Tag: Japanese Food

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.

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

Dish	Price
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.

October 26, 2026

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.

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

Dish	Price
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.

October 21, 2026

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.

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

Dish	Price
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.

October 20, 2026

Nani Yeouido: Izakaya with Private Booths at Yeouido Station Exit 3

In short

Nani is a Japanese-style izakaya on the 3rd floor of the S-Trenue building, about 80 m from Yeouido Station Exit 3 in Seoul’s business district. It is known for partitioned booth seating and drinking snacks such as beef tataki and yakisoba with Asahi draft beer. It opens Monday to Saturday from 17:00 to 02:00 and is closed on Sundays.

Yeouido is Seoul’s finance district, packed with office towers, so after-work drinking spots fill up fast. I was meeting a friend I had not seen in a while and wanted somewhere close to the station where we could actually hear each other. Nani (나니) Yeouido turned out to be exactly that: an izakaya with partitioned seats, a view of the city at night, and snacks made for beer.

Quick facts

Korean name나니 여의도점 (Nani Yeouido)
Address3F, S-Trenue Building, 37 Gukjegeumyung-ro 2-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
서울 영등포구 국제금융로2길 37 에스트레뉴빌딩 3층
SubwayYeouido Station (Lines 5 and 9), Exit 3, about 80 m (1-minute walk)
HoursMon–Sat 17:00–02:00 (last order 01:00). Closed Sundays
PriceMost dishes ₩29,000–35,000 (about $21–25), meant for sharing
Good forAfter-work drinks, catching up with friends, small groups
ExtrasReservations on Naver (2–10 people), group seating, parking on B2–B3
Phone+82 507-1374-6007
MapOpen in Naver Map

Finding it

Come out of Exit 3 of Yeouido Station and the S-Trenue building is right in front of you. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor. Because it is so close to the station, it is an easy meeting point after work, which matters in Yeouido, where it can be hard to find a table in the evening.

📍 Nani Yeouido (나니 여의도점), 3F S-Trenue Building, 37 Gukjegeumyung-ro 2-gil, Seoul · Naver Map · Google Maps

Japanese-style entrance of Nani izakaya on the 3rd floor of S-Trenue building, Yeouido — The entrance already feels like a Japanese pub.

The entrance is full of Japanese pub-style signs and decorations. Inside, the seats are separated by partitions, so you are not sitting on top of the next table. With warm lighting and a view over Yeouido at night from the window side, it felt relaxed rather than noisy.

Partitioned private booth seating at Nani Yeouido

Window seats with a night view of Yeouido at Nani izakaya — Window seats look out over Yeouido after dark.

What I liked most was how easy it was to talk. When you have a lot to catch up on, not having to shout over other tables makes a big difference.

What we ordered

1. Beef tataki (소고기 다다끼, so-gogi da-da-kki)

Our first plate was beef tataki: thin slices of beef seared on the outside and left red in the middle. It had a good, beefy flavor and came with a dipping sauce. Each slice is topped with wasabi, and there are sliced onions and crispy garlic chips to eat with it.

Overall it is on the salty side, which is exactly why it works with beer. Dip it in the sauce for more savoriness, or wrap a slice around some onion for a cleaner bite. If you are not sure what to start with, this is the plate I would order first.

Beef tataki with wasabi, sliced onion and garlic chips at Nani izakaya near Yeouido Station, Seoul

A slice of seared beef tataki topped with wasabi

Dipping beef tataki into its sauce — Dip the tataki in the sauce that comes on the side.

2. Asahi draft beer (아사히 생맥주)

Not much to say here except that it was very smooth and went down easily with the salty snacks. Even on a night when you are not drinking much, a draft beer and one or two plates make for a satisfying evening.

3. Yakisoba (야끼소바)

The yakisoba portion was huge. It was packed with cabbage, bean sprouts and carrot, topped with bonito flakes, and had a nice smoky, wok-fried flavor. The noodles were bouncy and well seasoned, salty enough to call for another sip of beer.

It is easily enough for two to share, so it works as a meal as well as a drinking snack. With so many vegetables it never felt greasy, and going back and forth between the yakisoba and the tataki kept things balanced.

Yakisoba topped with bonito flakes, cabbage and bean sprouts

Yakisoba and beef tataki on the table at Nani Yeouido — Beef tataki and yakisoba: an easy order for two.

Menu and prices

Prices below come from the restaurant’s Naver menu (updated August 2026). Beef tataki and yakisoba were not on the online list when I checked, so check the menu board for their current prices.

Dish	Price
Assorted sashimi 모듬사시미	₩55,000 ~$39
Lamb shoulder rack (Australian, chilled) 고급양갈비숄더랙	₩43,000 ~$31
Nagasaki seafood hot pot (spicy or mild) 나가사키해물나베	₩35,000 ~$25
Brisket tantan hot pot 차돌 탄탄나베	₩35,000 ~$25
Grilled scallops with butter and cheese 관자버터치즈구이	₩31,000 ~$22
Tempura 덴뿌라	₩30,000 ~$21
Tuna tataki 마구로다다끼	₩29,000 ~$21
Pork belly yaki udon 삼겹볶음우동	₩29,000 ~$21
Seafood okonomiyaki 해물오꼬노미야끼	₩29,000 ~$21
Mochi tofu 모찌리도후	₩15,000 ~$11

*USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices can change.

Tips for visitors

Book ahead on weekdays. Yeouido is busy right after office hours; Naver reservations are open for 2–10 people.
Closed on Sundays. It opens at 17:00 Monday to Saturday and stays open until 2 a.m.
Order to share. Plates are large and priced for sharing, so two dishes plus drinks is plenty for two people.
Ask for a window seat if you want the night view; most other seats are in partitioned booths.
Ordering phrase: “Saengmaekju du jan juseyo” means “Two draft beers, please.”

My verdict

Nani Yeouido is an easy pick when you want a drink near Yeouido Station without a loud, crowded room. The beef tataki, the generous yakisoba and a cold Asahi made a simple but very satisfying combination, and the partitioned seats let us talk all evening. I would recommend it for office workers, friends catching up, or anyone staying around Yeouido who wants a relaxed Japanese-style pub.

Nani Yeouido FAQ

Where is Nani Yeouido?

On the 3rd floor of the S-Trenue building at 37 Gukjegeumyung-ro 2-gil, about 80 m from Exit 3 of Yeouido Station (Lines 5 and 9).

What are Nani Yeouido’s opening hours?

Monday to Saturday 17:00 to 02:00 the next day, last order at 01:00. Closed on Sundays.

What should I order at Nani Yeouido?

Beef tataki and a big plate of yakisoba with Asahi draft beer was a great combination for two. The menu also has sashimi, nabe hot pots, tempura and lamb shoulder rack.

Does Nani Yeouido have private seating?

Yes. Most tables are separated by partitions, which makes it easy to talk without raising your voice. Some window seats look out over Yeouido at night.

Can I book a table or park at Nani Yeouido?

Reservations for 2 to 10 people are available on Naver, group seating is available, and the building has underground parking on B2 and B3.

More places around Seoul: browse all Seoul restaurant guides, or try Decalcomanie in Haebangchon for another relaxed dinner spot.

More places nearby

Visited: October 2026. Hours and menu last checked: October 16, 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.

October 16, 2026