Seoul Table Notes

Category: Seoul

Restaurant guides for Seoul neighborhoods popular with visitors.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon: 24-Hour Pork Bone Stew by Exit 4

    Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon: 24-Hour Pork Bone Stew by Exit 4

    In short

    Nurimaeul Gamjatang (누리마을감자탕) is a 24-hour pork bone stew restaurant on the second floor of a building about 29 m from Itaewon Station Exit 4. A small pot of spicy gamjatang is ₩35,000 (about $25), and single bowls of bone soup start at ₩12,000. Good for a hearty lunch, a late-night meal, or anyone who wants a big pot of Korean stew without too much salt.

    On the last day of my summer vacation, my partner and I wanted something hot and filling, so we went to Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon for a weekday lunch. Maybe it was the end-of-holiday mood, but a bowl of steaming broth sounded better than anything else.

    Gamjatang is a Korean stew of pork back bones simmered with potatoes and greens in a red, spicy broth. You share one pot at the table, pick the meat off the bones, and add noodles or rice as you go.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name누리마을감자탕 이태원점 (Nurimaeul Gamjatang, Itaewon branch)
    • Address2F, 176 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
      서울 용산구 이태원로 176 2층
    • SubwayItaewon Station (이태원역, Line 6), Exit 4, about 29 m
    • HoursOpen 24 hours, every day of the year
    • PriceGamjatang pots ₩34,000–52,000 depending on type and size; bone soups ₩12,000–13,000
    • Good forCouples and groups sharing a pot, a solid lunch in Itaewon, late-night meals
    • Phone0507-1334-9321
    • NotesNaver reservations for 2 to 12 people. Takeout available. No parking. Self-service side dish bar.
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    The restaurant sits right on Itaewon-ro, the main road through Itaewon, an easy walk from Itaewon Station. Come up at Exit 4. The dining room is on the second floor, so the first time you go, remember to look up for the white sign with the red logo. A street-level entrance with the same sign leads to the stairs.

    📍 Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon (누리마을감자탕 이태원점), 2F, 176 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Street entrance of Nurimaeul Gamjatang on Itaewon-ro, with stairs leading up to the second-floor dining room
    The street-level entrance. The dining room is up the stairs.

    We came at weekday lunchtime and were seated straight away with no wait. The room was clean and not crowded even at lunch, so we could eat at a relaxed pace. The menu boards by the entrance list the dishes in English, Japanese and Chinese as well as Korean, which helps if you don’t read Hangul.

    Glass doors opening into the bright, wood-toned dining room of Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon
    Through the doors into the second-floor dining room.

    The self-service side dish bar

    My favorite practical detail was the self bar (셀프바, selpeu-ba). Napa cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi and spicy cheongyang green chilies are laid out so you can help yourself whenever you run low. I like this much better than waving down a server every time I want more kimchi.

    Self-service side dish bar with bowls and refrigerated banchan at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon
    The self bar, with bowls and side dishes.
    Tray of napa cabbage kimchi with tongs at the self bar of Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon
    Napa cabbage kimchi at the self bar. It turned out to be great with ramen.

    What we ordered

    We ordered the spicy gamjatang for two, plus glass noodles, ramen noodles and a bowl of rice. The plan was to add fried rice at the end if we were still hungry. Spoiler: we never got that far.

    1. Spicy gamjatang (얼큰감자탕, eolkeun gamjatang)

    The pot arrives topped with perilla leaves, sliced green onion and enoki mushrooms over chunks of potato. Even though we ordered for two, there were five big pork bones inside, along with lots of potato and ugeoji (dried cabbage greens). The portion honestly surprised me when I saw the pot.

    Pot of spicy gamjatang topped with perilla leaves, green onion, enoki mushrooms and potato at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon
    Spicy gamjatang as it arrives, before it starts to boil.

    The ugeoji came in large pieces, but it was so soft it pulled apart easily, and we cut it with scissors. Eaten with the broth, it reminded me why ugeoji belongs in gamjatang.

    Pork back bones piled with soft ugeoji cabbage greens in the gamjatang at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon
    Soft ugeoji greens piled over the bones.

    The meat came away from the bone the moment I lifted it with the tongs. It was tender and moist, good on its own or dipped in mustard sauce.

    Tongs lifting a tender pork back bone out of the spicy broth at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon
    The meat slid right off the bone.
    Mustard dipping sauce being poured into a small dish at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon
    Mustard sauce for dipping the pork.

    The best part for me was the broth. Gamjatang broth tends to be on the salty side, and it usually gets saltier as it keeps boiling. This one stayed pleasantly mild all the way through, so we never got tired of it and finished the meal comfortably.

    2. Glass noodles (당면사리, dangmyeon sari)

    Once we had pulled out some of the bones and made room in the pot, in went the glass noodles. The portion was huge, more like a whole extra bowl than a simple add-on. I love dangmyeon and can never skip it with gamjatang, and these were especially good: they soaked up the broth and went down smoothly. If you only pick one add-on, make it this one.

    Glass noodles (dangmyeon) added to the gamjatang pot at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon
    Glass noodles going into the pot.

    3. Ramen noodles (라면사리, ramyeon sari)

    We ate the ramen a little differently, wrapping each bite in the napa cabbage kimchi from the self bar. The kimchi is tasty on its own, and it went really well with the spicy broth. My tip: cook the glass noodles first and add the ramen later, so the ramen doesn’t go soggy and keeps its bite.

    Ramen noodles wrapped in cabbage kimchi over the pot at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon
    Ramen wrapped in kimchi, our favorite combination.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Nuri gamjatang, classic (small / medium / large)
    누리감자탕    		₩34,000 / 41,000 / 48,000
    ~$24 / 29 / 34
    Spicy gamjatang (small / medium / large)
    얼큰감자탕    		₩35,000 / 42,000 / 49,000
    ~$25 / 30 / 35
    Aged kimchi gamjatang (S / M / L)
    묵은지감자탕    		₩36,000 / 43,000 / 50,000
    ~$26 / 31 / 36
    Sundae (blood sausage) gamjatang (S / M / L)
    순대전골감자탕    		₩36,000 / 43,000 / 50,000
    ~$26 / 31 / 36
    Mala gamjatang (S / M / L)
    마라감자탕    		₩38,000 / 45,000 / 52,000
    ~$27 / 32 / 37
    Soy-braised pork bones (S / M / L)
    간장뼈찜    		₩36,000 / 44,000 / 52,000
    ~$26 / 31 / 37
    Nuri bone hangover soup (single bowl)
    누리뼈해장국    		₩12,000
    ~$8.60
    Spicy or ramen bone hangover soup (single bowl)
    얼큰뼈해장국 / 뼈라면해장국    		₩13,000
    ~$9.30
    Galbitang (beef short rib soup)
    갈비탕    		₩16,000
    ~$11.40
    Dumplings, meat or kimchi (4 pieces)
    고기/김치 만두    		₩3,000
    ~$2.10

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu updated August 2026). Naver does not list prices for noodle add-ons, rice or fried rice, so check the menu when you order. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Come hungry. The pot for two was big enough that we skipped the fried rice we had planned.
    • Noodle order matters. Glass noodles first, ramen later, so the ramen stays chewy.
    • Use the self bar. Kimchi, radish kimchi and chilies are self-service, so refill as you like.
    • Ordering phrase: “Eolkeun gamjatang, i-inbun juseyo” (얼큰감자탕 2인분 주세요) means “Spicy gamjatang for two, please.”
    • Any hour works. It is open 24 hours, every day. We had no wait at weekday lunch.
    • Take the subway. Naver lists no parking. Itaewon Station Exit 4 is a minute away.

    My verdict

    Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon gave us exactly what we wanted on the last day of a summer vacation: a huge pot of tender pork bones, soft ugeoji, and a broth that stayed mild instead of turning salty. The self bar made the meal easy, and the glass noodles were the highlight. My only regret is that we were too full for fried rice, so next time I will order fewer noodles and finish with it. If you like big portions, less salty broth and helping yourself to side dishes, it is worth a stop in Itaewon.

    Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon FAQ

    Where is Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon?

    Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon is on the second floor of 176 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, on the main Itaewon street. Naver lists it about 29 m from Exit 4 of Itaewon Station (Line 6), roughly a one-minute walk. Look up for the sign, because the dining room is upstairs.

    Is Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon open 24 hours?

    Yes. Naver lists Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon as open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, so it works for a late-night meal after a night out in Itaewon as well as a normal lunch or dinner.

    How much does gamjatang cost at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon?

    At Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon, the spicy gamjatang (eolkeun gamjatang) is ₩35,000 for a small, ₩42,000 for a medium and ₩49,000 for a large. Single-serving bone hangover soups cost ₩12,000 to ₩13,000. Noodle add-ons and rice are ordered separately.

    Is the broth at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon very salty or very spicy?

    We ordered the spicy version at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon, and it had a proper spicy kick. What stood out was the salt level: gamjatang broth usually gets saltier as it boils down, but this one stayed mild right to the end.

    Can I book or park at Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon?

    Nurimaeul Gamjatang Itaewon takes Naver reservations for groups of 2 to 12, and it also does takeout. Naver says there is no parking, so the subway is the easiest way to get there. We went at weekday lunch and were seated right away without a booking.

    More meals nearby: try Hyunsuni in Yongsan, an easy walk from I’Park Mall, or Decalcomanie in Haebangchon, a short trip from Itaewon. See all Seoul restaurant guides.

    More places nearby

    Visited: August 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 22, 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.

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

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

    In short

    Oksoban Gongdeok (옥소반 공덕역점) is a shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant right by Gongdeok Station Exit 7, where staff bring unlimited vegetables to your table. Sets start at ₩16,900 (about $12) at weekday lunch and ₩20,900 (about $15) at dinner and weekends. Open daily 11:00–22:00, with a 15:00–17:00 break on weekdays. Good for families, group dinners and a calm sit-down meal.

    We went to Oksoban Gongdeok for a weekend lunch with the kids. It has a reputation around Gongdeok as a go-to spot for get-togethers, so I booked a table on Naver before we left. Good thing I did: by the time we arrived, every seat in the room was taken. Without that reservation, we would have been in for a long wait.

    What surprised me first was the mood. Most refill-style hot pot places feel busy and a bit chaotic, but Oksoban is calm and polished, more like a proper restaurant. It works just as well for a meal with friends as it does for a family lunch.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name옥소반 공덕역점 (Oksoban, Gongdeok Station branch)
    • Address1F Unit 11, Hyosung Harrington Square Bldg B, 92 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul
      서울 마포구 마포대로 92 효성해링턴스퀘어 B동 1층 11호
    • SubwayGongdeok Station (공덕역, Lines 5 and 6, AREX, Gyeongui-Jungang Line). The restaurant points to Exit 7; Naver lists about 97 m from Exit 9
    • HoursDaily 11:00–22:00. Weekdays: break 15:00–17:00, lunch last order 14:00. Weekends and holidays: no break. Last order 21:00
    • PriceSets ₩16,900–23,900 at weekday lunch, ₩20,900–27,900 for dinner; unlimited-meat options ₩31,900–41,900
    • Good forFamilies with kids, group meals, a calm lunch or dinner near Gongdeok
    • Phone0507-1361-1746
    • NotesReservations on Naver. High chairs, group seating and wheelchair access listed. Free parking in the Harrington Square garage when you dine (give your car number when paying). Paid corkage available.
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    Gongdeok Station is a big transfer hub where four lines meet, so it is easy to reach from Hongdae, Yeouido or central Seoul. The restaurant’s own directions say to come up at Exit 7; Hyosung Harrington Square Building B is right in front of you, and Oksoban is on the ground floor in unit 11. Naver also shows it about 97 m from Exit 9.

    📍 Oksoban Gongdeok (옥소반 공덕역점), 92 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu · Naver Map · Google Maps

    You can’t miss the frontage: a terracotta-red wall with tall arched windows and white curtains, and the sign reads “샤브샤브 스키야키 옥소반”.

    Red arched storefront of Oksoban shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant near Gongdeok Station
    The red, arched storefront in Hyosung Harrington Square.

    Inside, the warm orange walls and booth seating make it feel cozy rather than cafeteria-like.

    Orange booth seating with red cushions inside Oksoban Gongdeok
    Booth seating inside.

    How it works: table service, not a salad bar

    Oksoban serves two styles of Japanese hot pot. Shabu-shabu means you swish thin slices of beef through a light broth for a few seconds, while sukiyaki is cooked in a sweeter soy-based sauce and dipped in raw egg. You pick a style, then a set based on the cut of beef.

    For me, the service style is what makes this place good value. At many all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu spots you keep getting up to fetch vegetables and side dishes from a salad bar, which breaks up the conversation. Here you just stay seated. The staff keep bringing broth, side dishes and vegetables to the table, so nobody has to leave mid-meal. That made it a relaxed place to eat with a group.

    Three dipping sauces, cabbage salad and an empty bowl set at the table at Oksoban Gongdeok
    Three dipping sauces and a small salad to start.

    The beef is sliced to order. When you order, they take it straight from the kitchen fridge and run it through the slicer, and it looked fresh and had no off smell at all.

    What we ordered

    1. Shabu-shabu set with chuck eye roll (샤브샤브 알목심, syabusyabu al-moksim)

    We ordered the shabu-shabu set with al moksim (US beef chuck eye roll), unlimited vegetables, and porridge to finish. The slices were thin and very tender. My kids don’t usually manage chewy meat, but they ate this happily, along with the vegetables cooked in the clear broth.

    Tray of thinly sliced US beef chuck eye roll (al moksim) for shabu-shabu at Oksoban Gongdeok
    Thin slices of al moksim (chuck eye roll), sliced to order.
    Beef slices, cabbage, mushrooms and bean sprouts cooking in the shabu-shabu pot at Oksoban Gongdeok
    Beef and vegetables in the pot.

    The vegetables were fresh, and the staff checked our table and refilled them until we were full. My favorite was the thick green onion: once it softens in the broth it soaks up the beefy flavor and turns sweet, and I kept reaching for more.

    Refill tray of bok choy, crown daisy, oyster mushrooms and greens at Oksoban Gongdeok
    A vegetable refill tray brought to the table.
    Cooked beef dipped in creamy sesame sauce at Oksoban Gongdeok
    Beef dipped in the creamy sesame sauce.

    2. Bunmoja (분모자, bunmoja)

    Bunmoja are wide, chewy tapioca noodles, and they turned out to be the hit of the meal for our family. They have a bouncy, springy bite, and dunked generously in the sesame sauce they were so good that we ended up ordering an extra plate.

    Bowl of wide, glossy bunmoja tapioca rice cakes for the hot pot at Oksoban Gongdeok
    The extra bowl of bunmoja we ordered.

    3. Cold kake soba (가케소바, gake soba)

    It was a hot summer day, so we added a bowl of cold kake soba: buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth. It was a great way to wake up the appetite before the hot pot. The broth was clean but full of flavor, and the noodles were chewy. The kids loved it too and slurped up every last strand.

    Cold kake soba topped with rolled omelet, grated radish, sprouts and seaweed at Oksoban Gongdeok
    Cold kake soba, a summer side we added.

    4. Rice porridge to finish (죽, juk)

    Each shabu-shabu set ends with a choice of kalguksu noodles or porridge. We chose porridge, and a staff member cooked it in the pot for us, stirring in egg and plenty of seaweed flakes. It was nutty and savory with a gentle saltiness, soft and not heavy, a comforting way to finish.

    Rice porridge finished with egg, green onion and seaweed flakes in the hot pot at Oksoban Gongdeok
    Porridge cooked at the table with egg and seaweed.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Lunch set A, shabu-shabu or sukiyaki (Canadian beef, 80 g)
    런치 A세트 (전각)    		₩16,900
    ~$12.10
    Lunch set B (US chuck eye roll, 80 g)
    런치 B세트 (알목심)    		₩18,900
    ~$13.50
    Lunch set C (US chuck flap tail, 80 g)
    런치 C세트 (살치살)    		₩21,900
    ~$15.60
    Lunch set D (Korean hanwoo, 80 g)
    런치 D세트 (한우설도)    		₩23,900
    ~$17.10
    Dinner set A (Canadian beef, 100 g)
    디너 A세트 (전각)    		₩20,900
    ~$14.90
    Dinner set B (US chuck eye roll, 100 g)
    디너 B세트 (알목심)    		₩22,900
    ~$16.40
    Dinner set C (US chuck flap tail, 100 g)
    디너 C세트 (살치살)    		₩25,900
    ~$18.50
    Dinner set D (Korean hanwoo, 100 g)
    디너 D세트 (한우설도)    		₩27,900
    ~$19.90
    Unlimited chuck eye roll (lunch / dinner)
    (무한) 알목심    		₩31,900 / ₩34,900
    ~$22.80 / $24.90
    Unlimited chuck flap tail (lunch / dinner)
    (무한) 살치살    		₩36,900 / ₩39,900
    ~$26.40 / $28.50
    Unlimited Korean hanwoo (lunch / dinner)
    (무한) 한우설도    		₩39,900 / ₩41,900
    ~$28.50 / $29.90

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu updated April 2026). Every set includes refillable vegetables plus a finish: kalguksu or porridge for shabu-shabu, fried rice or yaki udon for sukiyaki. The printed menu at our visit applied lunch prices to weekday lunch only, with dinner prices on weekday evenings and all day on weekends. Cold kake soba was a summer special at ₩10,000 on a sign outside in August, and Naver does not list it now. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Book for weekends. We reserved on Naver and the room was full when we arrived.
    • Weekday lunch is the bargain. Lunch sets are ₩4,000 cheaper than dinner, but they only apply on weekdays, and lunch last order is 14:00.
    • Don’t get up for refills. Vegetables and side dishes come to you; just ask the staff for more.
    • Try the bunmoja with sesame sauce, and leave room for the porridge at the end.
    • Ordering phrase: “Yachae deo juseyo” (야채 더 주세요) means “More vegetables, please.”
    • Driving? Park in the Harrington Square garage and give your car number when you pay for free parking.

    Is it kid-friendly?

    Yes, in our experience. The clear broth is mild, the thin beef is easy for children to chew, and our kids ate the meat, vegetables and soba without any fuss. Naver lists high chairs, and the table service means you are not juggling small children and a salad bar at the same time.

    My verdict

    Oksoban Gongdeok feels like a step up from the usual refill hot pot place: a calm, polished room, fresh beef sliced to order, and staff who keep the vegetables coming so you can stay at the table and talk. Everyone in our family found something they loved, from the tender beef to the bunmoja and the porridge. I am already planning to come back for our next get-together in Gongdeok.

    Oksoban Gongdeok FAQ

    Where is Oksoban Gongdeok?

    Oksoban Gongdeok is in unit 11 on the ground floor of Hyosung Harrington Square Building B, 92 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu. The restaurant says to take Exit 7 of Gongdeok Station (Lines 5 and 6, AREX, Gyeongui-Jungang Line), and the building is right in front of you. Naver also lists it about 97 m from Exit 9.

    What are Oksoban Gongdeok’s opening hours?

    Naver lists Oksoban Gongdeok as open every day from 11:00 to 22:00. On weekdays there is a break from 15:00 to 17:00 (lunch last order 14:00). Weekends and public holidays have no break. Last order is 21:00 every day.

    How much does a meal at Oksoban Gongdeok cost?

    At Oksoban Gongdeok, shabu-shabu and sukiyaki sets cost ₩16,900 to ₩23,900 at weekday lunch and ₩20,900 to ₩27,900 for dinner. The all-you-can-eat meat options run ₩31,900 to ₩41,900. Vegetables are refilled at no extra cost with every set.

    Do I need a reservation at Oksoban Gongdeok?

    For a weekend meal at Oksoban Gongdeok, I would book. We reserved through Naver before our weekend lunch visit, and the room was already full when we arrived. Without a booking we would have faced a long wait.

    Is Oksoban Gongdeok good for kids?

    It was for our family. The clear broth is mild, the thin beef is tender enough for children, and our kids happily ate the meat, vegetables and cold soba. Naver lists high chairs and group seating.

    More family-friendly meals: try Kosi Seongsu for Sanuki udon and tonkatsu near Seoul Forest, or Seogwan Myeonok in Hongdae, also in Mapo-gu. See all kid-friendly restaurant guides and Seoul restaurant guides.

    More places nearby

    Visited: August 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 21, 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.

  • Kosi Seongsu: Sanuki Udon and Tonkatsu Near Seoul Forest

    Kosi Seongsu: Sanuki Udon and Tonkatsu Near Seoul Forest

    In short

    Kosi Seongsu (코시 성수점) is a Sanuki udon and tonkatsu restaurant about 115 m from Ttukseom Station Exit 6 (Line 2), a short walk from Seoul Forest. Udon and soba run ₩9,000–11,000 (about $6.40–7.90), and adding a pork cutlet set costs about ₩5,000 more. Open 11:00–21:00 daily with a 15:00–17:00 break. A calm, easy lunch for families and anyone exploring Seoul Forest or Seongsu.

    This was a lunch we found in a hurry. We had taken the kids to see a children’s musical at Seoul Forest Theater, and by the time the curtain came down it was exactly lunchtime. I searched for tonkatsu near Seoul Forest on the spot, and Kosi Seongsu came up. It was only about seven minutes away on foot, which made it an easy walk with children in tow.

    Kosi is a Japanese-style spot that pairs handmade Sanuki udon with crispy pork cutlets. According to its Naver listing, the name comes from the Japanese word for that springy, chewy bite in good udon noodles, and after this meal I can say the name fits.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name코시 성수점 (Kosi, Seongsu branch)
    • Address1F, 31 Sangwon 1-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
      서울 성동구 상원1길 31 1층
    • SubwayTtukseom Station (뚝섬역, Line 2), Exit 6, about 115 m. Seoul Forest Station (서울숲역, Suin-Bundang Line), Exit 1, about 5 minutes
    • HoursDaily 11:00–21:00, break 15:00–17:00, last order 20:30
    • PriceUdon and soba ₩9,000–11,000 (about $6.40–7.90), tonkatsu ₩11,500–14,500, noodle + tonkatsu sets about ₩14,000–16,000
    • Good forFamilies with kids, a lunch stop near Seoul Forest, udon and tonkatsu fans
    • Phone02-6465-9797
    • NotesReservations, takeout and high chairs available. Two free parking spaces in front of the shop (1 hour). Expect a line at weekend lunch.
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    The closest subway stop is Ttukseom Station on Line 2. Leave by Exit 6 and the restaurant is roughly 115 m away on Sangwon 1-gil. If you are coming from Seoul Forest or Seoul Forest Theater like we were, it is a walk of about seven minutes.

    📍 Kosi Seongsu (코시 성수점), 1F, 31 Sangwon 1-gil, Seongdong-gu · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Look for a wooden facade with “코시 성수점” written vertically on the wall, and a sidewalk board advertising their ten bukkake udon.

    Kosi Seongsu name carved on a wooden wall at the restaurant entrance
    The name is written vertically on the wooden wall.
    Sidewalk sign advertising Sanuki ten bukkake udon outside Kosi Seongsu
    The sidewalk sign shows off their tempura bukkake udon.

    We went on a Sunday at lunchtime, and there was already a line when we arrived. Turnover was not slow, but if you are heading over straight after a show, build in some waiting time.

    What we ordered

    To make choosing easier, here is how our table worked out. My child picked the zaru soba. I had the maze udon upgraded to a set with tonkatsu, and because it was hot out we also ordered the toriten bukkake udon as a set. One warm noodle to mix, one cold noodle and one light soba meant everyone could try a bit of everything.

    One thing to know: at Kosi, tonkatsu comes with noodles when you add a set (정식, jeongsik). According to the menu, a set adds a 120 g pork cutlet to your udon or soba.

    1. Zaru soba (자루소바, jaru soba)

    My little one ate the cold buckwheat noodles completely plain: no grated radish, no green onion, no wasabi, just noodles dipped in the broth. Even so, I got a big thumbs-up and “this is so good.” The dipping broth was not salty, so it was easy for a child to eat. The tray also came with one piece of inari sushi, and it was nicely plump and filled.

    Zaru soba with dipping broth, inari sushi, cabbage and pickles at Kosi Seongsu
    Zaru soba with dipping broth and a piece of inari sushi.

    2. Maze udon with a tonkatsu set (마제우동 정식, maje udong jeongsik)

    Maze udon is a Japanese-style mixed noodle dish: thick noodles topped with seasoned minced meat and other toppings, which you toss together with the sauce. The noodles were wonderfully bouncy. The egg yolk on top was fresh, and once I mixed it into the sauce the flavor of the noodles really came through. This is the one I would recommend without hesitation.

    Maze udon topped with egg yolk, minced meat and green onions at Kosi Seongsu
    Maze udon with egg yolk, minced meat and green onions.
    Maze udon with a pork cutlet set, shredded cabbage and pickles on a tray at Kosi Seongsu
    Maze udon upgraded to a set with tonkatsu.

    For the tonkatsu, I ground plenty of sesame seeds into the dipping sauce, and it made the sauce noticeably better. The cutlet was thick, which could easily feel heavy, but it was not greasy at all, just nutty and savory. A small dab of wasabi on each bite kept things fresh.

    Grinding sesame seeds into tonkatsu sauce at Kosi Seongsu
    Grind the sesame seeds straight into the tonkatsu sauce.
    Thick pork loin cutlet with a dab of wasabi at Kosi Seongsu
    Thick pork cutlet with a little wasabi.

    3. Toriten bukkake udon set (토리텐붓카케우동 정식, toriten butkake udong jeongsik)

    It was a hot day, so cold udon was calling. Bukkake udon is chilled noodles that you dress with a small amount of cold tsuyu (soy-based sauce) rather than a full bowl of soup, and “toriten” means it comes topped with fried chicken. We poured the sauce over so the noodles were just coated, then added tempura flakes and green onion.

    Pouring cold tsuyu over toriten bukkake udon at Kosi Seongsu
    Pouring the cold sauce over the toriten bukkake udon.

    The chewy noodles soaked up the sauce beautifully, and they stayed firm right to the last bite. We shared the fried chicken with the kids, and they ate it well. Even the sliced cabbage on the side was tasty with a spoonful of the sauce on top.

    Toriten bukkake udon with fried chicken and a pork cutlet set at Kosi Seongsu
    Toriten bukkake udon set, with tonkatsu on the side.
    Chewy Sanuki udon noodles lifted with chopsticks at Kosi Seongsu
    The noodles stayed springy to the end.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Bukkake udon (cold)
    붓카케우동    		₩9,000
    ~$6.40
    Zaru udon
    자루우동    		₩9,500
    ~$6.80
    Zaru soba
    자루소바    		₩10,500
    ~$7.50
    Maze udon
    사누키제면 마제우동    		₩11,000
    ~$7.90
    Toriten bukkake udon
    토리텐붓카케우동    		₩11,000
    ~$7.90
    Ten bukkake udon (shrimp and pumpkin tempura)
    텐붓카케우동    		₩11,000
    ~$7.90
    Kake udon (hot)
    카케우동(온)    		₩9,000
    ~$6.40
    Pork loin tonkatsu
    생등심 돈카츠    		₩11,500
    ~$8.20
    Half and half (pork loin + cheese cutlet)
    생등심 반반카츠    		₩13,500
    ~$9.60
    Katsudon
    수제 카츠동    		₩11,000
    ~$7.90
    Zaru soba set (with tonkatsu)
    자루소바 정식    		₩15,500
    ~$11.10
    Maze udon or toriten bukkake udon set
    마제우동 / 토리텐붓카케우동 정식    		₩16,000
    ~$11.40

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Single-dish prices are from Naver Place (menu updated April 2026). Set prices are from the printed menu at our visit, since Naver does not list them. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Mind the break time. The kitchen closes from 15:00 to 17:00, so a late lunch after a matinee needs some planning.
    • Expect a weekend line. We waited at Sunday lunch; turnover was steady.
    • Want tonkatsu and noodles? Order a set (jeongsik), which adds a cutlet to your udon or soba.
    • Grind the sesame. Add plenty of ground sesame to the tonkatsu sauce, and try a little wasabi on the cutlet.
    • Bukkake udon tip: pour the cold sauce in gradually and mix as you go, then add tempura flakes and green onion to taste.
    • Parking. There are only two free spaces in front of the shop for one hour, so the subway is easier.
    • Ordering phrase: “Jeongsik-euro juseyo” (정식으로 주세요) means “Make it a set, please.”

    Is it kid-friendly?

    Yes, in our experience. The atmosphere is calm, the broths and sauces are not harsh, so picking something for the kids was easy, and Naver lists high chairs. Being able to share udon, soba and tonkatsu at one table also makes it a good fit for families who all want something different.

    My verdict

    If you are looking for tonkatsu near Seoul Forest and want great udon on the same tray, I would happily recommend Kosi Seongsu. The noodles have real bounce, the cutlet is thick without being greasy, and it is a calm place to eat with kids. Just allow for a wait on weekends. Next time we are around Seoul Forest, I would like to go back.

    Kosi Seongsu FAQ

    Where is Kosi Seongsu?

    Kosi Seongsu is on the ground floor of 31 Sangwon 1-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Naver puts it about 115 m from Exit 6 of Ttukseom Station (Line 2), and the restaurant says it is about a five-minute walk from Exit 1 of Seoul Forest Station. From Seoul Forest Theater it took us around seven minutes on foot.

    What are Kosi Seongsu’s opening hours?

    Naver lists Kosi Seongsu as open every day from 11:00 to 21:00, with a break from 15:00 to 17:00 and last order at 20:30.

    What is a “set” (jeongsik) at Kosi Seongsu?

    At Kosi Seongsu you can upgrade an udon or soba to a set, which adds a 120 g pork cutlet (tonkatsu) to the tray. If you want tonkatsu with your noodles, this is the easiest way to get both.

    Is there a wait at Kosi Seongsu?

    We arrived at Sunday lunchtime and there was already a line. It moved at a reasonable pace, but on weekends, especially right after a show at Seoul Forest Theater, plan for some waiting time.

    Is Kosi Seongsu good for kids?

    It was for us. The room is calm, the broths and sauces are not harsh, and Naver lists high chairs. My child loved the plain zaru soba, and the kids happily shared the fried chicken from our cold udon.

    More easy family meals: try Sammi Tantanmyeon in Sinchon for honey chashu lo mein, or Namaste Dongmyo for mild Indian curry by the toy street. See all kid-friendly restaurant guides and Seoul restaurant guides.

    More places nearby

    Visited: August 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 20, 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.

  • Namaste Dongmyo: Indian Curry Across from Dongdaemun Toy Street

    Namaste Dongmyo: Indian Curry Across from Dongdaemun Toy Street

    In short

    Namaste Dongmyo (나마스테 동묘점) is a second-floor Indian and Nepali restaurant about 29 m from Dongmyo Station Exit 5 (Lines 1 and 6), directly across from the Dongdaemun toy street. Curries such as chicken tikka masala cost ₩13,500 (about $9.60), naan is ₩3,000, and it is open 11:00–22:00 every day. A relaxed pick for families, curry fans and anyone exploring Dongmyo and Dongdaemun.

    We found Namaste Dongmyo almost by accident. We had just finished a keycap-making session at Pyeonghwa Market in Dongdaemun and thought about eating right there, but decided to walk a little further so we could also look around the Dongdaemun toy street. That walk led us here.

    The location turned out to be the best part of the plan. The restaurant sits right opposite the toy street, so we had lunch first and went straight to the toy shops afterward without any backtracking. If you are spending a day around Dongmyo’s flea markets or the toy street, it slots in very neatly.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name나마스테 동묘점 (Namaste, Dongmyo branch)
    • Address2F, 18 Jibong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
      서울 종로구 지봉로 18 2층
    • SubwayDongmyo Station (동묘앞역, Lines 1 and 6), Exit 5, about 29 m
    • HoursDaily 11:00–22:00, last order 21:00
    • PriceCurries ₩13,000–14,000 (about $9–10), naan ₩2,500–7,000, thali set ₩15,000, couple set ₩50,000
    • Good forFamilies with kids, curry lovers, lunch before or after the toy street or Dongmyo flea market
    • Phone02-2232-2286
    • NotesReservations, group seating and takeout available. Free parking in the building lot on weekdays when there is space; on weekends use the paid public lot at Changsin 1-dong Community Center (about 110 m). No pets.
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    Take the subway to Dongmyo Station and use Exit 5. Naver says the restaurant is only about 29 m from the exit, in the building just in front of you. The one catch is that it is on the second floor, so it is easy to walk past if you only scan the shopfronts at street level. Look up for the red Namaste sign, and follow the yellow “2F” signs at the entrance.

    📍 Namaste Dongmyo (나마스테 동묘점), 2F, 18 Jibong-ro, Jongno-gu · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Red Namaste restaurant sign on the second floor of a building near Dongmyo-ap Station
    Look up: the restaurant is on the second floor.
    Yellow Namaste Restaurant signs pointing to the second floor at Dongmyo
    Yellow signs at street level point you up to 2F.

    Walking in, I was surprised by how neat everything was. It did not match the image I usually have of an Indian restaurant. The tables were set like a classic Korean-style Western restaurant, and the plates and cutlery were genuinely pretty, which also made the food look great in photos. Most importantly for us, it felt easy to sit there with the kids.

    Wood-paneled dining room with set tables inside Namaste Dongmyo
    A tidy, wood-paneled dining room.
    Colorful Indian tapestry wall above booth seating at Namaste Dongmyo
    Colorful textiles on the walls add an Indian touch.

    What we ordered

    For the table we ordered chicken tikka masala, chicken butter curry, chaumin (Nepali stir-fried noodles), a butter naan, a garlic naan, a bowl of plain rice and a mango sweet lassi. We did not leave a single thing behind.

    1. Chicken tikka masala (치킨 티카 마살라, chikin tika masalla)

    My first spoonful was spicier than I expected, in a good way. The chicken inside was so tender that it split with a light press of the spoon. The curry tasted clean, with no off flavors, and that steady heat made it very easy to keep eating.

    Chicken tikka masala with sliced green chili in an oval white dish at Namaste Dongmyo
    Chicken tikka masala, topped with sliced green chili.

    It was even better wrapped in garlic naan. The toasty, nutty bread and the gentle garlic aroma softened the masala’s kick perfectly. If you order one combination here, make it this one.

    Garlic naan dipped in chicken tikka masala at Namaste Dongmyo
    Garlic naan and tikka masala: the pairing I would order again.
    Basket of freshly baked naan with curry on the side at Namaste Dongmyo
    The naan arrived freshly baked and still warm.

    2. Chicken butter curry (치킨버터커리, chikin beoteo keori)

    We ordered this one so the kids would have something easy to eat, but it ended up being my personal favorite of the day. The sweetness from the onions blends into the curry and gives it a smooth, rich flavor. It is not spicy at all, so the kids mixed it into naan and rice and ate happily. If you do not handle spice well, or you are visiting with children, put this on your order.

    Creamy chicken butter curry in an oval white dish at Namaste Dongmyo
    Chicken butter curry: mild, creamy and my top pick.

    3. Chaumin (차우민, chaumin)

    Chaumin is a Nepali-style fried noodle dish. There were far more vegetables in it than I expected, and the noodles were nicely cooked and tossed in a spicy sauce. It is a little oily, so after a while it starts to feel heavy, but a bite of the tikka masala in between resets your palate. Going back and forth between the two was half the fun. The portion is generous and easy to share.

    Nepali-style chowmein stir-fried noodles with vegetables at Namaste Dongmyo
    Chaumin, packed with vegetables.

    4. Mango sweet lassi (망고 스위트 라씨, manggo seuwiteu rassi)

    This was a little reward for the kids after they ate well. Lassi is a yogurt-based drink, so it is soft and gentle rather than sharp, and it is perfect after spicy curry. The kids loved it.

    Tall glass of mango sweet lassi with straws at Namaste Dongmyo
    Mango sweet lassi to finish.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Chicken tikka masala
    치킨 티카 마살라    		₩13,500
    ~$9.60
    Chicken butter curry
    치킨버터커리    		₩13,500
    ~$9.60
    Palak paneer (spinach and cheese curry)
    팔락파니르    		₩13,500
    ~$9.60
    Chaumin (Nepali fried noodles)
    차우민    		₩10,000
    ~$7.10
    Garlic naan / Butter naan
    마늘 난 / 버터 난    		₩3,000
    ~$2.10
    Plain rice
    기본 밥    		₩1,500
    ~$1.10
    Indian thali (1-person set)
    인디안탈리    		₩15,000
    ~$10.70
    Couple set (for 2)
    커플세트(2인)    		₩50,000
    ~$35.70
    Tandoori chicken (whole)
    탄두리치킨    		₩18,000
    ~$12.90
    Lamb biryani
    양고기 브리야니    		₩14,000
    ~$10
    Samosa (2 pcs)
    사모사    		₩5,000
    ~$3.60

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices come from Naver Place (menu updated July 2026) and the printed menu at our visit; the lassi price is not listed on Naver. Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Look up. The restaurant is on the second floor, so check the signs above street level.
    • Mix your naan. If you order two or more curries, get different naan, like butter and garlic, and find the best match for each curry.
    • Balance the heat. Pair the spicier tikka masala with the mild butter curry, especially with kids at the table.
    • Plan around the toy street. It is right across the road, so lunch here and shopping there work well back to back.
    • Parking. On weekends, head for the paid public lot at Changsin 1-dong Community Center; the subway is easier.
    • Ordering phrase: “Igeo juseyo” (이거 주세요) means “This one, please.” Pointing at the photo menu works fine.

    Is it kid-friendly?

    Yes, in our experience. The room is calm and comfortable, the mild chicken butter curry went down easily with naan and rice, and the mango lassi was a hit. Skip the tikka masala for little ones, since it has real heat.

    My verdict

    The curries were clean, the naan came out freshly baked and warm, and above all we could eat comfortably with the kids. If you are craving Indian food near Dongmyo Station, or planning a family outing to the Dongdaemun toy street, Namaste Dongmyo is well worth the stop.

    Namaste Dongmyo FAQ

    Where is Namaste Dongmyo?

    Namaste Dongmyo is on the second floor of 18 Jibong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Naver puts it about 29 m from Exit 5 of Dongmyo Station (Lines 1 and 6), right across from the Dongdaemun stationery and toy street.

    What are Namaste Dongmyo’s opening hours?

    Naver lists Namaste Dongmyo as open every day from 11:00 to 22:00, with last order at 21:00.

    Is the curry at Namaste Dongmyo spicy?

    It depends on the dish. The chicken tikka masala at Namaste Dongmyo was spicier than I expected, while the chicken butter curry is mild, creamy and slightly sweet, so it suits kids and anyone who avoids heat.

    What should I order at Namaste Dongmyo?

    For two to four people, I would get the chicken tikka masala (₩13,500), the chicken butter curry (₩13,500), the chaumin noodles (₩10,000), a garlic naan and a butter naan (₩3,000 each), plus a mango sweet lassi to cool things down.

    Is Namaste Dongmyo good for kids?

    It was for us. The dining room is calm and tidy, the chicken butter curry is not spicy, and our kids happily ate it with naan and rice, then finished a mango sweet lassi. Being opposite the toy street is a bonus.

    More family-friendly meals: try Hyunsuni in Yongsan for tteokbokki, or Sammi Tantanmyeon in Sinchon for honey chashu lo mein. See all kid-friendly restaurant guides and Seoul restaurant guides.

    More places nearby

    Visited: September 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 19, 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.