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Discover Myeongdong’s Must-Try Eateries: A Foreigner’s Food Guide

Myeongdong, Seoul’s vibrant shopping and entertainment district, is a magnet for international visitors. But beyond the bustling street stalls, which often come with surprisingly high price tags, lies a treasure trove of authentic Korean restaurants that have captured the hearts (and palates) of foreigners. Inspired by countless vlogs and international reviews, we’ve explored Myeongdong from a “foreigner’s perspective” to bring you the ultimate guide to its most beloved dining spots. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey!

Iconic Breakfast & Budget Bites

Isaac Toast (Myeongdong Branch)

Location: Myeongdong, Seoul

General Rating: Extremely popular, often the first stop in foreigner Myeongdong food vlogs.

A true Myeongdong institution, Isaac Toast is a non-negotiable stop for many international visitors. Opening bright and early at 7 AM, it’s the perfect spot for a delicious and affordable breakfast. Be prepared for a queue, as this place is constantly busy!

While I usually stick to the Ham & Cheese Special, the Bulgogi Toast and Bulgalbi Toast are the unequivocal stars here, especially among foreigners. Taking a bite, you’ll understand why: the bread is infused with a sweet, buttery sauce, embracing a fluffy egg, a savory-sweet bulgogi patty (reminiscent of a Lotte리아 Bulgogi Burger), and gently melted cheese. Tangy pickles and crisp cabbage add the perfect counterpoint, making each mouthful an explosion of flavor. It’s unbelievably delicious and offers incredible value compared to Myeongdong’s pricier street food.

Comforting Korean Soups & Stews

Sinseon Seolleongtang (Myeongdong Branch)

Location: Directly below Myeongdong Cathedral

General Rating: Frequently featured in foreigner food tours, expect weekend waits.

Often a pleasant surprise for many, Sinseon Seolleongtang might not immediately strike you as a “foreigner’s hotspot,” but it consistently appears in international guides. Its serene location below Myeongdong Cathedral often sees a waiting line, especially on weekends, with a predominantly foreign clientele inside.

The magic here lies in its mild and clean flavor profile. Many foreigners find traditional Korean dishes quite strong—salty, sweet, or spicy—making Sinseon Seolleongtang’s simple yet deeply comforting beef bone broth a welcome respite, especially for breakfast. The basic Seolleongtang, with its milky white broth and tender slices of meat, offers a gentle, savory taste. Don’t miss the perfectly ripe *seokbakji* (cubed radish kimchi), which complements the soup beautifully. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the Jeyuk Kimchi-jeon (Pork Kimchi Pancake) is a winner: made with deliciously sour aged kimchi and savory meat, served sizzling hot.

Unique Korean Dining Experiences

Odari Jip Ganjang Gejang (Soy-Marinated Crab)

Location: Myeongdong (two branches, 2nd branch recommended for solo diners, ~3 min walk from 1st)

General Rating: Extremely popular with 2+ hour waits, 90% Japanese and 10% Chinese customers.

Prepare for a wait—sometimes two hours or more—at Odari Jip, a truly astounding Myeongdong restaurant predominantly patronized by Japanese and Chinese tourists. This place is so popular that the last Korean blog post about it was over a year ago! The 2nd branch even offers a unique atmosphere with live piano music.

Ganjang Gejang (soy-marinated raw crab) is the star. While admittedly pricey, the experience is unparalleled. The crab is incredibly fresh and tender, marinated in a sweet, non-salty soy sauce. Spooning the creamy crab meat, rich innards, and popping fish roe over a bowl of rice wrapped in seaweed is an unforgettable taste sensation. The generous spread of nine side dishes, including steamed egg and a sweet kimchi stew, completes the feast. This is where you taste the true essence of Korean ganjang gejang that captivates international palates.

Myeongdong Kyoja

Location: Myeongdong (Main, Annex, Itaewon, new branch near Myeongdong Station)

General Rating: Constantly packed, 80% foreigners, Michelin-recognized.

A true Myeongdong icon, Myeongdong Kyoja has grown into a chain, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination. The Michelin recognition certainly helps attract its overwhelmingly foreign customer base. If you’re dining alone, don’t worry—there are dedicated single-person seats.

Their menu focuses on just three items: Kalguksu (hand-cut noodles) and Mandu (dumplings). The Kalguksu features a rich, non-salty chicken broth with a unique, slightly Jajangmyeon-like flavor. The noodles, though often slightly soft from continuous cooking, are wonderfully smooth. But the real showstopper here, in my opinion, are the Mandu. These plump dumplings are bursting with savory meat and vegetable juices, offering a moist and flavorful experience that often outshines the noodles. Pair it all with their intensely garlicky and spicy kimchi for an authentic kick!

Eongteori Saenggogi (Myeongdong Branch)

Location: Central Myeongdong street alley

General Rating: Most frequently appearing K-BBQ spot in foreigner vlogs, excellent value.

For an authentic Korean BBQ experience that won’t break the bank, Eongteori Saenggogi is consistently recommended by foreign food vloggers. This all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet (only 17,900 won per person!) is always bustling, with queues forming at the self-service bar for its plentiful side dishes.

Despite being a buffet, the quality of the pork belly (samgyeopsal) and pork neck (moksal) is surprisingly high—thick, savory, and without any gamey smell. The self-bar offers essential accompaniments like fresh green onion salad, garlic, cabbage with mustard sauce, and sweet radish wraps, all perfectly complementing the grilled meat. Don’t forget to grill some kimchi and bean sprouts on the foil for an extra sweet and savory treat. This spot offers fantastic taste and value, satisfying both local and international diners.

Noodle Delights & Chicken Specialties

Lan Zhou Lamian (Ranjukalmyeon)

Location: Myeongdong (17 years in operation)

General Rating: Currently Myeongdong’s #1 waiting restaurant, popular with both Koreans and foreigners.

Currently boasting the longest queues in Myeongdong, Lan Zhou Lamian has been serving up unique flavors for 17 years. Specializing in *dosakmyeon* (knife-cut noodles), a rarity in Seoul, it offers a distinct Chinese-Korean fusion experience.

The Seafood Stir-fried Dosakmyeon arrives in a surprisingly large bowl, delivering an impressive *wok hei* (smoky flavor) and thick, chewy noodles reminiscent of *sujebi*. Its sweetish, savory seasoning is similar to *bokkeum jjampong*, packed with various seafood. However, my personal favorite is the Lamb Cumin Dosakmyeon—a rich, salty dish where thick lamb pieces and noodles are bathed in a cumin-infused sauce, making it perfect with a beer. Their Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork) is also a must-try; it’s incredibly chewy and less sweet than typical versions, elevated further by a dip in Chinese black vinegar. This place offers a unique taste, aroma, and texture that sets it apart from conventional Chinese restaurants.

Jangin Dakgalbi (Myeongdong Branch)

Location: Myeongdong, Seoul

General Rating: Myeongdong must-visit, featured often in vlogs for its visual appeal; the restaurant is predominantly filled with foreign diners.

Jangin Dakgalbi is another Myeongdong staple, especially popular with foreigners, often appearing interchangeably with Yu Ga Ne Dakgalbi in travel vlogs. The visual appeal, particularly of their cheese-laden dishes, is a major draw. Step inside, and you’ll find an entire restaurant filled with international guests, with menus readily available in English and Japanese.

Order the basic Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and add cheese for the full experience. The dish arrives pre-cooked but is finished at your table, allowing the cheese to melt into a luscious, stretchy blanket. The chicken is tender, and the sauce achieves a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Wrapping a piece of chicken with a dollop of cheese and pickled radish in a fresh lettuce leaf is pure bliss. The generous amount of rich, creamy cheese is certainly a highlight, making it a delicious and highly photogenic meal.

Classic Korean Street Food & Chicken

Shinsegae Tteokbokki

Location: Myeongdong (near Shinsegae Department Store, original location)

General Rating: A beloved institution, over 48 years in business; one of the last original tteokbokki spots in the area.

For a taste of classic Korean street food, Shinsegae Tteokbokki is an essential stop. Operating for over 48 years, it’s the last remaining tteokbokki shop from the original seven that once lined the area near Shinsegae Department Store.

Their vibrant red tteokbokki is incredibly inviting. The rice cakes are thick and wonderfully soft, coated in a sweet, thick, and satisfyingly spicy sauce. What truly sets it apart is the generous amount of crushed garlic, which adds a pungent, aromatic kick that makes it stand out from other tteokbokki. Don’t hesitate to order a side of their thick fish cakes (*odeng*) to round out this uniquely flavorful experience.

BHC Chicken (Myeongdong Main Branch)

Location: Myeongdong’s “Chicken Alley” (Myeongdong Main Branch)

General Rating: Myeongdong must-visit, consistently packed with foreigners, especially on weekends.

It seems inexplicable to many, but Korean fried chicken holds a special place in the hearts of international visitors, even though fried chicken exists everywhere. BHC Chicken’s Myeongdong Main Branch is a testament to this, frequently featuring long weekend queues and a bustling atmosphere in Myeongdong’s dedicated “Chicken Alley.”

While Bburinkle (cheese powder chicken) is undeniably their most famous and visually appealing dish, I opted for the less-known Magic Kl. This chicken is coated in a sweet and crispy garlic butter powder, offering a delightful crunch and flavor reminiscent of garlic bread or even cereal. It’s incredibly tasty, but like Bburinkle, the rich powder can become a bit overwhelming after a few pieces. Nevertheless, it’s a quintessential Korean fried chicken experience that every foreigner visiting Myeongdong should try.

Final Thoughts on Myeongdong Dining

Having explored these nine Myeongdong gems from a foreigner’s perspective, it’s clear that visitors are truly enjoying the diverse and delicious culinary landscape beyond the often-overpriced street food. From iconic breakfasts to unique marinated crab, comforting soups, and beloved fried chicken, Myeongdong offers an array of incredible dining experiences that capture the essence of Korean cuisine. This food tour brought back all the excitement of travel, right here in the heart of Seoul!