Seoul Table Notes

Tag: Kid-Friendly Seoul

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

    In short

    Sammi Tantanmyeon (삼미탄탄면) Sinchon is a roomy Chinese noodle shop about 270 m from Sinchon Station Exit 3 (Line 2). The signature chashu dan dan noodles cost ₩10,500 (about $7.50), and the mild honey sauce chashu lo mein (₩13,000) is a hit with kids. It is open 11:00–22:20 daily and suits families, friends and solo diners who like a bit of heat.

    When people in Korea think of Chinese food, they usually picture jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup). Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon is a nice change from that. The menu is built around dan dan noodles, lo mein, rice bowls and dim sum, and the shop says it aims for Sichuan-style dan dan noodles adjusted for Korean tastes.

    We went for a weekend lunch with the kids after a long “what should we eat” debate. The first thing I noticed was the space: big, bright and comfortable, with an interior that honestly made me feel like I had stepped into a noodle shop in Taiwan. Even in the middle of busy Sinchon, it felt like a short trip abroad.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name삼미탄탄면 신촌점 (Sammi Tantanmyeon, Sinchon branch)
    • Address1F, 16 Myeongmul-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
      서울 서대문구 명물길 16 1층
    • SubwaySinchon Station (Line 2), Exit 3, about 270 m (3 to 4 minutes on foot)
    • HoursDaily 11:00–22:20, last order 22:00
    • PriceNoodles ₩9,500–13,000 (about $7–9), dim sum ₩9,500, larger dishes ₩13,000–26,000
    • Good forFamilies with kids, spicy-noodle fans, a casual lunch in Sinchon, solo meals
    • PhoneNot listed on Naver Place
    • NotesNo parking (use nearby paid lots). Group tables for 4 to 6. Takeout available. Wheelchair-accessible entrance.
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    Come out of Sinchon Station Exit 3 and walk toward the Hyundai Department Store U-Plex building, which takes about two minutes. In front of U-Plex, look to your right and you will see an ABC-Mart shoe store. Sammi Tantanmyeon is right next to it, with a white sign showing its Chinese name, 三味担担面.

    📍 Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon (삼미탄탄면 신촌점), 1F, 16 Myeongmul-gil, Seodaemun-gu · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Storefront of Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon with its Chinese sign 三味担担面
    The white sign reads 三味担担面, the Chinese name of Sammi Tantanmyeon.

    Inside there are booths along wood-paneled walls plus plenty of tables, and the spacing is generous. Even with kids at a busy weekend lunch, it never felt cramped or noisy.

    Booth seating and wood-paneled walls inside Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon
    Booth seating along the wall.
    Spacious dining room with tiled floor at Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon
    The dining room is large, so groups and families fit easily.

    What is dan dan noodles?

    Dan dan noodles (担担面, tantanmyeon in Korean) are a Sichuan street noodle dish. The name comes from the shoulder pole vendors once used to carry their noodles around. Here the broth is red with chili oil and rounded out with peanut sauce, and the shop explains that its chashu is pork neck simmered in a house sauce and then rested so the flavor soaks in. The noodles are pulled when you order rather than prepared in advance.

    What we ordered

    We ordered three dishes and shared them: the chashu dan dan noodles, the honey sauce chashu lo mein and the pork and garlic scape rice bowl.

    1. Chashu dan dan noodles (차슈탄탄면, chasyu tantanmyeon)

    This one is genuinely spicy, and that is exactly why I liked it. The chili-oil broth clings to the noodles and I slurped through the bowl without stopping. The heat is strong but the finish is clean, not heavy or muddy, so you keep reaching for another bite. The chashu was tender with no gamey smell, and the pork flavor still came through the spicy broth.

    Chashu dan dan noodles in red chili oil broth at Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon
    Chashu dan dan noodles: red chili-oil broth, chashu and minced pork on top.

    It is the bowl I would order on a day when I want something fiery to shake off stress. Next time I want to finish the leftover broth with rice, because it would work so well.

    Lifting noodles and chashu pork from the spicy dan dan broth at Sammi Tantanmyeon
    The chashu stays soft even sitting in the spicy broth.

    2. Honey sauce chashu lo mein (허니소스 차슈 로미엔, heoni soseu chasyu romien)

    This was the dish I fell for first. The chashu is sweet, salty and tender, with no porky smell at all, and the sauce coats medium-thick noodles evenly. One bite of the pork honestly made my eyes go wide. It looks bold and heavily sauced, yet it does not taste harsh, and I did not get tired of it all the way to the bottom of the bowl. Even the bok choy on the side was good enough that nothing was left.

    Honey sauce chashu lo mein with sliced pork and bok choy at Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon
    Honey sauce chashu lo mein, our favorite of the day.

    The kids loved this one. One of mine is usually picky about meat, but asked for this before anything else. It is sweet without being greasy, so it works for adults too. If you are eating Chinese food in Sinchon with children, this is the bowl to order.

    Close-up of glossy honey sauce chashu pork over lo mein noodles
    Glossy honey-glazed chashu over the noodles.

    3. Pork and garlic scape rice bowl (돼지고기 마늘쫑 덮밥, dwaejigogi maneuljjong deopbap)

    The portion is generous on both the topping and the rice, so one bowl is a full meal. Like the other dishes, it looks intense but tastes clean right to the end. The garlic scapes keep their aroma and a nice crunch, and the minced pork is moist rather than dry, which makes it go perfectly with rice.

    Pork and garlic scape rice bowl served on a tray at Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon
    The pork and garlic scape rice bowl.
    Minced pork with garlic scapes and red chili next to white rice
    Minced pork, garlic scapes and red chili next to plain rice.

    Mix the topping into the rice and take a big spoonful: the garlic scape fragrance and the savory pork come up together. It is a good pick if you do not feel like noodles or want something filling.

    A spoonful of rice mixed with pork and garlic scapes
    Mixed and ready to eat.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Chashu dan dan noodles
    차슈탄탄면    		₩10,500
    ~$7.50
    Chashu dry dan dan noodles
    차슈비빔면    		₩9,500
    ~$6.80
    Honey sauce chashu lo mein
    허니소스 차슈 로미엔    		₩13,000
    ~$9.30
    Honey sauce chashu rice bowl
    허니소스 차슈 덮밥    		₩13,000
    ~$9.30
    Pork and garlic scape rice bowl
    돼지고기 마늘쫑 덮밥    		₩9,800
    ~$7
    Seafood chow mein
    해물차우면    		₩11,800
    ~$8.40
    Shumai / Xiaolongbao (dim sum)
    쇼마이 / 소롱포    		₩9,500
    ~$6.80
    Mapo tofu
    마라두부    		₩10,900
    ~$7.80
    Youlinji (fried chicken, lemon soy sauce)
    유린기    		₩15,000
    ~$10.70
    Steamed garlic shrimp with glass noodles
    마늘새우찜    		₩23,800
    ~$17

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu last updated by the shop in March 2026). Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Pick your spice level by dish. The dan dan noodles are hot; the lo mein and the garlic scape rice bowl are much easier on sensitive palates.
    • Share. Ordering a spicy bowl and a mild bowl and swapping back and forth gives a nice balance.
    • Give the kitchen a little time. The shop says dishes are cooked to order and noodles are pulled fresh, so food can take a bit longer at busy times.
    • Take the subway. There is no parking; Sinchon Station Exit 3 is a few minutes away.
    • Late lunch or dinner is fine. There is no break time listed, and last order is 22:00.
    • Ordering phrase: “Igeo juseyo” (이거 주세요) means “This one, please.” Pointing at the menu works perfectly.

    Is it kid-friendly?

    For us, yes. The room is spacious, so we found seats easily even at weekend lunchtime, and the honey sauce chashu lo mein went down very well with the kids. Skip the dan dan noodles for little ones, since they are clearly spicy.

    My verdict

    All three dishes had one thing in common: they look intense, but they taste clean. Get the chashu dan dan noodles if you want heat, the honey sauce chashu lo mein if you are with kids, and the pork and garlic scape rice bowl if you want a hearty meal. Add the big, comfortable room with its Taiwan-like feel, and Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon made for a very satisfying weekend lunch. It is an easy recommendation for a family meal or lunch with friends, and we plan to go back to try more of the menu.

    Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon FAQ

    Where is Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon?

    It is at 16 Myeongmul-gil, Seodaemun-gu, on the ground floor, about 270 m from Exit 3 of Sinchon Station (Line 2). Walk toward the Hyundai U-Plex building and look to the right for ABC-Mart; the restaurant is right next to it.

    What are Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon’s opening hours?

    Naver lists it as open every day from 11:00 to 22:20, with last order at 22:00. No break time is listed.

    How spicy are the dan dan noodles at Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon?

    The chashu dan dan noodles are properly spicy, built on chili oil and a peanut sauce. If you do not handle heat well, the honey sauce chashu lo mein or the pork and garlic scape rice bowl are much gentler choices.

    What should I order at Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon?

    For a first visit I would share the chashu dan dan noodles (₩10,500), the honey sauce chashu lo mein (₩13,000) and the pork and garlic scape rice bowl (₩9,800). Together they cover spicy, sweet-savory and filling.

    Is Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon good for kids?

    It worked well for us. The dining room is roomy, so we sat comfortably with the kids on a weekend lunch, and the honey sauce chashu lo mein is mild and sweet enough that they finished their bowls.

    Exploring nearby? Try Seogwan Myeonok in Hongdae for Pyongyang cold noodles, or Hyunsuni in Yongsan for tteokbokki with kids. 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.

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

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

    In short

    Hyunsuni (현선이네) Yongsan is a popular tteokbokki and bunsik (Korean snack food) shop about 180 m from Sinyongsan Station, close to Yongsan I’Park Mall. Single tteokbokki costs ₩6,000 (about $4) with your choice of spice level, and combo sets bundle tteokbokki, sundae, mini gimbap and fritters. It is open 11:00–24:00 daily and has high chairs for kids.

    Tteokbokki, chewy rice cakes in a red, spicy-sweet sauce, is the most Korean snack you can eat, and Hyunsuni Yongsan is one of my regular places for it. This visit was special, though: it was my 7-year-old’s first time at a tteokbokki shop. When kids are small, spicy food keeps you away from places like this, so sitting across the table from my child here felt surprisingly new.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name현선이네 용산본점 (Hyunsuni, Yongsan main branch)
    • Address2-13 Hangang-daero 39-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
      서울 용산구 한강대로39길 2-13
    • SubwaySinyongsan Station (Line 4), Exit 5 or 6, about 180 m (3-minute walk)
    • HoursDaily 11:00–24:00, last order 22:40. Monday break 14:30–16:00
    • PriceTteokbokki ₩6,000 (about $4), sets ₩13,000–26,000
    • Good forFamilies with kids, a cheap and filling lunch, first-time tteokbokki eaters
    • ExtrasHigh chairs, group seating, takeout. No parking (use paid lots nearby)
    • Phone+82 507-1361-8901
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    Take Exit 5 of Sinyongsan Station (Line 4), walk a few steps to the crossroads, then head into the side street between a pub and a real estate office. The shop has a red roof and a yellow chimney, so it is hard to miss. Yongsan I’Park Mall and Yongsan Station are also within walking distance.

    📍 Hyunsuni Yongsan (현선이네 용산본점), 2-13 Hangang-daero 39-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Red-roofed storefront of Hyunsuni tteokbokki near Sinyongsan Station, Seoul

    We went at lunchtime on a weekend, and the room still felt relaxed, so my child had no trouble sitting comfortably through the meal.

    Order counter and menu screens inside Hyunsuni Yongsan

    What is tteokbokki?

    Tteokbokki (떡볶이) is cylinder-shaped rice cakes simmered in a gochujang-based sauce. It is usually served with other bunsik favorites: sundae (Korean sausage made with glass noodles), gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) and twigim (fritters), which you dip into the tteokbokki sauce. Hyunsuni serves a broth-style tteokbokki, with more soupy sauce than the thick, sticky kind.

    What we ordered: the combo set

    We ordered the Hyunsuni combo set without thinking twice. It lets you try tteokbokki, sundae, mini gimbap and fritters in one go, and ours came with curly fish cake skewers in hot broth as well. It is a perfect order for a first visit or when you are eating with kids.

    Combo set at Hyunsuni Yongsan: mild broth tteokbokki, sundae, mini gimbap, fritters and curly fish cake skewers

    1. Mild broth tteokbokki (순한맛 국물떡볶이)

    Because of my child, I ordered the mild version. Mild still has a little kick, so I was a bit worried, but my 7-year-old kept drinking water and kept eating, a lot. Watching them reach for more of their very first tteokbokki made me oddly proud.

    The broth is savory enough to eat with a spoon, and the best part is dunking the fritters in it. Even for adults the mild level was not bland; I ended up finishing most of the bowl with my child. If you like heat, order the regular or a spicier level.

    Mild broth tteokbokki (rice cakes in a red, soupy sauce)

    2. Sundae (순대)

    We ordered the sundae without the offal that is often served on the side, just the sausage itself. It is great dipped in the tteokbokki broth, and my child ate it without any hesitation. If organ meat is not your thing, ask for “sundae only” too.

    Sliced sundae (Korean blood sausage) served without offal

    3. Mini gimbap (꼬마김밥)

    The little gimbap rolls are seasoned on the salty side, which makes them a good match for tteokbokki. Dip one lightly in the broth and the salty and spicy flavors come together. Having tteokbokki, sundae and gimbap on one table also made it fun for my child to pick and choose.

    Mini gimbap rolls with pickled radish and ham

    4. Fritters (튀김)

    The fritters were crisp and not greasy, so we could keep eating to the end. My pick of the day was the vegetable fritter: crunchy on its own and even better soaked in the broth. It was the first thing to disappear. The seaweed rolls and sweet potato fritters were good too. My child quickly learned to dip the fritters in the broth just like me.

    Crispy Korean fritters (twigim) from the combo set
    Vegetable fritter dipped in tteokbokki broth
    The vegetable fritter dipped in tteokbokki broth was my favorite bite.
    Curly fish cake skewers in hot fish cake broth
    The set we had also came with curly fish cakes in broth.

    One combo set was plenty for my child and me, so it also felt like good value. Next time I plan to add extra vegetable fritters.

    Menu and prices

    Prices from the shop’s current Naver menu:

    DishPrice
    Tteokbokki (mild, medium or very spicy)
    떡볶이 (순한맛/중간맛/매운맛)    		₩6,000
    ~$4
    Hyunsuni set (tteokbokki, fritters, mini gimbap, sundae)
    현선이세트    		₩23,000
    ~$16
    Hyunsuni combo set for 3 (adds 3 curly fish cakes)
    현선이콤보세트    		₩26,000
    ~$19
    Baby set (half tteokbokki, 4 fritters, half sundae, 2 gimbap)
    베이비세트    		₩13,000
    ~$9
    DIY tteokbokki hot pot for 2
    즉석떡볶이    		₩22,000
    ~$16
    Homemade sundae
    수제순대    		₩6,500
    ~$5
    Assorted fritters (5 pieces)
    모듬튀김    		₩6,000
    ~$4
    Vegetable fritter (1 piece)
    야채튀김    		₩1,200
    ~$1

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

    Is it kid-friendly?

    Yes, and it is one of the easiest ways to introduce kids to Korean street food. There are high chairs, the mild tteokbokki is manageable for older kids (keep water nearby), and sundae, gimbap and fritters are not spicy at all. The baby set on the menu is a smaller portion designed for exactly this.

    We made it part of a Yongsan day out: my child played at a slime café in Yongsan I’Park Mall first, and then we walked over for lunch. Afterwards we promised each other to come back for another parent-and-kid date.

    Tips for visitors

    • Choose your spice level. “Sunhanmat” means mild; the shop says its very spicy level is four times hotter than Buldak noodles.
    • Dip everything. Fritters, sundae and gimbap all taste better soaked in the tteokbokki broth.
    • Take the subway. There is no parking; Sinyongsan Station is a 3-minute walk.
    • Monday break. The kitchen closes 14:30–16:00 on Mondays only.
    • Ordering phrase: “Sunhanmat-euro juseyo” means “Mild, please.”

    My verdict

    Hyunsuni Yongsan is a cheerful, affordable place to try tteokbokki the way Koreans actually eat it, with sundae, gimbap and crispy fritters to dip in the broth. It has long been a favorite of mine, and now it is also the place where my child ate tteokbokki for the first time. If you are exploring Yongsan, especially with kids, it is an easy and tasty stop.

    Hyunsuni Yongsan FAQ

    Where is Hyunsuni Yongsan?

    In an alley about 180 m from Sinyongsan Station (Line 4). From Exit 5, walk a few meters to the crossroads and take the side street; look for the yellow chimney and red roof.

    What are Hyunsuni Yongsan’s opening hours?

    11:00 to 24:00 every day, with last order at 22:40. On Mondays there is a break from 14:30 to 16:00.

    Is the tteokbokki at Hyunsuni Yongsan very spicy?

    You can choose the spice level. The mild version still has a little kick but my 7-year-old managed it with water. The “very spicy” option is described by the shop as four times hotter than Buldak.

    What should I order at Hyunsuni Yongsan?

    The combo set is the easiest choice: tteokbokki, sundae, mini gimbap, assorted fritters and curly fish cakes. Single-serving tteokbokki is ₩6,000.

    Is Hyunsuni Yongsan good for kids?

    Yes. It has high chairs, the mild tteokbokki is manageable for older children, and Yongsan I’Park Mall is a short walk away. There is no parking, so take the subway.

    More family-friendly meals: see all kid-friendly restaurant guides, or try Baekri Gomtang in Hongdae for a non-spicy beef soup.

    More places nearby

    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.