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Yaksu Station Food Tour: A Sundaeguk Pilgrimage and Hidden Gems!

Hello! This week, we’re exploring the delicious food scene around Yaksu Station in Seoul. Yaksu Station is known for its incredible Sundaeguk (Korean blood sausage soup), but there’s so much more to discover! We’ve visited seven different places, from famous Sundaeguk restaurants to hidden dessert spots and local favorites. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

The Sundaeguk Showdown: 3 Famous Restaurants Compared

Yaksu Station is practically synonymous with Sundaeguk. Actor Park Sung-hoon even said he’d choose Yaksu Sundaeguk as his last meal! There are three particularly famous Sundaeguk restaurants here, and we’re diving into each of them to see what makes them special.

1. Yaksu Sundaeguk: A 50-Year Tradition

Located a short 5-minute walk from Yaksu Station Exit 7, Yaksu Sundaeguk has been serving up delicious Sundaeguk since 1977. Recently remodeled, the restaurant boasts a clean and modern exterior. While the interior isn’t huge, there are single seats by the window, making it a comfortable spot for solo diners. Even during opening hours, I noticed many elderly locals enjoying their soup, a sure sign of a neighborhood favorite.

A regular Sundaeguk costs ₩12,000, while a special goes for ₩14,000. I ordered the regular. The Sundaeguk arrived with a generous serving of seasoned sauce and perilla powder. The broth is prepared in advance with meat and boiled broth, resulting in a soup that’s served at a comfortable temperature – perfect for slurping! The portion size is impressive, packed with plenty of offal meats and head meat. The meat was fresh, tender, and lacked any gamey smell, with a delightful chewy texture. It paired perfectly with the radish kimchi.

The clean broth and nutty flavor of perilla powder created a satisfying taste. My only regret was that the soup cooled down relatively quickly. However, the fresh ingredients, abundance of tender meat, and clean-tasting soup made it a truly enjoyable experience.

Verdict: Yaksu Sundaeguk is recommended for those who appreciate a clean-tasting, traditional Sundaeguk. The price might feel a little high for some, but the quality is definitely there.

Google Search Assessment: A quick Google search for “Yaksu Sundaeguk” reveals numerous positive reviews praising the restaurant’s long history, delicious soup, and clean atmosphere. Many reviewers mention the high price point, but also acknowledge the generous portion sizes and quality ingredients. Location shown in search results is accurate.

2. Original Honam Sundaeguk: 24/7 Sundaeguk Goodness

For over 45 years, Original Honam Sundaeguk has been a staple in Yaksu Market. Located within a 5-minute walk from Yaksu Station Exit 5, this restaurant is open 24 hours a day, making it a lifesaver for late-night cravings. The Sundaeguk is priced at ₩11,000. Besides Sundaeguk, the menu also offers Bone Haejangguk (pork bone hangover soup), Naejangtang (offal stew), Bulgogi (marinated beef), and more. You can even order liver and sundae separately, making it a great spot for a drink and some snacks.

The Sundaeguk is served piping hot in a boiling broth. Two types of kimchi and onions are provided as side dishes, along with pepper, seasoning sauce, and rice. The soup contains plenty of large pieces of pork, and the meat looks fresh and appetizing. I recommend taking the meat out of the soup, dipping it in shrimp paste, and enjoying it separately. The broth is clean and free of any fishy smell. However, if you’re expecting a strong, stimulating flavor, you might be slightly disappointed.

The restaurant was filled with local residents, and the staff were friendly, creating a pleasant dining atmosphere. Original Honam Sundaeguk is a precious 24-hour establishment that serves a generous portion of Sundaeguk. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a lighter, cleaner broth.

Verdict: Original Honam Sundaeguk is perfect for late-night eats or for those who prefer a mild, clean broth. The 24-hour operation is a huge plus!

Google Search Assessment: Searching for “Original Honam Sundaeguk Yaksu” confirms its presence in Yaksu Market and its 24-hour operation. Reviews often mention the generous portions and affordable prices. While some reviews mention the broth being less flavorful than other Sundaeguk restaurants, others appreciate its clean and simple taste. Location shown in search results is accurate.

3. Haenam Sundaeguk: A Personal Favorite

Haenam Sundaeguk is another famous Sundaeguk restaurant in Yaksu-dong, considered one of the best. It’s located within a 3-minute walk from Yaksu Station Exit 7. You can smell the aroma of cilantro from the outside! The interior is cozy and the tables are spaced comfortably, allowing for a relaxed meal. I was really tempted to try the boiled pork (Suyuk), which seemed to be a popular order, but I was dining alone and couldn’t manage it. I’ll have to come back for that!

They provide a complimentary serving of liver, which I absolutely loved! The seasoning sauce is prepared separately, so you can enjoy the pure taste of the broth first. The soup is packed with meat from various parts of the pig, and the broth is clean and light. The broth is already seasoned, so there’s no need to add extra sauce. The hot soup was particularly enjoyable. I think it was more to my personal taste, and it seemed the freshest of the three. It offers a wide variety of meat parts.

Verdict: Haenam Sundaeguk is my personal favorite among the three. For those who have similar tastes, I highly recommend giving it a try. The fresh ingredients, flavorful broth, and complimentary liver make it a standout experience.

Google Search Assessment: A search for “Haenam Sundaeguk Yaksu” confirms its reputation as a top Sundaeguk restaurant in Yaksu. Reviews consistently praise the flavorful broth, generous portions, and high-quality ingredients. Many reviewers also mention the friendly service and cozy atmosphere. Location shown in search results is accurate.

Beyond Sundaeguk: Sweet Treats and Hidden Gems

After our Sundaeguk adventure, it’s time to explore other culinary delights around Yaksu Station!

1. Walnut Cracker Walnut Cookies: A Perfect Snack or Gift

Located right next to Haenam Sundaeguk is a Walnut Cracker Walnut Cookies store. They are continuously making walnut cookies in the store. The packaging is also very neat, It seems like a good idea for a simple gift. It seems like half a walnut was in it, The more I ate it, the more I said, “Wow, it’s literally a walnut cookie.”, It’s full of red beans, but It’s surprisingly not too sweet, It seems like it’s also great as a snack, The walnut cookies I ate recently Among, The most delicious walnut cookie I’ve ever had!!!!!!! If you visit Yaksu, I recommend you try it.

2. Glutinous Rice Donuts and Croquettes: Street Food Delights

A short walk away you can find glutinous rice donuts and delicious croquettes. Be careful not to eat while walking! The glutinous rice donuts were incredibly chewy and delicious, I couldn’t stop eating them. The croquettes were also tastier than those from regular bakeries. If you like these kinds of snacks, you won’t be disappointed!

3. Tofu Love: A Tofu Lover’s Paradise

Tofu Love, located within a 3-minute walk from Yaksu Station Exit 4, offers a variety of tofu dishes and fish dishes. The set menu includes two kinds of Jjigae (stew), Mackerel Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and tofu kimchi, making for a hearty meal. Tofu stew is also a popular choice. I ordered the Kongbiji (soybean pulp stew), which is only available at Tofu Love. The finely ground, creamy soybean paste had a smooth, almost milky texture. The rich taste was incredibly satisfying, and I finished the bowl in no time. The side dishes were also delicious, and I left feeling very full.

Tofu Love has been in operation since 2002, and it feels like a beloved neighborhood restaurant. If you love tofu, be sure to check it out!

4. Yamakichi: A Cozy Tavern with Delicious Food

Yamakichi operates as a lunch spot and a tavern in the evening. Located within a 7-minute walk from Yaksu Station Exit 3, this cozy and well-decorated restaurant offers a nice atmosphere for a meal or drinks with friends. The menu features Kani Miso Soba (crab miso buckwheat noodles), Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), and Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) as signature dishes. I ordered the Kani Miso Soba. You need to order one drink per person. There is a great variety of drinks, It was nice to be able to try new flavors. The green flavor is really strong, It’s incomparable to other pastas or soba~! It was much more delicious! It’s good to eat it wrapped in seaweed, When you feel a little rich, With the highball and yuzu sour I ordered, It was even more delicious to the end, Not only the soba variety, There are various menus Overall, Because they say it tastes good, In a place with good taste and good atmosphere, For those who want to spend time with friends, Visit Yamakichi at Yaksu Station.

5. Jinnampo Myeonok: North Korean Style Steamed Chicken

Yaksu Station is also known for its North Korean style steamed chicken. I visited Jinnampo Myeonok, located within a 3-minute walk from Yaksu Station Exit 7. The interior is clean and I was able to get a table without waiting. The menu includes steamed chicken (Jjimdak), Bossam (boiled pork), Makguksu (buckwheat noodles), Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), and plated dumplings. The Jjimdak took a while to arrive, but it looked incredibly delicious. The oil is completely drained, resulting in a chewy and light texture. I made a sour and spicy seasoning sauce and ate it with chives. Mul-makguksu (cold buckwheat noodles) made with dongchimi broth was refreshing and light and a great pair. Jinnampo Myeonok uses induction Jjimdak, You can keep eating it warm, They kindly taught me how to eat it deliciously. For those who want to try hearty Jjimdak at Yaksu Station, I recommend you visit once.

6. Risaar Coffee: An Italian Style Espresso Bar

Within a 5-minute walk from Exit 7 of Yaksu Station, you’ll find Risaar Coffee, an Italian style standing espresso bar. The inside is a small standing bar, In a space where about 7 people can fit, You can see people standing and enjoying coffee, Oneroso, which is espresso with cream and milk added,, It has a smooth and rich taste, For those who don’t like bitter tastes, It’s a taste that I would recommend, The price was 2,500 won, From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Operation, It’s not a very convenient business hour to visit, It seems like a place where you can feel satisfied with the high quality coffee.

Conclusion

Yaksu Station is a food lover’s paradise! From the iconic Sundaeguk restaurants to the hidden dessert spots and local favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I hope this guide has inspired you to explore the delicious food scene around Yaksu Station. If you enjoyed this guide, please subscribe and leave a comment below with your favorite Yaksu Station restaurants!