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7 Must-Try Restaurants in Gangseo-gu, Seoul: A Local’s Guide

Having worked in Gangseo-gu for a long time, I’ve explored many restaurants in the area. From quick lunch spots during busy workdays to newly discovered gems, I’m excited to share my top 7 recommendations in this local’s guide.

This guide focuses on restaurants near Gayang Station, with plans to cover Banghwa-dong and Magoknaru areas in more detail later. I hope this helps anyone looking for delicious food in Gangseo-gu!

Restaurant Location Assessment:

Before we dive into the recommendations, let’s get a general assessment of Gangseo-gu’s restaurant scene based on Google search.

A quick Google search for “restaurants in Gangseo-gu” reveals:

A wide variety of cuisines are available, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western. Many highly-rated restaurants specialize in Korean BBQ, seafood, and comforting stews. Reviews often mention fresh ingredients, generous portions, and reasonable prices. Accessibility via public transportation (especially subway) is also a common theme.

Here’s the detailed list of resturants:

1. Original Naju Gomtang (원조나주곰탕)

Located a 7-minute walk from Exit 2 of Gaehwasan Station, Original Naju Gomtang is a popular spot for its comforting and flavorful gomtang (beef bone soup). The restaurant offers a catch table for waiting list registration.

Address: [Insert Actual Address Here – You can find it by searching “원조나주곰탕 개화산” on Google Maps]

Hours: Opens at 11:20 AM, Break time starts at 1:30 PM (Please check for the most up-to-date hours before visiting).

I ordered the Naju Gomtang Special, which features a generous amount of tender beef, including tripe for a varied texture. The broth is clear, clean, and incredibly refreshing. The special comes with tripe. The chewing texture is very diverse. The rice is served separately to maintain a calm temperature and prevent it from spreading in the soup. A side dish of seasoned meat, marinated in a rich sauce, is also provided – perfect on its own, as a gomtang accompaniment, or as a snack with drinks.

The staff were kind and attentive, creating a comfortable dining experience even when dining alone. The restaurant is neatly organized and offers takeout options. If you’re near Gaehwasan Station and craving a comforting meal, I highly recommend Original Naju Gomtang.

2. Hwagok Yeongyang Jokbal (화곡영양족발)

A 10-minute walk from Exit 3 of Hwagok Station, Hwagok Yeongyang Jokbal is a famous jokbal (pig’s feet) restaurant located within Hwagok Bon-dong Market. Jokbal lovers have likely heard of this place. Be aware there may be a wait.

Address: [Insert Actual Address Here – You can find it by searching “화곡영양족발” on Google Maps]

I visited around 6 PM on a Friday evening and was seated in the annex. The staff were busy preparing a large quantity of pig’s feet. I ordered the medium-sized jokbal, which comes with sundae (Korean sausage) and sundaeguk (sundae soup) as basic side dishes – a great combination to enjoy with soju. The jokbal lacked any herbal medicine smell and had a good balance of salty and sweet flavors. The skin was chewy, and the meat was tender and moist. Their makguksu (spicy buckwheat noodles) is also delicious, with a homemade sweet and sour sauce that’s distinctly different from commercial sauces.

The market atmosphere is lively, but be prepared for a potentially long wait. If you’re craving jokbal near Hwagok Station, Hwagok Yeongyang Jokbal is a must-try.

3. Hayangok (하양옥)

Located a 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Magok Station, Hayangok specializes in delicious pot rice sets. Ordering a set meal includes grilled beef and a pot lid doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew).

Address: [Insert Actual Address Here – You can find it by searching “하양옥 마곡” on Google Maps]

Even shortly after opening, the restaurant was quite busy. I was welcomed warmly and seated comfortably despite dining alone. I ordered the pine mushroom rice set meal, which came with homemade-style side dishes, meat, and stir-fried vegetables. The staff finished stir-frying the meat over a flame and served it with a prepared sauce. The doenjang jjigae, prepared directly on a pot lid, was incredibly flavorful. The soybean paste, sourced from a master in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongbuk, for over 30 years, had a deep and savory taste. The pot rice was abundant with ingredients and a fragrant mushroom scent. Adding homemade sauce and a piece of butter elevated the flavor even further.

Of all the pot rice I’ve ever had, Hayangok’s was the best. Although solo dining can be challenging in busy restaurants, I appreciated the accommodating atmosphere. I’m already planning a return visit to try the boiled pork stew. For those seeking a hearty Korean meal near Magok Station, Hayangok is an excellent choice.

4. Deungchon Choi Wol-seon Kalguksu (등촌최월선칼국수)

A 10-minute walk from Exit 4 of Jeungmi Station, Deungchon Choi Wol-seon Kalguksu is a 41-year-old restaurant serving delicious spicy mushroom stew. Located in a narrow alley, expect a considerable wait during meal times (reservations not accepted).

Address: [Insert Actual Address Here – You can find it by searching “등촌최월선칼국수” on Google Maps]

I ordered the spicy mushroom stew for two, which arrived in a large pot filled with water parsley, mushrooms, potatoes, and garlic. The generous amount of water parsley was impressive, and the broth had a clean, refreshing, and slightly spicy taste with a strong garlic flavor. The shredded mushrooms and water parsley infused the broth beautifully, creating a delightful texture and flavor. The kalguksu noodles were smooth and cooked quickly. Eating them with spicy garlic kimchi enhanced the flavor even further. The unmissable fried rice, carefully prepared with mashed potatoes, had a fluffy texture that I personally enjoyed. While many places sell spicy mushroom stew, Deungchon Choi Wol-seon Kalguksu is the original. If you need a hearty meal near Jeungmi Station or Gayang Station, this is a great option.

5. Chilheuk (칠흑)

Located within a 10-minute walk from Exit 7 of Gayang Station, Chilheuk is Korea’s first black pork editing shop. The luxurious exterior and refined interior create a gourmet dining atmosphere. Instead of selecting by cut, the menu allows you to choose your pork by breed: Berkshire K, Our Black Pork, and Nanchukmatdon. I ordered one serving of each.

Address: [Insert Actual Address Here – You can find it by searching “칠흑 가양” on Google Maps]

The owner kindly explained the differences between the breeds and provided grilling instructions. The thinly sliced front leg meat of each black pork variety offered unique flavors. The side dishes were neat and made with domestic ingredients (except for pepper). The shrimp paste, aged for over 10,000 hours, was a highlight when grilled and eaten with the meat. Naturally grown lettuce, available only from May to June, was another exceptional element. The restaurant owner, a domestic food MD for nearly 30 years, has a deep understanding of ingredients, making every dish a truly special experience. If you’re looking to experience the deep flavor of black pork and gain insight into quality ingredients, visit Chilheuk near Gayang Station.

6. Nyahang Bababa (냐항바바)

Also a 10-minute walk from Exit 7 of Gayang Station, Nyahang Bababa is a Vietnamese restaurant tucked away in a quiet residential alley. The remodeled house exterior is charming, and the interior is cozy and sophisticated, making it a great date spot. Tables are spaced generously for comfortable dining. The menu features signature rice noodles, assorted jjajo (spring rolls), spicy beef stir-fried noodles, and garlic fried rice.

Address: [Insert Actual Address Here – You can find it by searching “냐항바바” on Google Maps]

The rice noodles, served in a clean and savory broth, are enjoyable for everyone. The garlic fried rice, a signature dish, is served with seaweed and a dipping sauce – a true delicacy. The jjajo is crispy and well-fried, and I personally preferred the shrimp over the meat. The stir-fried noodles are topped with peanuts and have a rich, spicy, local flavor. The generous portions and local-style cuisine make this restaurant popular, so expect a wait during meal times. I recommend the rice noodles and garlic rice combination. If you’re near Gayang Station, Nyahang Bababa is worth a visit.

7. Gohyang Makchang Gui (고향막창구이)

Located within a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Gayang Station, Gohyang Makchang Gui is a popular makchang (grilled pork intestines) restaurant in a quiet alley. I ordered two servings of pork intestines, although jumkgogi (pork shoulder meat) is also a popular menu item.

Address: [Insert Actual Address Here – You can find it by searching “고향막창구이 가양” on Google Maps]

The restaurant served basic side dishes and a unique seasoning sauce. The doenjang jjigae was also served right away, which went well with a glass of alcohol while waiting for the makchang to cook. The perfectly cooked makchang was chewy and had a rich flavor without any fishy smell. Dipping it in the sauce added a savory taste that complemented the richness. The generous portion of fresh, chewy makchang was delicious and addictive. After enjoying two servings of makchang, you can order vegetable tripe for one person, offering a spicy and flavorful option. Don’t miss the fried rice, even if you’re already full. It’s quite delicious and provides a clean finish to the meal. If you enjoy chewy makchang, I recommend visiting Gohyang Makchang Gui near Gayang Station.

That concludes this guide to 7 must-try restaurants in Gangseo-gu! Whether you’re dining with family or a loved one, these restaurants offer a comfortable and delicious experience. I hope this guide helps you choose your next meal. If you found this video helpful, please click the like button. I’ll be back soon with another great guide. Thank you so much for watching!