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Hanseongdae Ip-gu Food Tour: Discovering Sungbukcheon’s Culinary Hidden Gems in Seoul

Nestled between the vibrant districts of Sungshin Women’s University and Hyehwa, Hanseong University Station (Hanseongdae Ip-gu) in Samseon-dong, Seongbuk-gu, offers a surprisingly rich culinary landscape, especially along the picturesque Sungbukcheon stream. While its neighbors are well-trodden, Hanseongdae Ip-gu often flies under the radar. This time, we embarked on a delightful food tour to uncover the area’s best-kept secrets, especially those with charming outdoor seating by the stream, known as “yajiang” spots.

A Gastronomic Journey Through Hanseongdae Ip-gu

Samseon (삼선) – The Legendary Chinese Eatery

Our first stop was Samseon, a unique Chinese restaurant near Hanseongdae Ip-gu Station, now in its second year. Its distinctiveness lies in its minimalist menu: only two meal options, Samseon Jjajang and Samseon Jjamppong, and one dish, Menbosha. The interior, though not large, features an open kitchen showcasing the meticulous preparation. We ordered the Samseon Jjajang (12,000 KRW), and it was a revelation! It arrived looking like a steak dish, topped with fried shrimp and a fried egg – an unbelievable value. The freshly wok-fried, sweet yet savory jjajang sauce combined perfectly with thick, tender chunks of meat. The Menbosha, served with a delightful lemon cream sauce, was equally impressive, boasting a crispy exterior and a succulent shrimp filling. Samseon is a true gem, proving that quality and generosity can come at an incredibly fair price.

Bangmok (방목) – Sungbukcheon’s Popular Korean BBQ

Next, we visited Bangmok, arguably the most popular spot along Sungbukcheon, operating for five years with two distinct branches. We chose the branch with the fantastic “yajiang” atmosphere right by the stream. Specializing in thick-cut pork, we ordered the Mokbansanban (Pork Neck and Belly platter). The thick cuts of pork belly and neck, along with eggplant, were expertly grilled by the staff from start to finish. The pork neck was incredibly tender and juicy, especially delicious with a pinch of salt. The true highlight was pairing it with the refreshing wasabi leaf pickles. As a bonus, ordering meat comes with complimentary Kimchi Guksu (kimchi noodle soup), a perfect palate cleanser for the rich pork. Bangmok offers a premium BBQ experience in a charming riverside setting.

Hanseongdae Yangkkcohi (한성대 양꼬치) – Exclusive Lamb Skewer Heaven

Hidden in an alley near Sungbukcheon, Hanseongdae Yangkkcohi is a reservation-only spot, operating for eight years with only five tables and a strict two-hour dining limit. Despite the difficulty of getting a reservation, it’s worth the effort. We ordered two servings of lamb skewers and Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork). The lamb skewers were exceptionally thick and juicy, unlike any other, offering a “lamb steak” experience with a perfect fat-to-meat ratio and no gamey smell. The Guo Bao Rou was equally impressive, with thick slices of pork and a uniquely tangy-sweet sauce. This place sets a new standard for lamb skewers in Seoul.

Jongno Gopchang (종로곱창) – Timeless Vegetable Gopchang

Deep within the main food street, Jongno Gopchang has been a local institution for over 22 years. The restaurant is consistently packed, a testament to its popularity. We opted for the Vegetable Gopchang (2 servings). The portion was massive, filling the entire hot plate with deliciously stir-fried beef intestines and vegetables. The gopchang was tender, chewy, and moist, seasoned with a mild, savory, and slightly spicy sauce enhanced with perilla powder. It paired perfectly with perilla leaves, and the accompanying sweet and sour cold seaweed soup was a refreshing contrast. The highlight, as often with gopchang, was the delectable fried rice prepared with the leftover sauce at the end. Jongno Gopchang is a classic for a reason, offering great value and comforting flavors.

Myeongmun Makguksu (명문막국수) – Hanseongdae’s Buckwheat Noodle Legacy

Near Hanseongdae Ip-gu Station Exit 5, Myeongmun Makguksu has been serving its signature buckwheat noodles for 15 years. We tried the Myeongtae Sikhae Makguksu (Spicy Pollack Roe Buckwheat Noodles), featuring a generous topping of spicy fermented pollack. The sauce was surprisingly mild and savory, not overly stimulating, allowing the natural nuttiness of the buckwheat noodles to shine. The chewy, sweet, and sour pollack added a delightful texture. The broth, a subtle dongchimi-like flavor, complemented the rich sauce. This makguksu stands out for its balanced, non-overpowering flavors, allowing diners to customize with vinegar and mustard to their preference. It’s a truly comforting and unique noodle experience.

Seongbuk-dong Cypress Steamed Dish (성북동 편백찜) – Healthy & Wholesome Course Meal

Operating for four years, Seongbuk-dong Cypress Steamed Dish is a personal venture offering cypress-steamed meats and shabu-shabu. We ordered the Seongbuk-dong Course, starting with a special set of three sauces and fresh kimchi. The cypress-steamed meats, served with rice paper, were incredibly clean, tender, and delicious, especially when dipped in ponzu, chili, or the rich homemade peanut sauce. The course continued with a fresh shabu-shabu, where you lightly cook vegetables and meat in a flavorful broth. The meal concludes with perfectly cooked kal-guksu (knife-cut noodles). This restaurant provides a wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly well-structured dining experience from start to finish.

Tteokgomul Jukseok Tteokbokki (떡고물 즉석떡볶이) – Student-Favorite Instant Tteokbokki

A student hotspot near Hanseongdae Ip-gu, Tteokgomul Jukseok Tteokbokki has been a beloved instant tteokbokki joint since 2008. The menu is incredibly affordable; a 2-person set costs just 13,000 KRW. We tried the Rose Tteokbokki with added cheese. Initially, it’s served as a classic gochujang tteokbokki with a savory, slightly spicy, and sweet flavor. Then, cream is added to transform it into a creamy rose version. The unique cheese topping comes as a tortilla, which, when dipped into the rose sauce, creates a delightful cheesy pizza-like experience. Finishing with delicious fried rice is a must. This place offers a fun, customizable, and budget-friendly tteokbokki experience.

Bubu Chef (부부셰프) – Artisan Wood-fired Pizza & Pasta

Near Hanseongdae Ip-gu Station Exit 7, Bubu Chef is a nine-year-old wood-fired pizza and pasta restaurant. We sampled two of their best sellers: “Husband’s Pizza” and Shrimp Aglio Olio. The complimentary pre-meal bread with sour cream and tomato was surprisingly soft. “Husband’s Pizza,” topped with finely chopped arugula and generous bulgogi, was a fusion masterpiece – a perfect blend of traditional wood-fired pizza and savory bulgogi, appealing to all palates. The Shrimp Aglio Olio was perfectly seasoned, with fragrant oil, abundant plump shrimp, and occasional bursts of garlic flavor. The combination of savory aglio olio and sweet bulgogi pizza was exceptional, making Bubu Chef an ideal choice for quality Italian cuisine.

Horangi Gimbap (호랑이 김밥) – Unique Gourmet Gimbap

An intriguing takeout-only spot, Horangi Gimbap, in operation for eight years, offers unique gimbap varieties. We ordered the Bakgoji Gimbap (Dried Gourd Gimbap) and Sirloin Bulgogi Gimbap. While pricey, the quality and generosity of ingredients justify it; the rolls are almost futomaki-sized. The Bakgoji Gimbap was a revelation: the gourd, simmered in soy sauce and rice syrup, had an incredibly chewy, jelly-like texture, beautifully complemented by soft egg and a tangy mustard sauce. The Sirloin Bulgogi Gimbap was equally impressive, packed with flavorful bulgogi and seasoned cucumber. Horangi Gimbap offers a gourmet gimbap experience that feels more like a complete meal, with the Bakgoji Gimbap being a truly unforgettable culinary discovery.

Old Chinese Restaurant (옛날 중국집) – A 50-Year Legacy

Our final stop was a traditional Chinese restaurant, a “100-year store” known for its enduring legacy. Despite a small seating area, this place is a must-visit for its Tangsuyuk (Sweet and Sour Pork). It arrived as large, crispy pieces, reminiscent of boneless fried chicken, delightful even with just ketchup. The moderately sweet, thick sauce perfectly complemented the crunchy exterior and tender pork. Their classic jjajangmyeon was not overly sweet, embodying a nostalgic flavor, while the jjamppong offered a refreshing, seafood-rich broth that wasn’t overly spicy. The star, however, remains the generously sized and perfectly fried tangsuyuk, a true taste of tradition.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Food Adventure

Our Hanseongdae Ip-gu food tour was a truly special experience. The area, particularly around Sungbukcheon, boasts a unique charm and an impressive array of culinary delights, from hidden Chinese gems and popular Korean BBQ to artisanal Italian and traditional gimbap. Hanseongdae Ip-gu offers a gastronomic adventure unlike any other, promising delicious discoveries at every turn.