7 Best Restaurants in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul

Opened in 1965, Hakrim Dabang is widely considered the oldest running coffee shop in the area (dabangs are old-school Korean establishments that primarily served coffee and non-alcoholic drinks). Not much has changed since then, including the shelves of vinyl, vintage photographs of Seoul on the walls, and velvet lined seats; walking up the creaky, wooden stairs to the shop almost feels as if you’re traveling into the past. Its name is fitting as Hakrim, meaning “forest of learning,” was once where intellectuals gathered and students secretly organized. The Seoul Metropolitan Government designated Hakrim Dabang as a Seoul Future Heritage site for its role during the Democracy Movement, guaranteeing its preservation for future generations.

A local institution since 1989, this bunsik (Korean snack foods) shop is widely considered to serve the best tteokbokki (hot and spicy rice cake) in all of Seoul. Barring pandemic restrictions, they are open 24 hours, but no matter when you go, there will always be a line of people.

Set within a renovated hanok (traditional Korean house), this restaurant serves homemade Japanese food. There is often a wait, but groups of four or more can reserve a dining room in advance by phone.

This Japanese katsu restaurant is one of the best places in Seoul to get your crispy tempura battered cutlet fix. Here, the pork cuts are so incredibly tender and juicy that they practically melt on the tongue. The restaurant is located in the basement so it can be easy to miss but just look for the line of people.

Although this restaurant has the Korean word for buckwheat (memil) in their name, Memilhyang Guejip's main draw is their dak-bokkeum-tang (Korean braised chicken stew). They are best known for their spicy version smothered in cheese. The stews are cooked in front of you with the toppings of your choice. Leave some room; when you’re done with the meat, you can opt to have rice mixed in.

The star recipe of this restaurant is sundae (Korean blood sausages); their menu has traditional sundae soups as well as modern takes like sundae steak. Even those who usually don’t like sundae or are nervous about trying it leave with a newfound appreciation for this Korean delicacy.

This gorgeously designed bookshop and cafe is the neighborhood’s best kept secret. Follow the white staircase down to a bright courtyard in front of the building’s entrance to peruse a curated book selection that changes monthly based on the theme. What differentiates this cafe from others in Seoul is that everyone is reading books and there’s no phone in sight.