Seoul Table Notes

Tag: Non-Spicy Korean Food

  • Samda Tong Galchi Jungmun: Whole Grilled Hairtail in Jeju

    Samda Tong Galchi Jungmun: Whole Grilled Hairtail in Jeju

    In short

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

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

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

    Quick facts

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

    Finding it

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What is galchi?

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

    What we ordered

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    2. Raw hairtail (갈치회, galchi hoe)

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

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

    3. Grilled okdom (옥돔구이, okdom gui)

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

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

    4. Soy sauce crab (간장게장, ganjang gejang)

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

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

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

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

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

    Menu and prices

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

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

    Tips for visitors

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

    My verdict

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

    Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi FAQ

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

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

    What are the opening hours of Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi?

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

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

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

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

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

    Do I need a reservation at Jungmun Samda Tong Galchi?

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

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

    More Jeju picks

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

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

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

    Handam Guksu Aewol: Jeju Pork Noodles with an Ocean View

    In short

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

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

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

    Quick facts

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

    Finding it

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What is gogi guksu?

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

    What we ordered

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

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

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

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

    2. Dombe naengsuyuk (돔베냉수육, dombe naengsuyuk)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    4. Salkogi gukbap (살코기국밥, salkogi gukbap)

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

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

    Menu and prices

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

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

    Tips for visitors

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

    Is it kid-friendly?

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

    My verdict

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

    Handam Guksu Aewol FAQ

    Where is Handam Guksu Aewol, and is there parking?

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

    What are the opening hours of Handam Guksu Aewol?

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

    What should I order at Handam Guksu Aewol?

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

    Is Handam Guksu Aewol good for kids?

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

    Do I need a reservation at Handam Guksu Aewol?

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

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

    More Jeju picks

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

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

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

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

    In short

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

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

    Quick tips for eating out with kids in Seoul

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

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

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

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

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

    Read my full guide: Hyunsuni Yongsan →

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

    Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae: Pyongyang Naengmyeon Guide

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

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

    Read my full guide: Seogwan Myeonok Hongdae →

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

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

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

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

    Read my full guide: Sammi Tantanmyeon Sinchon →

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

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

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

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

    Read my full guide: Oksoban Gongdeok →

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

    Kosi Seongsu: Sanuki Udon and Tonkatsu Near Seoul Forest

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

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

    Read my full guide: Kosi Seongsu →

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

    Namaste Dongmyo: Indian Curry Across from Dongdaemun Toy Street

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

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

    Read my full guide: Namaste Dongmyo →

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

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

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

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

    Read my full guide: Lacoon Pizza Mapo →

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

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

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

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

    Read my full guide: Baekri Gomtang Hongdae →

    Heading to Jeju too?

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

    Kid-friendly restaurants in Seoul FAQ

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

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

    Which Seoul restaurants have high chairs?

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

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

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

    What is a good family restaurant near Seoul Forest?

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

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

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

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

  • 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.