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A Culinary Tour of Seocho-gu, Seoul: 9 Must-Try Restaurants

Welcome to a delicious journey through the Seocho-gu district of Seoul! This blog post highlights nine exceptional restaurants that I’ve personally visited, focusing on the key aspects that make each one stand out. Get ready for a quick and informative guide to some of the best eats Seocho-gu has to offer. The restaurants are listed in the order I visited them most recently.

1. Maeumeun Gongbattae (마음은 콩밭태): Heaven for Cheonggukjang Lovers

Located near Isu Station (Lines 4 and 7), Maeumeun Gongbattae is a haven for those craving authentic Cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew). The interior is cozy and inviting, perfect for a comforting meal.

Menu Highlights:

• Boribap & Cheonggukjang: This is the star of the show!

The meal arrives with a generous spread of side dishes (banchan). The braised codfish is perfectly seasoned, and the mung bean jelly (muk) and young radish kimchi (yeolmu kimchi) are simply divine. The seasoned vegetables and the chewy japchae noodles are also outstanding additions to the meal. This place offers bibimbap with six kinds of flavorful and fresh additions.

The Cheonggukjang itself is thick, rich, and incredibly flavorful. Adding fresh radish kimchi, bean sprouts, refreshing young radish kimchi, lettuce, assorted mushrooms, seaweed flakes, and seasoned vegetables elevates the experience. A touch of gochujang (Korean chili paste) completes the dish, transforming it into a delectable bibimbap. This restaurant has been a 서초고 [Seocho High School] institution for 40 years, offering a taste of traditional Korean comfort food.

2. 40-Year Traditional Gamjatang

Near Express Bus Terminal Station (Exit 8-2), this spot offers a casual, pojangmacha (street food tent) vibe with a diverse menu. It is also sometimes known as 고석터널 [Goseok Tunnel].

Menu Highlights:

• Dongtae Jeongol (Small): A flavorful fish stew for around 30,000 won

The banchan includes tender greens and flavorful mung bean jelly. The Dongtae Jeongol is a bubbling pot of pollack, roe, vegetables, and broth. The broth has a deep, rich flavor profile and the pollack is satisfying. Ingredients such as roe and clams add to the complexity, while the water parsley and bean sprouts offer a refreshing twist. It is the perfect meal for a cold day.

3. Banpo Galbi (반포갈비): Korean BBQ Excellence

Also conveniently located near Express Bus Terminal Station (Exit 8-2), Banpo Galbi exudes a refined atmosphere. It boasts a Korean BBQ dining experience.

Menu Highlights:

• Banpo Galbi (450g): A selection of premium cuts for around 58,000 won

The banchan selection is top-notch, featuring kimchi, refreshing water kimchi, pickled vegetables, and wasabi mushrooms. The complimentary doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) is hearty and flavorful. The galbi (beef short ribs) platter includes boneless short rib, top sirloin, and ribeye cap. Grilling the meat alongside kimchi is a must. The beef is incredibly tender and pairs perfectly with onions, kimchi, and the grilled kimchi. The wasabi mushrooms offer a clean and refreshing palate cleanser, making for a truly exceptional Korean BBQ experience.

4. Samgyeopsal Jjigae Chemistry (삼겹살 찌개 케미): A Harmonious Blend of Flavors

Nestled near Bangbae-dong Cafe Street, this restaurant specializes in the perfect pairing of samgyeopsal (pork belly) and jjigae (stew).

Menu Highlights:

• Samgyeopsal: Delicious pork belly for 16,000 won.

Instead of water, guests are offered warming tea. The banchan are equally impressive, featuring stir-fried kimchi, white kimchi, myungyi-namul (pickled garlic leaves), and a salad adorned with edible flowers. The aged pork belly is expertly grilled by the staff, alongside the white kimchi. The combination of perfectly cooked pork belly, grilled white kimchi, and a touch of wasabi is simply heavenly. Adding grilled garlic to the stir-fried kimchi enhances the flavors even further. Don’t miss the kimchi fried rice with fish roe for an extra 3,000 won. The crispy nurungji (scorched rice) in the fried rice is the perfect ending to the meal. The after-meal chadol jjigae (brisket stew) for 5,000 won is clean and refreshing.

5. Kkodeul Samgyeopsal (꼬들 삼겹살): Chewy Pork Perfection

Located near Seoraeseom Nonghyup Station (Exit 6), Kkodeul Samgyeopsal offers a clean and spacious dining environment. Specializing in chewy pork belly, this spot is a local favorite. It might also be known as 신어선농협 [Shin Eosun Nonghyup] in Korean.

Menu Highlights:

• Frozen Samgyeopsal: Affordable at 6,500 won.
• Meal Set Menu: For 8,900 won.
• Kkodeul Samgyeopsal (2 servings): The signature chewy pork belly for 16,000 won.

The meal is accompanied by a selection of adorable banchan, including soy sauce-marinated green onions and complimentary doenjang jjigae. The thick-cut pork belly is grilled to perfection, and diners can dip it in various sauces, including a creamy egg yolk sauce, a floral truffle sauce, and simple salt. The pork jowl is thin and broad. Pork jowl costs 15,000 won. It’s served in wide, thin slices and has a particularly chewy texture. Don’t forget to try the so-myeon (thin wheat noodles) for 5,000 won. Mix it with the sauce provided or enjoy it with leftover grilled meat.

6. Baeksojeong Banpo Branch (백소정 반포점): Japanese Noodle Delights

Conveniently located near Banpo Station (Line 7) and Express Bus Terminal Station, Baeksojeong is a popular spot for Japanese noodle dishes. Each table is equipped with a kiosk for easy ordering.

Menu Highlights:

• Ebi Tendon Udon: A hearty udon soup topped with tempura for 9,900 won.

The udon arrives with shredded cabbage. The broth is refreshing, and the noodles are perfectly chewy. A large shrimp tempura sits atop the udon. The tempura includes shrimp, fish cake, and pink fish cake. Fried tofu garnish is included as well. The dessert is a piece of rice cake drizzled with honey.

7. Baleumi Eotteo Bansang (발으미 어때 반상): Korean Fine Dining Experience

Situated near Banpo Station (Line 7), Baleumi Eotteo Bansang boasts a spacious and elegant interior. This restaurant offers a refined Korean dining experience.

Menu Highlights:

• Grilled Eel, Tuna, and Sea Bream Set Menu: A luxurious meal for 32,800 won.

The meal begins with four appetizer dishes, including marinated deodeok root, tuna, japchae (glass noodles), and a salad. The fried shrimp is served separately with tempura dipping sauce. The grilled sea bream is cooked to perfection and served with ginger. The dolsotbap (stone pot rice) is cooked beautifully, and the miyeok guk (seaweed soup) is flavorful and comforting. Enjoy the eel with rice and ginger. Scrape the nurungji (scorched rice) from the bottom of the pot for a delightful finish.

8. Pungnyeon Chicken Sonnae (풍년치킨아들내): Charcoal Grilled Short Ribs

Located between Sinsa Station and Nonhyeon Station, Pungnyeon Chicken Sonnae has been a local favorite for over 30 years. The restaurant specializes in charcoal-grilled beef short ribs.

Menu Highlights:

• Charcoal Grilled Beef Short Ribs (2 servings): Tender short ribs for 18,000 won.

The banchan includes kimchi, a generous portion of seasoned lettuce, cheese omelet, and hearty doenjang jjigae. The staff expertly grills the short ribs, which are then dipped in a savory sauce. The beef is incredibly tender and flavorful. Enjoy it with seasoned lettuce and fresh garlic. To finish the meal, add rice to the stew for a hearty and satisfying experience, and enjoy the Yakult as a dessert.

9. 김치 고을: Kimchi Heaven

Revisited! Close to the Express Bus Terminal, this place is great for a simple meal. Kimchi and pork are its strengths.

Menu Highlights:

• Pork Kimchi Stew: Simple and delicious

The meal is complemented by banchan including well-aged kimchi. The stew arrives in a hot pot, with lots of ingredients. The broth is satisfying, due to its long simmering. The pork flavor is prominent and very tasty. The stew includes an especially generous serving of pork. The pork and kimchi pair very well with a bowl of steaming rice.

Google Search Assessment:

A quick Google search for restaurants in Seocho-gu reveals a vast array of options, ranging from traditional Korean cuisine to international flavors. Many of the restaurants mentioned in this blog post have positive reviews, highlighting their delicious food, friendly service, and reasonable prices. It is an area where many people seek traditional Korean BBQ.

Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure through Seocho-gu! I hope this guide inspires you to explore the diverse and delicious food scene this district has to offer. Stay tuned for more restaurant reviews and food adventures!