Tag: Udon

Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno: Thick-Cut Sushi Lunch by Jonggak Station

In short

Choi Woo Young Sushiya (최우영스시야) Jongno is a casual sushi restaurant in a basement arcade, about 3 to 5 minutes from Jonggak Station Exit 1. The 15-piece special sushi set is ₩19,000 (about $13.60), with thick slices of fish over modest rice. Open daily 11:00 to 21:30, break 15:00 to 17:00. A good pick for a solo lunch, or anyone who cares more about the fish than the rice.

Jonggak is a busy office district in old downtown Seoul, and lunch options there can blur together. On one weekday I went to Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno for sushi, and the thing I still remember is how thick the fish was.

Here is what I ordered, the current prices, one thing I wish I had known, and how to find it from the station.

Quick facts

Korean name최우영스시야 종로점 (Choi Woo Young Sushiya, Jongno branch)
AddressB1 Unit 104, 7 Jong-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 종로5길 7 지하1층 104호
SubwayJonggak Station (종각역, Line 1), Exit 1, about 235 m (3 to 5 min walk); Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Exit 2, about 7 min
HoursDaily 11:00–21:30; break 15:00–17:00; last order 21:00
PriceSushi sets ₩13,000–33,000; single pieces ₩1,000–3,000; tempura ₩1,500 each
Good forSolo lunch, a quick sushi meal near Gwanghwamun and Jonggak, small groups
Phone0507-1324-8219
NotesFree parking for 2 hours. Takeout (separate kiosk) and delivery. Wheelchair-accessible entrance, seats and restroom. Corkage ₩3,000 per bottle. No pets.
MapOpen in Naver Map

Finding it

I walked over from Jonggak Station. The restaurant is on the basement level of a building on Jong-ro 5-gil, so head downstairs once you reach the building. Naver puts it about 235 m from Exit 1, a 3 to 5 minute walk. If you are coming from Gwanghwamun, Exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station is about 7 minutes away.

📍 Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno (최우영스시야 종로점), B1, 7 Jong-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu · Naver Map · Google Maps

Storefront of Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno with menu photos above the entrance in a basement arcade near Jonggak Station — The entrance, with photos of the menu over the counter.

I came at weekday lunchtime and got a seat right away without waiting. There is also a separate kiosk just for takeout sushi, so if you only want a box to take back to the office or your hotel, you can order there without joining the dine-in line. Sushi by kiosk felt very Seoul.

Red takeout-only sushi ordering kiosk at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno — The takeout-only sushi kiosk.

Inside: clean and easy to eat alone

The room is plain and tidy, with no clutter, and the seats are spaced out rather than squeezed together. There is a long counter facing a wall of plants, plus tables for groups. I had my sushi lunch there on my own and did not feel out of place at all, so if you are traveling solo and want a proper sit-down meal, this is an easy one.

Counter seats with ordering screens and a wall of green plants at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno — Counter seats facing a wall of plants.

What I ordered

1. Special sushi set (특선초밥, teukseon chobap)

I started with the special sushi set, 15 pieces, and the quality was better than I expected for the price. The slices of fish are thick, and the rice under them is a sensible size, so you actually taste the fish instead of a mouthful of rice. A lot of lunch sushi places pile on the rice; this one gets the balance right.

What I liked most was the variety on one plate: white fish, red fish like tuna, salmon and more, so every next piece was a little different. When a set repeats the same few fish it gets boring halfway through, but here I kept wondering what the next one would taste like. With the thick cuts on top of that, it felt like very good value.

Thick slice of tuna nigiri lifted with chopsticks at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno — A thick slice of tuna on modest rice.

One thing to know: there is no wasabi inside the sushi. You add it yourself, and it seemed to be freshly grated wasabi, which is much sharper than the paste you may be used to. Even a small dab made my eyes water. Start with a tiny bit and work up.

Nigiri dipped in soy sauce with a small dab of fresh wasabi on top at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno — Add the wasabi yourself, and go easy at first.

2. Assorted sashimi (모둠사시미, modum sashimi)

The sashimi came out in thick, chunky slices, so it was a different kind of fun from the sushi, with more bite. The salmon went really well with the onion and sauce served alongside it. The shredded radish salad and seaweed, dipped in chojang (a sweet, tangy red pepper sauce), were crunchy and had no fishy taste at all.

Assorted sashimi platter with salmon, white fish, tuna and lemon at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno — Assorted sashimi.

Thick cuts of salmon and white fish sashimi with sprouts at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno — Thick cuts of salmon and white fish.

3. King prawn tempura (왕새우튀김, wang-saeu twigim)

The size surprised me. It is not a small prawn hiding in a thick coat of batter; the prawn itself is big. It was nutty and not greasy. If you only add one side, make it this one.

Two large king prawn tempura with dipping sauce at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno — King prawn tempura.

4. Udon (우동)

I wanted something with broth, so I added udon without expecting much, and it turned out to be good. It comes topped with seaweed and other garnishes, the broth is clean and light, and the noodles are springy. The hot soup next to cold sushi was a nice contrast, and I was glad I ordered it.

Udon in clear broth topped with seaweed, fried tofu and green onion at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno — Udon with seaweed and fried tofu.

Menu and prices

Dish	Price
Assorted sushi, 12 pieces 모듬초밥 12ps	₩13,000 ~$9.30
Special sushi, 15 pieces 특선초밥 15ps	₩19,000 ~$13.60
Premium sushi, 16 pieces 최상초밥 16ps	₩27,000 ~$19.30
Top premium sushi, 17 pieces 극상초밥 17ps	₩33,000 ~$23.60
Seared beef brisket sushi, 5 pieces 차돌박이 불초밥 5ps	₩9,500 ~$6.80
Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) 카이센동	₩14,000–25,000 ~$10–17.90
Assorted sashimi 모듬사시미	₩40,000 ~$28.60
Special sashimi 특선사시미	₩70,000 ~$50
Salmon, flatfish or tuna sashimi (100 g) 연어 / 광어 / 참다랑어 사시미	₩11,000 ~$7.90
King prawn tempura (1 piece) 왕새우튀김 1개	₩1,500 ~$1.10
Assorted tempura 모듬튀김	₩13,000 ~$9.30
Braised sea bream head 도미머리조림	₩6,000 ~$4.30

*USD figures are rough estimates at about ₩1,400 to $1. Prices are from Naver Place (menu updated July 2026). Single pieces of sushi are ₩1,000 to ₩3,000 each on the menu board in my August photos. The udon I had is not on the Naver menu or that board, so check the price when you order. Prices can change.

Tips for visitors

Mind the break time. The kitchen closes from 15:00 to 17:00 every day, and last orders are at 21:00.
Don’t double up on fish. The special sushi and the assorted sashimi share a lot of the same fish. I still liked the sashimi for its thickness and texture, but if you want variety, add tempura or udon instead.
Go slow with the wasabi. It is not inside the sushi, and it is strong.
Taking it to go? Use the takeout-only kiosk and skip the dine-in queue.
Ordering phrase: “Teukseon chobap hana juseyo” (특선초밥 하나 주세요) means “One special sushi set, please.”
Driving? Naver lists 2 hours of free parking.

My verdict

Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno is an honest, good-value sushi lunch in the middle of the city. The fish is cut thick, the rice does not get in the way, and the special set has enough variety that you never get bored. My one complaint is the overlap between the sushi and sashimi, which is worth knowing before you order both. It suits solo diners, people who rate sushi by the fish rather than the rice, and anyone who likes to set their own wasabi level. I will probably stop by again.

Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno FAQ

Where is Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno and how do I get there?

Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno is on the basement level (B1, unit 104) of 7 Jong-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu. It is about 235 m from Exit 1 of Jonggak Station on Line 1, a 3 to 5 minute walk. From Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Exit 2, it takes about 7 minutes on foot.

What are the opening hours of Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno?

Naver lists Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno as open every day from 11:00 to 21:30, with a break from 15:00 to 17:00 and last orders at 21:00. Plan lunch before 3 pm or dinner after 5 pm.

What should I order at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno?

The special sushi set (teukseon chobap, 15 pieces, ₩19,000) is the one I would start with at Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno, because the fish is cut thick and the rice is kept modest. A king prawn tempura (₩1,500 each) is the side I would add. If you also order assorted sashimi (₩40,000), know that many of the fish overlap with the sushi set.

Is Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno good for eating alone?

Yes. Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno has a long counter as well as tables, the seating is not cramped, and eating sushi on my own there at lunch felt completely normal. There is also a separate kiosk just for takeout sushi orders.

Does Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno have parking or takeout?

Naver says Choi Woo Young Sushiya Jongno offers 2 hours of free parking, plus takeout and delivery. Takeout sushi can be ordered at a separate takeout-only kiosk, so you skip the line. Corkage is ₩3,000 per bottle.

More in Jongno: Namaste in Dongmyo for Indian curry, or Respirer Bakery Cafe in Seochon for salt bread. For Japanese food in Seongsu, see Kosi. All guides: Seoul restaurant guides.

More places nearby

Visited: August 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 26, 2026, on Naver. Please check Naver Map before you go.

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

October 26, 2026

Kosi Seongsu: Sanuki Udon and Tonkatsu Near Seoul Forest

In short

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

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

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

Quick facts

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

Finding it

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

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

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

Kosi Seongsu name carved on a wooden wall at the restaurant entrance — The name is written vertically on the wooden wall.

Sidewalk sign advertising Sanuki ten bukkake udon outside Kosi Seongsu — The sidewalk sign shows off their tempura bukkake udon.

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

What we ordered

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

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

1. Zaru soba (자루소바, jaru soba)

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

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

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

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

Maze udon topped with egg yolk, minced meat and green onions at Kosi Seongsu — Maze udon with egg yolk, minced meat and green onions.

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

Grinding sesame seeds into tonkatsu sauce at Kosi Seongsu — Grind the sesame seeds straight into the tonkatsu sauce.

Thick pork loin cutlet with a dab of wasabi at Kosi Seongsu — Thick pork cutlet with a little wasabi.

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

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

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

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

Toriten bukkake udon with fried chicken and a pork cutlet set at Kosi Seongsu — Toriten bukkake udon set, with tonkatsu on the side.

Chewy Sanuki udon noodles lifted with chopsticks at Kosi Seongsu — The noodles stayed springy to the end.

Menu and prices

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

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

Tips for visitors

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

Is it kid-friendly?

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

My verdict

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

Kosi Seongsu FAQ

Where is Kosi Seongsu?

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

What are Kosi Seongsu’s opening hours?

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

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

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

Is there a wait at Kosi Seongsu?

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

Is Kosi Seongsu good for kids?

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

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

More places nearby

Visited: August 2026. Prices and hours last checked: October 20, 2026, on Naver. Please check Naver Map before you go.

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

October 20, 2026