Jung-gu Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Jung-gu - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Coffee Hanyakbang

    $ | Jung-gu

    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.

    16-6 Samil-daero 12-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    070-4148–4242

    Known For

    • Single origin coffee
    • Several floors of seating
    • Vintage decor
  • 2. Eunjujeong

    $ | Jung-gu

    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.

    32 Changgyeonggung-ro 8-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    02-2265–4669

    Known For

    • Kimchi stew
    • Barbecue pork
    • Lively atmosphere at dinner

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 3. Mokmyeonsanbang

    $ | Jung-gu

    Although bibimbap (rice with mixed vegetables) is sometimes disregarded as an introductory Korean dish, the iteration served at Mokmyeonsanbang proves that there is an art to crafting this dish. There are six different types of bibimbap on the menu, each made with meticulously sourced ingredients like sesame oil, fresh vegetables, and local rice. While all the restaurant’s dishes are well-executed, the signature bibimbap is a vegetarian classic and the beef tartare bibimbap is likely one of the best in the country. It can take more than two hours to get into this restaurant, so avoid peak lunch times or have your meal to-go.

    71 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    02-318–4790

    Known For

    • Sanbang (vegetarian) bibimbap
    • Beef tartare bibimbap
    • Long wait at lunch
  • 4. Namdaemun Gamegol Son Wang Mandu

    $ | Jung-gu

    Arguably the best cheap wang mandu (king-size dumplings) in Seoul can be ordered at this restaurant in Namdaemun Market, where customers line up for pink take-out boxes from the front counter. The restaurant has two signature types of dumplings: kimchi with a spicy kick, and plain meat with juiciness in each bite. At first, it may seem like the establishment is take-out only but you can eat-in by entering past the counter. You’ll pass the kitchen of busy dumpling-makers and be led upstairs to either the second or third floor. The restaurant also serves kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), shrimp mandu, and galbi (short-rib) mandu, but you can’t go wrong by sticking to the classics. You might have to make an extra effort to get someone to help you but the prices, at ₩4,000 for a plate of dumplings, truly make up for the lack of service. 

    42 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    02-755–2569

    Known For

    • Dining upstairs
    • Lively market location
    • Delicious, inexpensive dumplings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 5. Palais de Chine

    $$$$ | Jung-gu

    Set in a beautiful dining room that evokes 1930s Shanghai, this elegant Chinese restaurant in L'Escape Hotel is a favorite among Seoulites. Bold and spicy Sichuan flavors punctuate the menu, which is filled with delectable elevated classics and dim sum. The signature 42-day-old, applewood roasted Peking duck has a crispy skin and is prepared tableside.

    67 Toegye-ro, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    02-317–4001

    Known For

    • Peking duck
    • Dim sum
    • Atmospheric setting
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  • 6. Zero Complex

    $$$$ | Jung-gu

    Often at the top of lists ranking the best fine dining in Seoul, this lauded French restaurant within the multicultural artspace Piknic has a minimalist dining room that allows artfully prepared dishes to shine. Opened in 2018 by Chef Lee Chung-hu, the restaurant is known for Lee's innovative use of ingredients and his emphasis on home-grown vegetables. The restaurant, with views of Namsan Tower, serves lunch and dinner and is reservation only.

    30 Toegye-ro 6ga-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    02-532–0876

    Known For

    • View of N Seoul Tower
    • Seasonal menu highlighting vegetables
    • Sea bass

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
  • 7. Hadongkwan

    $ | Myeongdong

    A beloved Seoul institution since 1939, Hadongkwan is known around the country for their gomtang (bone broth soup). While the dish is simple and paired only with a humble bowl of rice and kkakdugi (radish kimchi), it has a cult following. In fact, the restaurant became even more famous in the 1970s because it was supposedly a favorite of former President Park Chung-hee. The restaurant says their secret lies in the fact that they refuse to add any artificial seasonings and they’ve used the same beef supplier for more than 60 years. Hadongkwan closes once their last dish of the day has been made and their hours, from 7 am to 4 pm, are strange by Seoul standards, so try to go as early as possible.

    12 Myeongdong 9-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    02-776–5656

    Known For

    • Classic bone broth soup
    • Longtime neighborhood favorite
    • Closes at 4 pm

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
  • 8. Hangaram

    $ | Jung-gu

    A great option for beginners to Korean cuisine, Hangaram is a small restaurant away from the Myeongdong center that specializes in hanjeongsik (full course Korean meals). The set menu with dried yellow corvine and the lotus leaf rice are two popular options, but the highlight of the meal, regardless of what you order, is undoubtedly the banchan (side dishes); visitors rave about the japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) and cucumber-peppers tossed in doenjang (soybean paste). There is a homemade feeling to each dish and the staff are welcoming and friendly. Come hungry as the portions are incredibly generous.

    25 Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    0507-1347–3088

    Known For

    • Homemade Korean meals
    • Welcoming staff
    • Generous portions
  • 9. Hotel Soosunhwa

    $ | Jung-gu

    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.

    17 Chungmu-ro 7-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    070-8950–2649

    Known For

    • Fruity drinks
    • Trendy co-working space
    • Concerts and other regular events
  • 10. Myeongdong Gyoja

    $ | Myeongdong

    Established in 1966, Myeongdong Gyoja is one of the most recognized restaurants in Seoul. While many in the older generations complain that their signature kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) have become increasingly more expensive and saltier over the years, the dish is still a Myeongdong must-try. Served in a beef broth with pork dumplings, the hearty dish comes with a side of super-garlicky, fresh kimchi. Those concerned with portions and sodium content can ask for a bowl of rice, which is free with any meal. The dumplings and bibimguksu (spicy, cold buckwheat noodles topped with cucumber) are also great alternatives to the signature item.

    29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    0507-1366–5348

    Known For

    • Kalguksu noodles
    • Pork dumplings
    • Side of garlicky kimchi and rice
  • 11. Pyeongraeok

    $ | Jung-gu

    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.

    21-1 Mareunnae-ro, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    02-2267–5892

    Known For

    • Chogyetang (chilled sweet and sour chicken soup)
    • Dak-mucchim (chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce)
    • Consistently good food

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 12. The House 1932

    $ | Jung-gu

    Originally built in 1932 during Japan’s colonization of Korea, this cafe once housed many prominent military and political figures before opening in its current form in 2018. Although the building has been heavily renovated over the years, its history lives on through the structure, which still very much feels like a residence. The cafe serves Americanos and lattes in addition to a variety of baked goods, like fruit tarts and macaroons, from their bakery. If possible, try to get a seat in the cafe’s attic--by far the coziest room in the cafe.

    5 Mallijae-ro 35-gil, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    02-365–1932

    Known For

    • Americanos
    • Baked goods
    • Cozy attic seating
  • 13. Woolaeok

    $ | Jung-gu

    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.

    62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
    02-2265–0151

    Known For

    • Chilled buckwheat noodles
    • Bulgogi
    • Loyal following

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

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