (Lacoon Pizza, Mapo Station branch). Lacoon is how the sign spells it; in Korean it sounds like “raccoon”.
    • Address1F, 307 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
      서울 마포구 토정로 307 1층
    • SubwayMapo Station (마포역, Line 5), Exit 1, about 290 m (3 to 4 min walk)
    • HoursDaily 11:00–24:00
    • PriceHalf-and-half pizza ₩20,800 (R) / ₩28,300 (L); pizza and pasta sets ₩34,400–41,900; pasta ₩13,800–15,800
    • Good forFamilies with kids, group dinners, pizza and beer after work
    • Phone0507-1447-5008
    • NotesNaver reservations for 2 to 10 people. Takeout and delivery. Wi-Fi. Nearest parking listed on Naver: Mapo Yusuji public lot (24 hours).
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    Come out of Exit 1 of Mapo Station and walk straight ahead for about 100 m until you see the entrance to the Yonggang-dong food alley (용강동 먹자골목). Turn left into the alley and walk about 80 m more. You really can’t miss it: a bright red front, a big neon LACOON PIZZA sign and a row of yellow chairs outside for people waiting.

    📍 Lacoon Pizza Mapo (라쿤피자 마포역점), 1F, 307 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Red storefront of Lacoon Pizza Mapo with neon sign and yellow waiting chairs near Mapo Station
    The red front and neon sign, with yellow chairs for the queue.

    A busy, hip room worth the wait

    We arrived around 7 pm on a weekday and there was already a line. Inside it is all red booths, checkered floors and neon, more like a stylish pub than a family pizza chain, where people share pizza or chicken over soju and beer. The crowd was a real mix: families like us, plus office teams having an after-work dinner. Takeout orders and waiting customers kept coming the whole time we ate, which told me this is a local favorite.

    Red and checkered retro diner interior with open pizza kitchen at Lacoon Pizza Mapo
    Red booths, checkered floor and an open kitchen.

    There is also a self-service bar with plates and sauces. The sauces come in sealed single-serve packets and the drinking water is given out as individual bottles, which felt very clean and considerate. I did briefly wonder about all that plastic, but on hygiene the place gets full marks from me.

    Self-service bar with bottled water, plates and single-serve sauces at Lacoon Pizza Mapo
    The self-service bar, with bottled water and single-serve sauces.

    What we ordered

    We got the pizza and pasta set, which comes with one pizza, one pasta and one soft drink. For the pizza we went half-and-half, and since my little one can’t handle spicy food, we picked the meat tomato ragu pasta. I added a 300 ml draft beer for myself, because that is the whole point of pimaek. The side menu is long (fries, fried chicken, wings and more), which is a big part of why people come here to drink.

    300 ml draft beer on a table at Lacoon Pizza Mapo
    A 300 ml draft beer, the “maek” in pimaek.

    1. Half-and-half pizza: Super Lacoons and basil mascarpone (반반피자)

    Super Lacoons (슈퍼라쿤즈) is their version of a combination pizza, so the flavor is familiar, like the combination or pepperoni pizza you already know. It came out freshly baked with the toppings piled on generously; hard to go wrong with that. The basil mascarpone half was the more grown-up one, with fragrant basil and soft, creamy mascarpone working really well together.

    Half-and-half pizza with Super Lacoons and basil mascarpone at Lacoon Pizza Mapo
    Half Super Lacoons, half basil mascarpone.

    The biggest reason I rate this place, though: the pizza is not salty. It is generous without being heavy or harsh, and with a few sides it made a dinner the whole family enjoyed. The shop says it makes its salted butter dough fresh every day, and the cheese stretched a long way.

    Slices of combination pizza loaded with pepperoni, olives and toppings at Lacoon Pizza Mapo
    Plenty of toppings on every slice.
    Long cheese pull from a slice of pizza at Lacoon Pizza Mapo
    The cheese pull.

    2. Meat tomato ragu pasta (미트토마토 라구파스타)

    A familiar tomato sauce with lots of minced meat through it. It is not spicy, and it worked well as a side to share alongside the pizza. A shake of parmesan on top finishes it off.

    Meat tomato ragu pasta in a metal bowl at Lacoon Pizza Mapo
    Meat tomato ragu pasta.
    Forkful of spaghetti with meat ragu sauce at Lacoon Pizza Mapo
    Plenty of meat in the sauce.

    3. Cheese crust (치즈크러스트)

    Funny thing: my child liked the pizza edges more than the pasta. We had ordered the cheese crust, and watching the cheese stretch out of the crust made the edges the best part of the meal. The crust is chewy and nutty with cheese all the way through, so nothing was left on the plate. If you love a good food combo, cheese crust pizza plus ragu pasta is the one I’d order again; the rich sauce and the pizza go really well together.

    Pizza crust broken open to show melted cheese inside at Lacoon Pizza Mapo
    Cheese tucked inside the crust.

    Menu and prices (dine-in)

    DishPrice
    Half-and-half pizza, regular / large
    반반피자 R / L    		₩20,800 / ₩28,300
    ~$14.90 / $20.20
    Super Lacoons pizza, regular / large
    슈퍼라쿤즈 피자 R / L    		₩21,800 / ₩29,300
    ~$15.60 / $20.90
    Basil mascarpone pizza, regular / large
    바질마스카포네 피자 R / L    		₩24,800 / ₩32,300
    ~$17.70 / $23.10
    Lacoon cheese waterfall pizza (signature), regular / large
    라쿤치즈폭포 피자 R / L    		₩24,800 / ₩32,300
    ~$17.70 / $23.10
    Pizza R + pasta + soft drink set
    피자R/파스타 세트    		₩34,400
    ~$24.60
    Pizza L + pasta + soft drink set
    피자L/파스타세트    		₩41,900
    ~$29.90
    Meat tomato ragu pasta
    미트토마토 라구파스타    		₩13,800
    ~$9.90
    Favorite Toowoomba pasta (slightly spicy shrimp cream)
    페이보릿 투움바 파스타    		₩13,800
    ~$9.90
    Crispy hot chicken, half (4 pieces)
    [반마리] 크리스피핫치킨    		₩12,000
    ~$8.60
    Shoestring fries
    슈스트링 감자튀김    		₩3,800
    ~$2.70
    Cass draft beer 300 ml (dine-in only)
    300cc 카스 생맥주    		₩2,900
    ~$2.10
    Lacoon highball
    라쿤하이볼    		₩6,900
    ~$4.90
    Soju (bottle)
    참이슬 / 처음처럼 등    		₩5,000
    ~$3.60

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are the dine-in menu on Naver Place; delivery prices are higher. Personal-size (P) pizzas start at ₩10,800. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Expect a queue at dinner. There was a wait by 7 pm on a weekday. Naver takes reservations for 2 to 10 people, which is worth it for a group.
    • Get the set. Pizza, pasta and a drink together costs less than ordering them separately, and you can choose a half-and-half pizza.
    • Add the cheese crust. Especially if you have kids with you.
    • Watch the spicy items. Naver marks the Diablo pepperoni pizza, the hangover pasta, bulgogi premium pizza and the crispy hot chicken as spicy. Super Lacoons, basil mascarpone and the ragu pasta are safe picks.
    • Ordering phrase: “Banban pija juseyo” (반반피자 주세요) means “A half-and-half pizza, please.”
    • Driving? There is no on-site parking listed; Naver suggests the Mapo Yusuji public lot nearby.

    Is it kid-friendly?

    Yes, in my experience. Lots of families were eating there when we went, the pizza is not salty, and the ragu pasta is a safe non-spicy dish. My child happily worked through the cheese crust edges. It is lively in the evening with after-work groups, so it suits kids who don’t mind a busy room.

    My verdict

    Lacoon Pizza Mapo is a fun, good-value pizza and beer spot in a neighborhood full of office workers. The room is hip, the toppings are generous, the pizza is not salty, and the sets make it easy to feed a family or a group. The only real downside is the dinner wait. Go for a half-and-half pizza with the cheese crust, a ragu pasta on the side, and a cold draft beer if you drink.

    Lacoon Pizza Mapo FAQ

    Where is Lacoon Pizza Mapo and how do I get there?

    Lacoon Pizza Mapo is on the ground floor of 307 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, about 290 m from Exit 1 of Mapo Station on Line 5. Walk straight from the exit for about 100 m to the entrance of the Yonggang-dong food alley, turn left into the alley, and the red storefront is about 80 m further on. It takes 3 to 4 minutes.

    What are the opening hours of Lacoon Pizza Mapo?

    Naver lists Lacoon Pizza Mapo as open every day from 11:00 to midnight. When I went at about 7 pm on a weekday there was already a wait, so come a little earlier for dinner or book ahead on Naver.

    What should I order at Lacoon Pizza Mapo?

    At Lacoon Pizza Mapo I would get a pizza and pasta set with a half-and-half pizza. We had Super Lacoons (their take on a combination pizza) and basil mascarpone, plus the meat tomato ragu pasta. Add the cheese crust option and a ₩2,900 draft beer if you drink.

    Is Lacoon Pizza Mapo good for kids?

    Yes. I went to Lacoon Pizza Mapo with my child, and there were plenty of other families there too. The pizzas are not salty, the meat tomato ragu pasta is not spicy, and my child loved the stretchy cheese crust. Just avoid the items Naver marks as spicy, like the Diablo pepperoni pizza.

    Can I book a table or park at Lacoon Pizza Mapo?

    Lacoon Pizza Mapo takes Naver reservations for groups of 2 to 10 and is set up for group dinners. Naver does not list parking at the shop itself; it points drivers to the Mapo Yusuji public parking lot (마포유수지공영주차장), open 24 hours. Takeout and delivery are also available.

    One stop away on Line 5: Oksoban in Gongdeok for shabu-shabu. More kid-friendly ideas: Sammi Tantanmyeon in Sinchon. All guides: Seoul restaurant guides.

    More places nearby

    Visited: July 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 27, 2026, on Naver. Please check Naver Map before you go.

    This post is based on my own visit and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.

  • Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno: Thick-Cut Sushi Lunch by Jonggak Station

    Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno: Thick-Cut Sushi Lunch by Jonggak Station

    In short

    Choi Woo Young Sushiya (최우영스시야) Jongno is a casual sushi restaurant in a basement arcade, about 3 to 5 minutes from Jonggak Station Exit 1. The 15-piece special sushi set is ₩19,000 (about $13.60), with thick slices of fish over modest rice. Open daily 11:00 to 21:30, break 15:00 to 17:00. A good pick for a solo lunch, or anyone who cares more about the fish than the rice.

    Jonggak is a busy office district in old downtown Seoul, and lunch options there can blur together. On one weekday I went to Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno for sushi, and the thing I still remember is how thick the fish was.

    Here is what I ordered, the current prices, one thing I wish I had known, and how to find it from the station.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name최우영스시야 종로점 (Choi Woo Young Sushiya, Jongno branch)
    • AddressB1 Unit 104, 7 Jong-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
      서울 종로구 종로5길 7 지하1층 104호
    • SubwayJonggak Station (종각역, Line 1), Exit 1, about 235 m (3 to 5 min walk); Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Exit 2, about 7 min
    • HoursDaily 11:00–21:30; break 15:00–17:00; last order 21:00
    • PriceSushi sets ₩13,000–33,000; single pieces ₩1,000–3,000; tempura ₩1,500 each
    • Good forSolo lunch, a quick sushi meal near Gwanghwamun and Jonggak, small groups
    • Phone0507-1324-8219
    • NotesFree parking for 2 hours. Takeout (separate kiosk) and delivery. Wheelchair-accessible entrance, seats and restroom. Corkage ₩3,000 per bottle. No pets.
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    I walked over from Jonggak Station. The restaurant is on the basement level of a building on Jong-ro 5-gil, so head downstairs once you reach the building. Naver puts it about 235 m from Exit 1, a 3 to 5 minute walk. If you are coming from Gwanghwamun, Exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station is about 7 minutes away.

    📍 Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno (최우영스시야 종로점), B1, 7 Jong-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Storefront of Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno with menu photos above the entrance in a basement arcade near Jonggak Station
    The entrance, with photos of the menu over the counter.

    I came at weekday lunchtime and got a seat right away without waiting. There is also a separate kiosk just for takeout sushi, so if you only want a box to take back to the office or your hotel, you can order there without joining the dine-in line. Sushi by kiosk felt very Seoul.

    Red takeout-only sushi ordering kiosk at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno
    The takeout-only sushi kiosk.

    Inside: clean and easy to eat alone

    The room is plain and tidy, with no clutter, and the seats are spaced out rather than squeezed together. There is a long counter facing a wall of plants, plus tables for groups. I had my sushi lunch there on my own and did not feel out of place at all, so if you are traveling solo and want a proper sit-down meal, this is an easy one.

    Counter seats with ordering screens and a wall of green plants at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno
    Counter seats facing a wall of plants.

    What I ordered

    1. Special sushi set (특선초밥, teukseon chobap)

    I started with the special sushi set, 15 pieces, and the quality was better than I expected for the price. The slices of fish are thick, and the rice under them is a sensible size, so you actually taste the fish instead of a mouthful of rice. A lot of lunch sushi places pile on the rice; this one gets the balance right.

    Special sushi platter with tuna, salmon, shrimp, eel, tamago and sea urchin at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno
    The 15-piece special sushi set.

    What I liked most was the variety on one plate: white fish, red fish like tuna, salmon and more, so every next piece was a little different. When a set repeats the same few fish it gets boring halfway through, but here I kept wondering what the next one would taste like. With the thick cuts on top of that, it felt like very good value.

    Thick slice of tuna nigiri lifted with chopsticks at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno
    A thick slice of tuna on modest rice.

    One thing to know: there is no wasabi inside the sushi. You add it yourself, and it seemed to be freshly grated wasabi, which is much sharper than the paste you may be used to. Even a small dab made my eyes water. Start with a tiny bit and work up.

    Nigiri dipped in soy sauce with a small dab of fresh wasabi on top at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno
    Add the wasabi yourself, and go easy at first.

    2. Assorted sashimi (모둠사시미, modum sashimi)

    The sashimi came out in thick, chunky slices, so it was a different kind of fun from the sushi, with more bite. The salmon went really well with the onion and sauce served alongside it. The shredded radish salad and seaweed, dipped in chojang (a sweet, tangy red pepper sauce), were crunchy and had no fishy taste at all.

    Assorted sashimi platter with salmon, white fish, tuna and lemon at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno
    Assorted sashimi.
    Thick cuts of salmon and white fish sashimi with sprouts at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno
    Thick cuts of salmon and white fish.

    3. King prawn tempura (왕새우튀김, wang-saeu twigim)

    The size surprised me. It is not a small prawn hiding in a thick coat of batter; the prawn itself is big. It was nutty and not greasy. If you only add one side, make it this one.

    Two large king prawn tempura with dipping sauce at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno
    King prawn tempura.

    4. Udon (우동)

    I wanted something with broth, so I added udon without expecting much, and it turned out to be good. It comes topped with seaweed and other garnishes, the broth is clean and light, and the noodles are springy. The hot soup next to cold sushi was a nice contrast, and I was glad I ordered it.

    Udon in clear broth topped with seaweed, fried tofu and green onion at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno
    Udon with seaweed and fried tofu.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Assorted sushi, 12 pieces
    모듬초밥 12ps    		₩13,000
    ~$9.30
    Special sushi, 15 pieces
    특선초밥 15ps    		₩19,000
    ~$13.60
    Premium sushi, 16 pieces
    최상초밥 16ps    		₩27,000
    ~$19.30
    Top premium sushi, 17 pieces
    극상초밥 17ps    		₩33,000
    ~$23.60
    Seared beef brisket sushi, 5 pieces
    차돌박이 불초밥 5ps    		₩9,500
    ~$6.80
    Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl)
    카이센동    		₩14,000–25,000
    ~$10–17.90
    Assorted sashimi
    모듬사시미    		₩40,000
    ~$28.60
    Special sashimi
    특선사시미    		₩70,000
    ~$50
    Salmon, flatfish or tuna sashimi (100 g)
    연어 / 광어 / 참다랑어 사시미    		₩11,000
    ~$7.90
    King prawn tempura (1 piece)
    왕새우튀김 1개    		₩1,500
    ~$1.10
    Assorted tempura
    모듬튀김    		₩13,000
    ~$9.30
    Braised sea bream head
    도미머리조림    		₩6,000
    ~$4.30

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu updated July 2026). Single pieces of sushi are ₩1,000 to ₩3,000 each on the menu board in my August photos. The udon I had is not on the Naver menu or that board, so check the price when you order. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Mind the break time. The kitchen closes from 15:00 to 17:00 every day, and last orders are at 21:00.
    • Don’t double up on fish. The special sushi and the assorted sashimi share a lot of the same fish. I still liked the sashimi for its thickness and texture, but if you want variety, add tempura or udon instead.
    • Go slow with the wasabi. It is not inside the sushi, and it is strong.
    • Taking it to go? Use the takeout-only kiosk and skip the dine-in queue.
    • Ordering phrase: “Teukseon chobap hana juseyo” (특선초밥 하나 주세요) means “One special sushi set, please.”
    • Driving? Naver lists 2 hours of free parking.

    My verdict

    Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno is an honest, good-value sushi lunch in the middle of the city. The fish is cut thick, the rice does not get in the way, and the special set has enough variety that you never get bored. My one complaint is the overlap between the sushi and sashimi, which is worth knowing before you order both. It suits solo diners, people who rate sushi by the fish rather than the rice, and anyone who likes to set their own wasabi level. I will probably stop by again.

    Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno FAQ

    Where is Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno and how do I get there?

    Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno is on the basement level (B1, unit 104) of 7 Jong-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu. It is about 235 m from Exit 1 of Jonggak Station on Line 1, a 3 to 5 minute walk. From Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Exit 2, it takes about 7 minutes on foot.

    What are the opening hours of Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno?

    Naver lists Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno as open every day from 11:00 to 21:30, with a break from 15:00 to 17:00 and last orders at 21:00. Plan lunch before 3 pm or dinner after 5 pm.

    What should I order at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno?

    The special sushi set (teukseon chobap, 15 pieces, ₩19,000) is the one I would start with at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno, because the fish is cut thick and the rice is kept modest. A king prawn tempura (₩1,500 each) is the side I would add. If you also order assorted sashimi (₩40,000), know that many of the fish overlap with the sushi set.

    Is Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno good for eating alone?

    Yes. Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno has a long counter as well as tables, the seating is not cramped, and eating sushi on my own there at lunch felt completely normal. There is also a separate kiosk just for takeout sushi orders.

    Does Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno have parking or takeout?

    Naver says Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno offers 2 hours of free parking, plus takeout and delivery. Takeout sushi can be ordered at a separate takeout-only kiosk, so you skip the line. Corkage is ₩3,000 per bottle.

    More in Jongno: Namaste in Dongmyo for Indian curry, or Respirer Bakery Cafe in Seochon for salt bread. For Japanese food in Seongsu, see Kosi. All guides: Seoul restaurant guides.

    More places nearby

    Visited: August 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 26, 2026, on Naver. Please check Naver Map before you go.

    This post is based on my own visit and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.

  • Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon: Salt Bread, Basil Ciabatta and a Sunny Second Floor

    Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon: Salt Bread, Basil Ciabatta and a Sunny Second Floor

    In short

    Respirer Bakery Cafe (레스피레베이커리카페) is a two-story bakery cafe in Seochon, about a 13-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 3. Its signature salt bread is ₩3,000 (about $2.10), and it opens 08:30 to 18:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 19:00 on weekends. Good for a slow coffee break between palace visits, or anyone who likes simple, not-too-salty bread in a sunny room.

    Seochon, the old neighborhood on the west side of Gyeongbokgung Palace, is full of narrow lanes and small cafes. On a weekend afternoon a friend and I went to Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon for coffee and bread.

    The name comes from the French for “to breathe,” and the cafe calls itself a space for resting. Here is what we ordered, what it costs now, and a few things to know before you walk over.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name레스피레베이커리카페 서촌 (Respirer Bakery Cafe, Seochon)
    • Address40-7 Hyoja-ro 13-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
      서울 종로구 효자로13길 40-7 레스피레
    • SubwayGyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역, Line 3), Exit 3, about 865 m (13-minute walk)
    • HoursMon–Fri 08:30–18:00 (last order 17:30); Sat–Sun 09:00–19:00 (last order 18:30)
    • PriceSalt bread ₩3,000; coffee ₩5,500–8,000; brunch plates ₩9,000–19,500
    • Good forA coffee and bread break, catching up with a friend, reading alone by a window
    • Phone0507-1345-0473
    • NotesNo parking (nearest: Singyo Public Parking, 260 m). Takeout, reservations, group seating, Wi-Fi, terrace. Pets allowed.
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    Respirer sits in the quiet top end of Seochon, close to Cheong Wa Dae. We followed the map and got there on the first try without any wrong turns. The white wooden building with a cream awning and a big “Respirer Bakery Cafe” sign is easy to spot once you are on the right lane.

    From Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 3, the cafe’s own directions say to walk about 7 minutes toward the Kyunghee clinic building, turn into the alley at the 7-Eleven, and keep to the lane on the left side of the Cheong Wa Dae parking lot. The whole walk takes around 13 minutes. If you would rather ride, buses 1711, 7018, 7022 and 1020 stop in front of the LG building near Exit 3; get off at Hyoja-dong (효자동) and walk about 5 minutes.

    📍 Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon (레스피레베이커리카페 서촌), 40-7 Hyoja-ro 13-gil, Jongno-gu · Naver Map · Google Maps

    White wooden two-story building of Respirer Bakery Cafe in Seochon with a cream awning and tall glass doors
    The white two-story building, with the bakery sign on the right.
    Window board at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon listing signature menu items and opening hours
    The window board lists the signature menu and opening hours.

    Inside: bread smell and a sunny second floor

    The moment we opened the door, the warm, nutty smell of baking bread hit us. It seemed like they were baking batches throughout the day. Honestly, that smell alone made me glad we came in, and when I choose a bakery, that first impression counts for a lot.

    The cafe says its dough rests for 12 hours at a low temperature and is baked every morning for same-day sale. The bread sits on wooden shelves with handwritten cards, and the tongs hang right by the racks.

    Wooden bread shelves and price cards inside Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon
    Bread shelves on the first floor.
    Fresh salt bread rolls and chocolate cookie salt bread on cooling racks at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon
    Salt bread on the top rack and cookie salt bread below.

    The building looks like a converted house, with warm wood tones throughout. It goes up to a second floor, so there is more room than you would expect from outside. My favorite part was upstairs: sunlight pours in, and sitting by the window you really feel the slow, easy pace of Seochon. Most of the photogenic seats are up there too.

    The tables are not crammed together, so it is comfortable for a long chat with a friend. It would also suit someone coming alone with a book.

    Wooden table and bentwood chairs under a water lily painting at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon
    One of the seating areas, warm wood and a big painting.
    Long wooden window counter looking out over the street at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon
    A long window counter, nice for sitting alone.

    What we ordered

    We picked an iced americano, a salt bread and a basil ciabatta. I also wanted to try the French toast, but on a weekend afternoon it was already sold out.

    Two iced americanos with a salt bread and a basil ciabatta on a tray at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon
    Our tray: iced americanos, basil ciabatta and salt bread.

    1. Iced americano (아이스 아메리카노, aiseu amerikano)

    The coffee won me over first. Bakeries sometimes serve forgettable coffee, but this americano was good enough to enjoy on its own. Naver describes the beans as nutty, like almond and cashew, with a chocolatey note.

    2. Salt bread (소금빵, sogeum-ppang)

    Salt bread is a buttery roll baked with a sprinkle of coarse salt on top, and it is the house signature here. The cafe says it is made with plenty of French gourmet butter. Respirer gets the basics right. The nutty smell that greeted us at the door carried straight into the taste, and it was not too salty, so it was easy to eat.

    Golden salt bread roll topped with flaky salt at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon
    The salt bread, with flakes of salt on top.

    3. Basil ciabatta (바질 치아바타, bajil chiabata)

    This was the surprise. I picked it without much expectation, but the basil comes through gently instead of overpowering everything. The chewy ciabatta and its creamy filling blend naturally with the basil, and the flavor feels refined without being heavy. It stayed with me longer than the salt bread did, and my friend kept reaching for it too.

    Basil ciabatta topped with pesto and roasted tomatoes at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon
    The basil ciabatta.
    Inside of the basil ciabatta showing a soft, creamy filling at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon
    Inside the basil ciabatta.

    Ordering both works well: you can switch between the plain, buttery salt bread and the herby ciabatta, which keeps each bite interesting.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Salt bread
    소금빵    		₩3,000
    ~$2.10
    Cookie salt bread (shelf card, Aug 2026)
    쿠키소금빵    		₩5,000
    ~$3.60
    Americano
    아메리카노    		₩5,500
    ~$3.90
    Respirer latte (signature, barley latte)
    레스피레라떼    		₩6,500
    ~$4.60
    Caramel crème / Einspänner
    카라멜크렘 / 아인슈페너    		₩6,500
    ~$4.60
    Omelet ciabatta
    오믈렛    		₩9,000
    ~$6.40
    Jambon, cucumber dill or fig sandwich
    잠봉 / 오이 딜 / 무화과 샌드위치    		₩10,500
    ~$7.50
    Garlic butter shrimp (salt bread sandwich)
    갈릭버터쉬림프    		₩13,500
    ~$9.60
    French toast
    프렌치토스트    		₩17,500
    ~$12.50
    Respirer toast (brunch plate)
    레스피레토스트    		₩19,500
    ~$13.90

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu updated October 2026), except the cookie salt bread, which comes from the shelf card in my August photo. The basil ciabatta is not listed on Naver, so check the card on the shelf. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Go in the morning for the French toast. Popular items seem to run out by weekend afternoon, and seats are probably easier earlier too.
    • Head upstairs. The second floor gets the best light and the nicest window seats.
    • Don’t drive if you can avoid it. The lot in front is not for customers. Singyo Public Parking is about 260 m away.
    • Ordering phrase: “Sogeum-ppang hana, aiseu amerikano hana juseyo” (소금빵 하나, 아이스 아메리카노 하나 주세요) means “One salt bread and one iced americano, please.”
    • Pair it with a walk. It is a short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, so it fits nicely into a palace and Seochon afternoon.
    • Dogs are welcome. Naver lists the cafe as pet-friendly, and there is a terrace.

    My verdict

    Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon is the kind of place I would recommend to anyone whose mood lifts at the smell of fresh bread. The salt bread is reliable, the americano is better than it needs to be, and the basil ciabatta was the quiet star. Add a bright second floor where you can sit for a long time, and it is an easy pick in Seochon. There are lots of breads to choose from, so it is also fun with a few people sharing. My only regret is missing the French toast, so next time I am going early to order it.

    Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon FAQ

    Where is Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon and how do I get there?

    Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon is at 40-7 Hyoja-ro 13-gil, Jongno-gu, in the quiet northern part of Seochon just below Cheong Wa Dae. From Exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) it is about 865 m, roughly a 13-minute walk. You can also take bus 1711, 7018, 7022 or 1020 to the Hyoja-dong stop and walk about 5 minutes.

    What are the opening hours of Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon?

    Naver lists Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon as open 08:30 to 18:00 on weekdays (last order 17:30) and 09:00 to 19:00 on Saturdays and Sundays (last order 18:30). The cafe says bread and brunch are ready from 9:00.

    What should I order at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon?

    The salt bread is the house signature at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon and costs ₩3,000. I would pair it with the basil ciabatta, which ended up being our favorite, and an americano (₩5,500). If you come early, the French toast (₩17,500) is the brunch dish people try to catch.

    Is there parking at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon?

    Naver says Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon has no parking of its own, and the lot right in front of the building belongs to the Presidential Security Service, so customers cannot use it. The nearest alternative is Singyo Public Parking at 89 Jahamun-ro, about 260 m away. Public transport is easier.

    Does the French toast sell out at Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon?

    It did for us. We visited Respirer Bakery Cafe Seochon on a weekend afternoon and the French toast was already sold out. If it is the main reason you are going, aim for the morning, when seating is also likely to be easier.

    Exploring more of Jongno? Try Namaste in Dongmyo for Indian curry near the flea market. See all Seoul restaurant guides.

    More places nearby

    Visited: August 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 23, 2026, on Naver. Please check Naver Map before you go.

    This post is based on my own visit and photos. I used AI tools to help with the English wording.