Dongdaemun Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Dongdaemun - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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1. BLT Steak
$$$$ | Dongdaemun |This fine-dining outlet is the signature restaurant of the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul hotel. The rich ambiance, with its marble floors and coffered ceiling, underscores the steep menu prices, but it’s worth it to find a New York–style steak 7,000 miles away from the Big Apple. In addition to the USDA dry-aged rib eye, porterhouse and T-Bone, there are a few salads and limited seafood options. There are also prix fixe menus for two to four people that include starters, sides, and desserts. Try to arrange a table by the window for prime views of Heunginjimun Gate.
279 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea02-2276–3330Known For
- Nighttime views of the illuminated Heunginjimun Gate
- USDA dry-aged rib eye
- Salt selection including raspberry, lemon, and black garlic
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2. Dokkaebi Bulgogi
$ | Dongdaemun |Bulgogi is one of the most popular foods in Korea, and this industrial-style, hole-in-the-wall eatery is the perfect place to give it a try. The word bulgogi translates to “fire meat” and the dish is comprised of thin, marinated slices of beef grilled DIY-style on a table-top griddle. One order of bulgogi is enough for two people and comes with side dishes such as acorn jelly, kimchi, radishes, and lettuce leaves in which you roll it all up. Order a side of rice and a cold beer or soju to counteract the spiciness.
38 Eulji-ro 43-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea02-2269–1538Known For
- Lunch specials
- Signature Kebbi bulgogi with mushrooms and sweet onion slices
- Consistent quality
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3. Emack & Bolio's
$ | Dongdaemun |What started as a homemade ice cream venture in a basement in Boston in 1975 has become a global rock ‘n’ roll-themed frozen treat enterprise. There are seven locations in South Korea and the DDP shop features the usual lineup of whimsical flavors and cones inspired by rock stars. They also purvey smoothies, sorbet, and yogurt.
281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea02-2153–0722Known For
- Funky flavor combinations
- Great vegan ice cream selection made with coconut cream
- Over-the-top handmade waffle cones dipped in chocolate or marshmallow, then rolled in cereals, cookies, or sprinkles
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4. Grandma Na Jeong Sun's Jjukkumi
$ | Dongdaemun |For a unique gastronomic experience, make your way to the bronze octopus statue that marks Jjukkumi Alley. Although it’s famed for the many outposts dedicated to the eponymous delicacy, the 35-year-old Grandma Na Jeong Sun's restaurant is considered the original and best; the Korean delicacy is made with baby octopus marinated in a spicy red chili sauce that's quickly seared on a grill, then served wrapped up in perilla leaves and accompanied by a ubiquitous bottle of soju. Keep in mind that the chewy texture and off-the-charts spice level aren’t for everyone, and this place doesn’t serve any other dishes. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner but closed in the afternoons between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. Additionally, it’s not possible to dine solo as the minimum order is two portions.
144 Muhak-ro, Yongdu-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea02-928–0231Known For
- The best version of one of the spiciest dishes in Korea
- Friendly and attentive service (although the staff doesn’t speak English)
- Long wait times in the evening
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5. J. Hidden House
$ | Dongdaemun |Set in a circa-1915 traditional hanok house passed down through generations to the current owner, this is without a doubt the most atmospheric cafe in Dongdaemun. The time-worn interior and tranquil courtyard feel miles (and years) away from the bustling city beyond, and a locavore focus on seasonal Korean ingredients and domestic producers creates a unique menu of baked goods, snacks, tea, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails. Most of Seoul’s historic hanoks are set in the time-tested Insadong or Bukchon neighborhoods, but this peaceful coffee shop is tucked just off the main road near Heunginjimun Gate.
94 Jongno 6(yuk)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea02-744–1915Known For
- Perfectly crispy Korean bamboo salt fries
- Seasonal fruit teas
- Antiques from the owner’s family
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Jin Ok Hwa Original Chicken Restaurant
$ | Dongdaemun |Despite the often long wait and hot dining room, this low-key restaurant has developed a cult-like following since it opened in 1978. Dak Hanmari means “whole chicken” and is a type of traditional Korean chicken soup cooked hot-pot style on each table. In addition to the meat, customize your soup with garlic, kimchi, noodles, soy sauce, and rice cakes, then dip the chicken in a spicy, peppery marinade. Although it’s set in the area filled with chicken soup establishments known as Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley, there’s a reason this one is consistently the busiest. You can only purchase a whole chicken which costs ₩25,000, but it’s easily enough for two or more people.
18 Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea02-2275–9666Known For
- Comfort food
- The best chicken soup in Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley
- Soup customizations: garlic, kimchi, and noodles
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7. Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun No. 1
$ | Dongdaemun |With a whopping 87,000 fried chicken restaurants in South Korea, and a huge proportion of them set in the Seoul Capital Area, it’s obvious that Koreans love this tasty treat, and one of the most popular chains is Kyochon Chicken. The Dongdaemun location is the company’s largest, and it’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The interior is that of your typical fast-food joint, but the chicken and beer are spot on. Fun fact: this location is on the second floor of a building directly above a KFC.
464-6 Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea02-2231-9337Known For
- Its secret, soy sauce-based recipe
- Staff who speak English, Chinese, and Japanese
- Window seats that overlook Dongdaemun Square and Heunginjimun Gate
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8. The Piola Flower and Coffee
$ | Dongdaemun |Stepping off the main thoroughfare into this flower-filled haven is like being transported to an English garden. The quaint florist and cafe is only 10 minutes’ walk from the hectic DDP but feels decidedly peaceful as you sip a flower-infused tea, a strawberry latte, or simply sniff the copious arrangements of roses, peonies, and hydrangeas. Pick up a mini bouquet or potted succulent as a memento, or enroll in one of the cafe’s flower arranging classes.
26-9 Jangchungdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea02-2272–8808Known For
- Charming, peaceful atmosphere
- Flower arranging classes
- Seasonal strawberry themed menu
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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