Seoul Table Notes

Tag: Mapo-gu

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

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

    In short

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

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

    Quick picks

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

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

    Hanwoo gomtang in a brass bowl at Baekri Gomtang, Hongdae

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

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

    Read my full guide: Baekri Gomtang in Hongdae →

    2. Seogwan Myeonok (서관면옥): Pyongyang cold noodles

    Matbaki naengmyeon in a brass bowl at Seogwan Myeonok, Hongdae

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

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

    Read my full guide: Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae →

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

    Chashu dan dan noodles at Sammi Tantanmyeon, Sinchon

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

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

    Read my full guide: Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon →

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

    Half-and-half pizza at Lacoon Pizza, Mapo

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

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

    Read my full guide: Lacoon Pizza Mapo →

    Tips for eating around Hongdae

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

    Hongdae, Sinchon and Mapo restaurant FAQ

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

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

    Where can I eat cheaply around Hongdae and Sinchon?

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

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

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

    Are these Hongdae restaurants good for kids?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    In short

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

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

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

    Quick facts

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

    Finding it

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

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

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

    A busy, hip room worth the wait

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

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

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

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

    What we ordered

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    2. Meat tomato ragu pasta (미트토마토 라구파스타)

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

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

    3. Cheese crust (치즈크러스트)

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

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

    Menu and prices (dine-in)

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

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

    Tips for visitors

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

    Is it kid-friendly?

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

    My verdict

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

    Lacoon Pizza Mapo FAQ

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

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

    What are the opening hours of Lacoon Pizza Mapo?

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

    What should I order at Lacoon Pizza Mapo?

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

    Is Lacoon Pizza Mapo good for kids?

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

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

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

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

    More places nearby

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

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

  • 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.

  • Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae: Pyongyang Naengmyeon Guide

    Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae: Pyongyang Naengmyeon Guide

    In short

    Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae serves Pyongyang-style naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles in a clear beef broth) made with 100% Jeju buckwheat, about a 10-minute walk from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1. Cold noodle dishes cost ₩17,000–19,000 (about $12–14). It is open daily 11:00–21:00 with a 15:00–17:00 break, has 1 hour of free parking, and the classic dishes are not spicy.

    If you have only had the sweet, tangy cold noodles sold at Korean BBQ restaurants abroad, Pyongyang naengmyeon will surprise you. It is quiet, clean and subtle, and Seoul has a devoted fan club for it. Seogwan Myeonok (서관면옥) in Hongdae is a comfortable place to try it for the first time: a big, bright dining room, buckwheat noodles made from Jeju buckwheat, and a menu that also has easier options if the classic bowl is too plain for you.

    I came here on a weekend with my parents and my child, so this review is also about how it works for a three-generation family meal.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name서관면옥 홍대점 (Seogwan Myeonok, Hongdae branch)
    • Address41 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
    • SubwayHongik Univ. Station Exit 1, about a 10-minute walk. Hapjeong Station Exit 2 also works.
    • HoursDaily 11:00–21:00, break 15:00–17:00. Last order 14:40 (lunch) and 20:30 (dinner)
    • PriceCold noodles ₩17,000–19,000 (about $12–14)
    • Good forFamilies with grandparents and kids, a light summer lunch, first-time naengmyeon eaters
    • Phone+82 507-1379-5735
    • ExtrasBuilding parking with 1 hour free, wheelchair access, reservations on Naver
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    The restaurant is on the ground floor of the NUDEET Hongdae building (누디트 홍대), behind the Terarosa coffee shop. From Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1, walk toward Line Friends, turn right, and keep going straight past the Megacoffee and Paris Baguette crossings toward the Amanti Hotel. It is roughly a 10-minute walk.

    If you come by car, the building has a large underground car park with 1 hour free, and an elevator goes straight up. With a young child and grandparents in the group, this made the day much easier.

    📍 Seogwan Myeonok (서관면옥 홍대점), 41 World Cup-buk-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Seogwan Myeonok signboard at the entrance of the Hongdae branch

    Inside it is much bigger than I expected: high ceilings, wide windows and long wooden tables, so groups do not feel squeezed. We arrived around 2 p.m. on a weekend and it was still busy. A board on the wall says the beef is Korean hanwoo and the other ingredients are domestic, and the noodles are made with 100% Jeju buckwheat.

    Spacious, bright dining room with wooden tables at Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae

    Two small details I liked: each table has both cold and warm water, and staff handed out hair ties when we sat down. Anyone with long hair who has ever slurped noodles will understand why.

    What is Pyongyang naengmyeon?

    Naengmyeon (냉면) means “cold noodles”. The Pyongyang style comes from North Korea and is made with buckwheat noodles in a chilled, clear broth, usually beef-based. It is not spicy and only lightly seasoned. The noodles are softer and break more easily than the chewy, starchy kind you may know.

    Many first-timers describe the broth as “bland”. That is normal. Take a few sips before adding anything; the beefy, nutty flavor of the buckwheat comes through slowly. Locals argue a lot about whether to add vinegar or mustard. My advice: try it plain first, then add a little.

    What we ordered

    1. Matbaki Naengmyeon (맛박이냉면, mat-bak-i naengmyeon)

    This is the classic Pyongyang naengmyeon with much more beef on top, served in a large brass bowl. The portion was big. The beef broth tasted deep and savory without being salty, and the sliced beef made it filling enough for a proper meal. If you are only ordering one bowl and want to taste the “real” style, this is the one I would pick.

    Matbaki naengmyeon: Pyongyang-style cold buckwheat noodles piled with sliced beef in a brass bowl at Seogwan Myeonok, Hongdae
    Matbaki naengmyeon topped with beef, egg yolk garnish and pickled radish

    2. Goldong Naengmyeon (골동냉면, gol-dong naengmyeon)

    This was my own order and my favorite. It is a dry, mixed noodle dish: buckwheat noodles with mushrooms, sesame powder, whole perilla seeds, seaweed and seasoned radish, which you mix with perilla oil and soy sauce. The perilla oil smells wonderful, nutty and toasty, and I liked it so much I asked for a bit more oil halfway through.

    If you find the cold broth too subtle, goldong naengmyeon is the easiest way into buckwheat noodles. It is not spicy either.

    Goldong naengmyeon: buckwheat noodles with mushrooms, seaweed and sesame, mixed with perilla oil and soy sauce
    Mixing goldong naengmyeon noodles with perilla oil
    Mix everything well so the perilla oil coats every strand.

    3. Laengban (랭반, laeng-ban)

    Laengban is Pyongyang naengmyeon served with a small bowl of rice. When you finish the noodles, you put the rice into the remaining cold broth and eat it with a spoon. It sounds odd, but it turns the last of the broth into a mild, refreshing rice soup. My child said this was the best dish on the table.

    Laengban: Pyongyang naengmyeon served with a side of rice to add to the broth
    A spoonful of rice soaked in cold beef broth after finishing the noodles
    Finish the broth with rice: the way my kid liked it best.

    4. Dotjeyuk (돝제육, dot-je-yuk)

    Dotjeyuk is boiled pork served cold. Because it is chilled, the meat is firm and pleasantly chewy rather than soft. It goes well with the kimchi on the side, and we also wrapped noodles around slices of pork, which worked surprisingly well. It is a good side to share between three or four people.

    Dotjeyuk: chilled sliced boiled pork served with kimchi

    We finished with a glass of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) because a slow family lunch deserves one.

    Menu and prices (October 2026)

    Prices have gone up since my visit, so the table below uses the current menu on the restaurant’s Naver listing.

    DishPrice
    Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold broth)
    평양냉면    		₩17,000
    ~$12
    Seonbi naengmyeon (spicy-sweet, no broth)
    선비냉면    		₩17,000
    ~$12
    Goldong naengmyeon (perilla oil & soy)
    골동냉면    		₩19,000
    ~$14
    Matbaki naengmyeon (extra beef)
    맛박이냉면    		₩19,000
    ~$14
    Laengban (naengmyeon + rice)
    랭반    		₩18,000
    ~$13
    Dotjeyuk (chilled boiled pork)
    돝제육    		₩28,000
    ~$20
    Seogwan mandu (steamed dumplings)
    서관만두    		₩15,000
    ~$11
    Mung bean pancake
    녹두빈대떡    		₩15,000
    ~$11
    Lunch set: naengmyeon + tteokgalbi + 2 dumplings
    떡갈비냉면세트    		₩25,000
    ~$18

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. The menu also includes set meals for one, eobok-jaengban (a beef hot pot for 2–4 people) and tteokgalbi (grilled beef or pork patties). Prices can change.

    Tips for visitors

    • Try the broth first. Sip it before adding vinegar or mustard, then adjust.
    • Not a fan of plain flavors? Order goldong naengmyeon (nutty, savory) or seonbi naengmyeon (spicy-sweet sauce).
    • Check the lunch specials. The tteokgalbi + naengmyeon set (₩25,000) and the limited Seogwan myeonsang (₩19,000) are lunch-only.
    • Mind the break time. The kitchen is closed 15:00–17:00, and lunch last order is 14:40.
    • Reserve for groups. Naver reservations are available for 2–4 people and for groups of 5 or more.
    • Ordering phrase: “Pyeongyang naengmyeon hana juseyo” means “One Pyongyang naengmyeon, please.”

    Is it kid-friendly?

    Yes. The room is spacious, there is an elevator from the car park, and nothing we ordered was spicy. Buckwheat noodles are soft and easy for children to eat, and laengban (noodles plus rice in broth) was a hit with my child.

    My verdict

    Seogwan Myeonok is a friendly introduction to Pyongyang naengmyeon. The broth is clean and beefy, the buckwheat noodles are fragrant, and the perilla-oil goldong naengmyeon is worth ordering even if you think cold noodles are not for you. With easy parking, lots of space and nothing spicy on our table, it is one of the more comfortable family meals I have had near Hongdae.

    Seogwan Myeonok FAQ

    Is the Pyongyang naengmyeon at Seogwan Myeonok spicy?

    No. The classic version is a mild, cold beef broth with buckwheat noodles. Only the seonbi naengmyeon uses a spicy-sweet sauce.

    How do I get to Seogwan Myeonok from Hongik Univ. Station?

    Take Exit 1 and walk about 10 minutes toward the Amanti Hotel. The restaurant is on the ground floor of the NUDEET Hongdae building, behind Terarosa.

    What are Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae’s opening hours?

    Every day from 11:00 to 21:00, with a break from 15:00 to 17:00. Last orders are 14:40 for lunch and 20:30 for dinner.

    How much does a meal at Seogwan Myeonok cost?

    Cold noodle dishes cost ₩17,000–19,000 (about $12–14). With a shared side, expect around ₩25,000–30,000 per person.

    Is there parking at Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae?

    Yes, in the building’s underground car park, with the first hour free.

    Hungry for more in the area? See my Baekri Gomtang guide for hot beef soup near Hongik Univ. Station, or browse all Seoul restaurant guides.

    More places nearby

    Visited: early 2024. Prices and hours last checked: October 15, 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.

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

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

    In short

    Baekri Gomtang is a small hanwoo beef soup (gomtang) restaurant about 220 m from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 7 in Hongdae, Seoul. A bowl of clear, non-spicy hanwoo gomtang costs ₩12,000 (about $9) and the beef tartare bibimbap is ₩13,000. It is open 11:00–22:00 with a 15:00–17:00 break, and it works well for solo diners and families with kids.

    If you have had enough of spicy rice cakes and late-night fried chicken in Hongdae, this is the place I would send you for a calm, comforting Korean meal. Baekri Gomtang (백리곰탕) is a small, newly opened restaurant a few minutes from Hongik University Station that does one thing very seriously: gomtang, a clear Korean beef soup, made here with Korean hanwoo beef.

    Quick facts

    • Korean name백리곰탕 (Baekri Gomtang)
    • Address40-18 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 1F
      서울 마포구 와우산로29길 40-18 1층 1호
    • SubwayHongik Univ. Station, Exit 7, about 220 m (3–5 min walk)
    • Hours11:00–22:00, break 15:00–17:00
    • Price₩12,000–13,000 per main (about $9)
    • Good forSolo diners, light lunch, non-spicy eaters, families
    • Phone+82 2-6489-3383
    • ServicesTakeout, reservations, Wi-Fi, group seating (per Naver listing)
    • MapOpen in Naver Map

    Finding it

    Come out of Exit 7 of Hongik Univ. Station and head into the side streets. The restaurant sits on a quiet alley rather than the main road, so I recommend following a map app instead of trying to spot a sign.

    Google Maps is fine for the walk, but Naver Map is far more accurate for small Korean restaurants and also shows current opening hours.

    📍 Baekri Gomtang (백리곰탕), 40-18 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul · Naver Map · Google Maps

    Front counter and logo of Baekri Gomtang in Hongdae, Seoul
    The counter with the Baekri Gomtang logo.

    Inside it is bright and tidy, with light wood tables and enough space between them that you are not elbow to elbow with strangers. There are smaller tables that work well if you are eating alone, which is very normal in this student neighborhood.

    One small detail I loved: every table had its own little fan. Eating a bowl of hot soup can make you sweat, and someone clearly thought about that.

    Bright wood-tone dining room with small tables at Baekri Gomtang near Hongik Univ. Station

    What is gomtang?

    Gomtang (곰탕) is a soup made by simmering beef bones and meat for many hours until the broth is rich but still clear. It is not spicy at all. It is usually served with rice already in the bowl, plus thin slices of beef and chopped green onion.

    Koreans eat it when they want something warm and easy on the stomach, after a long night out, or simply as a filling lunch.

    An important tip for first-timers: gomtang is served lightly seasoned on purpose. You are expected to add salt (and pepper if you like) at the table to suit your own taste. If your first spoonful tastes a bit plain, that is normal, not a mistake.

    What we ordered

    1. Hanwoo Gomtang (한우곰탕, hanu gomtang) – ₩12,000

    The thing that impressed me most was a small board inside showing the saltiness level of the day’s broth. Long-simmered soup can slowly change in taste, so it seems they measure and manage it daily. Publishing that number to customers says a lot about how confident they are in the broth.

    The soup arrived in a traditional brass bowl with a whole ginseng sprout on top, which gives it a gentle, earthy aroma. The broth is on the mild side. I added just a little salt and kept it light, and it tasted deeper with every spoonful.

    What really set it apart was the amount of beef: there was so much tender, clean-tasting meat that it never felt like I was just drinking broth.

    Adding salt to taste to the mild gomtang broth
    Season it yourself: the broth is mild, so add salt to taste.

    The side dishes (free and refillable)

    Three side dishes come with your meal:

    • Kkakdugi (깍두기): cubed radish kimchi, crunchy and refreshing, the classic partner for gomtang. Here it is cut small, so it is easy to eat in one bite.
    • Ojingeo-jeotgal (오징어젓갈): salty, savory seasoned squid. Put a little on a spoonful of rice and broth. This was my favorite combination of the whole meal.
    • Potato salad: soft and creamy, served in a neat scoop. Unusual for a gomtang restaurant and a nice break between salty bites.
    Three side dishes: cubed radish kimchi (kkakdugi), potato salad and seasoned squid (ojingeo-jeotgal)

    2. Mini Suyuk (미니수육, mini suyuk) – ₩9,000

    Suyuk is sliced boiled beef. The “mini” size is small, but as a side to share with soup it was just right. The meat was soft rather than dry.

    The best way to eat it: wrap a slice around a few stems of garlic chives, then dip it in the tangy sauce. The sharp chives and sour sauce balance the mild beef really well. If there are two or more of you, I would definitely add this.

    Mini suyuk: sliced boiled beef with garlic chives, ginseng sprout and dipping sauce
    Wrapping a slice of boiled beef with garlic chives before dipping
    Roll a slice of beef with garlic chives, then dip.

    3. Hanwoo Yukhoe Bibimbap (한우육회비빔밥, yukhoe bibimbap) – ₩13,000

    Yukhoe is Korean-style beef tartare, served raw. This bibimbap comes with a generous mound of fresh hanwoo tartare over rice, greens and sprouts. You can choose between a soy sauce or a gochujang (sweet and spicy red pepper paste) dressing.

    I went with gochujang and was surprised by how good it was. Mix everything together well, take a big spoonful, then follow it with a sip of the gomtang broth.

    If you can’t handle spice, ask for the soy sauce version. And if raw beef is not for you, the gomtang alone makes a complete meal.

    Hanwoo yukhoe bibimbap with raw beef tartare, greens, sprouts and gochujang
    A spoonful of mixed beef tartare bibimbap topped with a slice of beef from the gomtang

    How to order (tips for visitors)

    • Pick a main per person. Most people order one gomtang or one bibimbap each, then share a side like mini suyuk.
    • Point and say the Korean name. “Hanu gomtang hana juseyo” means “One hanwoo gomtang, please.” Replace hana (one) with dul (two) if needed.
    • Side dishes are free. You can ask for more kkakdugi or potato salad by pointing at the dish and saying “Deo juseyo” (more, please).
    • Season at the table. Salt and pepper are there for a reason.
    • Mind the break time. The kitchen closes between 15:00 and 17:00, a common pattern for small restaurants in Hongdae.
    • Rice is already in the soup. Gomtang here comes with the rice in the bowl, so you don’t need to order rice separately.

    Menu and prices

    DishPrice
    Hanwoo gomtang
    한우곰탕    		₩12,000
    ~$9
    Hanwoo gomtang, large
    한우곰탕 특    		₩15,000
    ~$11
    Yukhoe bibimbap (beef tartare)
    한우육회비빔밥    		₩13,000
    ~$9
    Mini suyuk (boiled beef)
    미니수육    		₩9,000
    ~$6
    Hanwoo hot pot, large
    한우전골(대)    		₩49,000
    ~$35
    Makgeolli, 1 glass
    막걸리 한잔    		₩2,000
    ~$1.50

    *USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from the restaurant’s Naver listing and recent visitor reviews and can change.

    Is it kid-friendly?

    Yes, as long as your kids are fine with soup. Gomtang is one of the safest Korean dishes for children because it has no spice at all, and the beef is soft.

    Several Korean reviewers mention coming with their kids for exactly this reason. Tables are well spaced, and the bright, clean room feels relaxed rather than rowdy. The only menu item I would skip for young children is the raw beef bibimbap.

    My verdict

    Baekri Gomtang is a great pick when you want something warm, filling and gentle after a few days of heavy or spicy food.

    The daily-managed broth, the generous amount of beef, the chive-wrapped suyuk and the surprisingly good tartare bibimbap all made it a meal I would happily repeat. Next time I want to try the bibimbap with the soy sauce dressing.

    If you are near Hongdae and want an honest bowl of Korean beef soup without the tourist-street noise, this is a good place to go.

    Baekri Gomtang FAQ

    Is Baekri Gomtang spicy?

    No. The gomtang is a clear, mild beef broth with no chili at all. Only the yukhoe bibimbap with gochujang dressing is spicy, and you can choose soy sauce instead.

    What is the nearest subway station to Baekri Gomtang?

    Hongik Univ. Station (Line 2, AREX airport railroad and Gyeongui-Jungang Line). Use Exit 7; the restaurant is about 220 m away, a 3–5 minute walk.

    What are Baekri Gomtang’s opening hours?

    Recent visitors list 11:00–22:00 with a break from 15:00 to 17:00. Hours can change, so check Naver Map on the day you go.

    How much does a meal at Baekri Gomtang cost?

    A bowl of hanwoo gomtang is ₩12,000 (about $9) and the yukhoe bibimbap is ₩13,000. Expect to spend around ₩12,000–20,000 per person with a shared side.

    Can I eat at Baekri Gomtang alone or with kids?

    Yes to both. There are small tables for solo diners, and the non-spicy soup and soft beef make it an easy choice for children.

    Looking for more places nearby? Browse all Seoul restaurant guides or our kid-friendly picks.

    More places nearby

    Visited: September 2026. Information last checked: October 14, 2026. Opening hours and prices can change, so 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.