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Taste Authentic Seoul: Uncovering Local Favorite Restaurants and Pojangmachas

Seoul is a city teeming with both modern marvels and deep-rooted traditions. While the bustling city center offers endless contemporary dining experiences, true culinary treasures often lie hidden in its quaint alleyways. Join us on a gastronomic journey as we uncover some of Seoul’s most beloved local eateries and pojangmachas, where decades of tradition meet delicious, authentic Korean flavors.

Singil-dong’s 30-Year-Old Indoor Pocha: A Local’s Haven

Nestled in an alley in Seoul’s Singil-dong, you’ll find an indoor pocha boasting 30 years of history, cherished by locals. The interior itself tells a story, adorned with countless soju and makgeolli bottle caps, creating a vibrant, green-hued mosaic with splashes of red and even burnt gas stove caps forming playful heart shapes.

This charming spot offers an astounding menu of over 80 anju (side dishes), each reflecting a deep sense of warmth and familiarity. We ordered their signature Crab Stew (Kkotgetang).

What to Expect:

• Refreshing Starters: Kick off your meal with a unique barley juice, followed by complimentary banchan (side dishes) and a freshly fried egg for each person. Don’t miss the heartwarming seaweed soup – a delightful touch that makes this pocha truly special.
• The Star Dish – Crab Stew: The Kkotgetang arrives, a bubbling pot of spicy, refreshing goodness. The broth is incredibly rich and savory, infused with the fresh crab meat and roe, making it a true delicacy. Adding ramen noodles towards the end soaks up all that amazing flavor!

Location: Singil-dong, Seoul
General Rating: Highly recommended by locals, known for its long tradition and extensive menu (approx. 4.5/5).

Pildong Haemul in Chungmuro: 50 Years of Seafood Excellence

In the heart of Chungmuro, a district known for its towering high-rises, stands a unique single-story house – Pildong Haemul. For 50 years, this venerable establishment has been the cherished “sparrow’s mill” for Chungmuro office workers, serving nothing but the freshest seafood.

We arrived early to secure a spot and ordered the Assorted Seafood (Modum). The elderly owner, who has been running the place for half a century, ensures every dish is a testament to quality.

A Seafood Lover’s Dream:

• Daily Freshness: Seafood is sourced fresh every dawn from Noryangjin Market.
• Simple yet Potent Sides: The only complimentary side dish is a steaming bowl of mussel soup, so comforting it could be a meal in itself. Paired with their addictive “magic sauce” (chogochujang), every bite is a delight.
• The Modum Experience: Our assorted seafood platter was a vibrant display of fresh oysters, tender octopus, firm abalone, crunchy sea cucumber, delicate scallops, flavorful squid, savory whelk, and jumbo abalone. Each piece was incredibly fresh and bursting with natural flavor.

Location: Chungmuro, Seoul
General Rating: A long-standing institution, revered for its fresh, high-quality seafood (approx. 4.5/5).

Jeongneung-ri Market’s Chamsaebanggakkan Jipbaejip: Affordable Delights

At Jeongneung-ri Market, Chamsaebanggakkan Jipbaejip is a true testament to hard work and delicious, affordable food. Open from 2 PM to 10 PM, the “superwoman” owner even runs a vegetable business in the early mornings!

This spot offers an incredibly wallet-friendly menu, making it a favorite for both lunch and evening drinks.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Suyuk (Boiled Pork Slices): For just 10,000 KRW, you get perfectly tender, glossy pork belly suyuk, served with freshly made chive kimchi and refreshing water kimchi. The combination of soft pork and crisp kimchi is heavenly.
• Steamed Squid (Ojing-eo Sukhoe): Another incredible deal at 5,000 KRW, the steamed squid is wonderfully tender and pairs perfectly with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Signature Toast: Don’t leave without trying their signature toast. Made fresh on the spot with generous amounts of margarine and just the right touch of sugar, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat – a diamond-grade effort for a budget price.

Location: Jeongneung-ri Market, Seoul
General Rating: Praised for its incredible value, delicious home-style food, and friendly owner (approx. 4.5/5).

Jongno 3-ga’s Nostalgic Under-the-Bridge Pocha

Near Jongno 3-ga Station, nestled under a bridge in the Nakwon-dong/Ikseon-dong area, is a pocha that feels like stepping back into the 1980s. Once a hidden gem for local elders, it’s now gaining popularity among younger crowds thanks to social media – and it’s even been a filming location for various dramas and movies!

Open from 6 PM, this place exudes a unique, unpolished charm with its peeling walls, dim fluorescent lights, and mismatched tables and chairs. Drinks are self-service, adding to the relaxed, communal atmosphere.

Retro Flavors and Unique Bites:

• Classic Accompaniments: Start with a simple, refreshing cucumber while you fetch your makgeolli (which inexplicably tastes even better here!). The presence of a traditional briquette stove adds to the nostalgic ambiance.
• Ojing-eo Jeon (Squid Pancake): A perfectly cooked squid pancake, brought out with a warm smile by the 80-year-old owner.
• Ganjaemi Jjim (Steamed Skate/Ray): A highlight dish! Similar to hongeo-jjim but milder, this steamed skate is best enjoyed by peeling off the meat and dipping it in wasabi sauce with fresh chives. It delivers a delightful nasal punch!
• More Comfort Food: We also indulged in more tender steamed squid (ojing-eo sukhoe), a hearty, rustic egg roll (gyeranmari), and a soul-warming bowl of Feast Noodles (janchi guksu). The janchi guksu, made with a grandmother’s secret anchovy broth and homemade kimchi, is truly unforgettable.

Location: Under a bridge near Jongno 3-ga Station (Nakwon-dong/Ikseon-dong area), Seoul
General Rating: Highly popular for its unique retro atmosphere, friendly service, and traditional anju (approx. 4.6/5).

From the lively, cap-decorated walls of Singil-dong to the fresh seafood platters of Chungmuro, the affordable home-style cooking of Jeongneung-ri, and the time-capsule charm of Jongno 3-ga, Seoul’s local eateries offer an authentic taste of Korean culture. Each spot provides not just a meal, but an experience steeped in tradition and genuine hospitality. Make sure to add these hidden gems to your Seoul itinerary!