5 Best Restaurants in Euljiro, Seoul

The name of this tucked-away cafe, located in an incredibly narrow alley in Euljiro, means “traditional medicine room.” Visitors are charmed as much by the vintage lamps and traditional Korean furniture inside as by the single-origin coffee and baked goods. Items can be purchased on the first floor and there’s seating available on the first, second, and third floors of the establishment. The coffee itself may not be to everyone’s liking, but it's a must-see for the charming decor alone.

In a small alley of Bangsan Market, this beloved and often crowded Korean barbecue and kimchi-jjiggae (kimchi stew) joint has separate menus for lunch and dinner: kimchi-jjiggae with ssam (assorted vegetables) by day and kimchi-jjiggae with samgyeopsal (pork belly) after 5 pm. By night the vibe changes, when the smell of barbecue fills the air and people chase their shots of soju with spoonfuls of kimchi. The lunchtime assortment is served with 10 kinds of vegetables; diners wrap the fatty pork from the stew into their choice of leafy green.

Located on the fourth floor of a warehouse in Euljiro, Hotel Soosunhwa is a picturesque cafe, bar, and co-working space. While they do serve basic coffees and lattes, they are best known for their colorful, fruity drinks like their passion fruit–ade and sangria. The cafe’s low-lighting, vintage decor, and exposed concrete are not exactly conducive to better focus but artistic types come with their laptops on weekdays. During the weekend, the space is crowded with groups of friends, and waiting for a table can take longer than an hour. The cafe also hosts events such as concerts, markets, and talks on a regular basis.

One of the leading names in North Korean cuisine, Pyeongraeok was first opened by a woman from Pyeongyang, North Korea in 1950. The restaurant is so popular that when it closed down in 2008, it reopened two years later in its current location due to demand. Fortunately, the recipes have remained consistent over the years. They are best known for their chogyetang (chilled, sweet and sour chicken soup served with cucumber, lettuce, and pear), but their naengmyun (cold buckwheat noodle soup) and dak-mucchim (chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce) are as good as the signature item.

A family-owned establishment since 1946, this beloved Seoul institution is best known for their mul-naengmyun (buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth) and bulgogi. Come to the restaurant for an early lunch, and there are often lines out the door waiting to enter. Many loyal fans of the restaurant have been coming to the restaurant for decades. Prices are higher than most that serve naengmyun, but Woolaeok proponents say the quality of the ingredients, including sliced beef and pear, make it a more fragrant meal. Feel free to skip the barbecue as the noodles are incredibly hearty. Try to make a reservation if you’re visiting at noon sharp.