Nestled beside the bustling Yeonnam-dong, Yeonhui-dong offers a charming escape with a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape. While traditionally known for its historic Chinese restaurants due to the presence of a Chinese school, a recent tour revealed an exciting array of dining options, from unique brunch spots to authentic Korean eateries and long-standing Asian gems. Join us as we explore 10 exceptional restaurants that define Yeonhui-dong’s vibrant food scene.

Brunch Delights in Yeonhui-dong

JSJ Lab (JSJ랩) – All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Wonderland

Location: Yeonhui-dong

General Rating: Excellent Value & Unique Concept

JSJ Lab stands out as a truly unique brunch destination, offering an all-you-can-eat buffet for just 14,900 KRW per person during lunch hours. The cozy interior, with seating for 6-7 tables, exudes a cute and inviting atmosphere. Here, you’ll find an impressive spread including fresh salads (mozzarella tomato, cold pasta, carrot rappe, grain), savory sausages, roasted vegetables, and a variety of freshly baked goods like incredibly soft French toast. Don’t miss their creamy pumpkin soup and delightful garlic bread topped with a soft-boiled egg and eggplant. The abundance of vegetables ensures a satisfying yet light feeling, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely and indulgent brunch.

Kutsay Yeonhui (쿳사연희) – Australian Brunch with a Twist

Location: Yeonhui-dong

General Rating: Highly Recommended for Unique Flavors & Presentation

A beloved Yeonhui-dong institution for 7 years, Kutsay Yeonhui is an Australian brunch spot so popular it often has a waiting line. Despite the close table spacing, the ambiance is charming. Their menu features unfamiliar yet intriguing dishes, with the Kutsay Benedict and Rosé Ratatouille Shrimp Pasta being crowd favorites. The Benedict boasts fluffy homemade ciabatta, crispy bacon, and a perfectly poached egg, all enveloped in a subtly spicy Hollandaise sauce. The shrimp pasta, a personal favorite, is a work of art with roasted vegetables crowning a pie-encased shrimp pasta in a creamy, refreshing rosé sauce. While a bit pricier, the unique flavors and stunning presentation make it well worth the splurge for a truly special brunch experience.

Authentic Korean Flavors You Can’t Miss

Wolsoon Cheolpan Dongtae Jjim (월순철판통태찜) – Legendary Spicy Pollack Stew

Location: Yeonhui-dong

General Rating: Exceptional & Must-Reserve

A true “ancestor” of Yeonhui-dong, Wolsoon Cheolpan Dongtae Jjim has been serving its incredible spicy pollack stew for over 20 years. This place is notoriously difficult to get into, requiring mandatory reservations as the dish takes 40 minutes to prepare. The iron plate pollock stew is a visual masterpiece, featuring incredibly soft pollack meat and abundant roe, all coated in a perfectly balanced yet powerfully spicy sauce (choose your spice level). The initial sweetness gives way to a clean, intense heat, complemented by crunchy bean sprouts. Finish your meal with a flavorful fried rice, prepared right at your table with minari and seaweed. It’s an unforgettable Korean culinary experience.

Nokwon Ssambap (녹원쌈밥) – Unlimited Ssam for a Wholesome Feast

Location: Yeonhui-dong

General Rating: Very Satisfying & Homestyle Korean

For 18 years, Nokwon Ssambap has been serving comforting, homestyle Korean meals in an atmosphere that feels like dining in a traditional Korean house. Their biggest draw is the unlimited refill of incredibly fresh ssam vegetables. Choose between Ssambap Jeongshik (pork, squid, mushrooms) or Bossam Jeongshik (boiled pork with radish kimchi), both accompanied by six delicious side dishes. The tender bossam, savory jeyuk, and addictive squid stir-fry are all “rice thieves,” perfectly seasoned and incredibly flavorful. With fluffy rice, hearty doenjang-jjigae, and a plethora of perfectly balanced banchan, Nokwon Ssambap offers a satisfying and wholesome meal where you can endlessly enjoy wrapping your food in fresh greens.

Yeonhui Gomtang (연희곰탕) – Refreshing Beef Bone Soup

Location: Yeonhui-dong

General Rating: Excellent for Clean & Rich Broth

Yeonhui Gomtang, a long-standing gomtang specialist for six years, offers a clear, clean, and deeply savory beef bone soup that feels truly purifying. Their signature Yang Gomtang (tripe soup) comes with a pristine white broth, fresh kimchi, and kkakdugi. The broth itself is so perfectly balanced that it needs no additional seasoning, simply enhanced by a generous sprinkle of green onions. The meat, including the chewy, fresh tripe and tender short ribs, is of high quality with no gamey smell. Paired with the assertively sour kimchi and kkakdugi, each spoonful is a comforting and invigorating experience. It’s a prime example of a restaurant dedicated to perfecting a simple, traditional dish with premium ingredients.

Gongnyong Budae Jjigae (공룡부대찌개) – Unique Minari Army Stew

Location: Yeonhui-dong

General Rating: Recommended for a Fresh Take on Budae Jjigae

Operating for 13 years, Gongnyong Budae Jjigae offers a distinctive spin on the popular army stew: the Minari Budae Jjigae. Unlike typical versions, this restaurant generously adds whole bundles of fragrant water dropwort (minari) to the pot, creating a refreshing aroma and texture. The broth, made from beef bone, is surprisingly clean and not overly stimulating, allowing the subtle flavors of the ham and fresh minari to shine. Served with individually prepared hot pot rice, the stew gets more flavorful as it boils down, melding well with ingredients like frankfurters, minced meat, tofu, and macaroni. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a less aggressive, more invigorating budae jjigae experience.

A Taste of Asia: Chinese & Taiwanese Cuisine

Cheongsong Hamheung Naengmyeon (청송함흥냉면) – Legendary Cold Noodles & Dumplings

Location: Yeonhui-dong

General Rating: Highly Acclaimed & Historic

A true “fossil” of Yeonhui-dong, Cheongsong Hamheung Naengmyeon has been a local favorite for 32 years, bustling with customers (even offering parking). This blue-ribbon recipient is renowned for its Hoe Naengmyeon (cold noodles with fermented skate) and substantial Wang Mandu (king dumplings). The handmade dumplings are incredibly soft, bursting with savory juices. The Hoe Naengmyeon features plump, non-overly fermented skate slices, thin noodles, and a deeply flavorful, sweet-sour sauce with a unique depth. The skate has a delightful chewy texture without any pungent smell or bones. It’s an unbeatable combination of refreshing cold noodles and perfectly crafted dumplings.

Yangminsan (양민산) – High-Quality Taiwanese Fried Delights

Location: Yeonhui-dong (near Hongjecheon stream)

General Rating: High-Quality & Unique Taiwanese

Located at the northern edge of Yeonhui-dong, Yangminsan is a small, five-year-old Taiwanese restaurant acclaimed for its “Half-Half Fried Dish” (반반튀김) and Beef Noodle Soup (우육면). The beef noodle soup features tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks in a slightly sweet broth with a hint of mala spice. The fried pork is incredibly savory, almost like a gourmet tonkatsu without sauce. However, the star is the fried eggplant, which cleverly encases a meatball, creating an “eggplant dumpling” that is crispy outside and juicy within, perfectly complemented by a chili sauce. This restaurant delivers a high-quality, authentic Taiwanese experience.

Ohyang Mandu (오향만두) – Yeonhui-dong’s Top-Tier Dumpling House

Location: Yeonhui-dong

General Rating: Excellent & Historic Dumpling Specialist

For 12 years, Ohyang Mandu has stood as a beloved Yeonhui-dong institution, notable for being a Chinese restaurant that doesn’t serve jjajangmyeon or jjamppong. Instead, it focuses on perfecting dumplings and stir-fried dishes. Their steamed and pan-fried king dumplings, each portion generously offering 10 large, handmade pieces, are truly top-tier. The steamed dumplings are soft, plain, and savory with a distinct vegetable aroma, while the pan-fried version adds a delightful crispiness. Pair them with the perfectly seasoned Gochujapchae (stir-fried spicy pork with bell peppers and chili), best enjoyed wrapped in fluffy flower buns. It’s an ideal spot for a satisfying meal centered around exceptional dumplings and flavorful Chinese stir-fries.

Ihawon (이화원) – Unique Jade Chinese Cold Noodles

Location: Yeonhui-dong

General Rating: Recommended for Distinctive Cold Noodles

Ihawon is another long-standing Yeonhui-dong establishment, particularly famous for its unique “Jade Cold Noodles” (비취냉면). Unlike typical Chinese cold noodles that use peanut sauce, Ihawon’s version features a deeply savory, sweet-sour broth without it. The vibrant green noodles, made with spinach, offer a delightful chewiness that perfectly complements the refreshing broth and crisp jellyfish. Alongside their fresh seafood, Ihawon also serves high-quality, juicy dim sum. If you’re looking for a distinctive and refreshing take on Chinese cold noodles that stands apart from the rest, Ihawon is a must-visit.

Yeonhui-dong, often recognized for its traditional Chinese eateries, truly surprised with its rich diversity. Beyond the historical charm, this neighborhood offers an abundance of stylish brunch spots and cozy cafes, making it an ideal destination for a delightful outing and a memorable culinary journey. Whether you’re craving a unique brunch, hearty Korean comfort food, or authentic Asian flavors, Yeonhui-dong promises a delicious adventure.