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Explore Sinseol-dong & Dongmyo: A Culinary Journey Through Seoul’s Hidden Food Gems

Nestled in the heart of Seoul, the vibrant neighborhoods of Sinseol-dong and Dongmyo offer a treasure trove of authentic Korean flavors, from time-honored traditional dishes to unique modern takes. Often overlooked by mainstream tourist guides, these areas buzz with local energy and boast eateries that have stood the test of time, some for over half a century. Join us on a gastronomic adventure as we uncover some of the best culinary delights these charming districts have to offer.

Sinseol-dong’s Enduring Flavors

A Legacy of Warmth: Mother’s Guesthouse Haejangguk (어머니대성집 해장국)

Our journey begins in Sinseol-dong at the legendary Mother’s Guesthouse Haejangguk, a name synonymous with Seoul’s best hangover soup. This immensely popular spot, open early to cater to morning crowds, might seem modest in size but extends across two to three floors. Priced at a reasonable 10,000 KRW, the haejangguk here is a visual and culinary marvel, brimming with tripe, greens (ugeoji), pork backbone, and congealed blood.

The broth is incredibly rich and savory, yet surprisingly clean, offering a unique blend that tastes like a sophisticated mix of traditional haejangguk and gamjatang. Paired with their delicious, sweet, and deeply savory kimchi (with a strong fermented anchovy flavor), it’s a match made in heaven. The reviewer rated this 50-year-old establishment as one of the top three haejangguks they’ve ever tasted – a truly perfect experience.

Location: Sinseol-dong, Seoul
General Rating: Highly recommended, top 3 Haejangguk.

A Taste of Authenticity: King Handmade Dumplings (킹수제만두)

Next up in Sinseol-dong is King Handmade Dumplings, a well-known spot, surprisingly more famous for its Mapo Tofu than its namesake dumplings. Run by a Chinese-Korean family (Huaqiao), the interior is neat and welcoming. We recommend trying both the Mapo Tofu Rice and the Shrimp Pork Fried Dumplings (Gunmandu).

The Mapo Tofu Rice is an explosion of authentic Szechuan flavors. From the moment it arrives, the intense mala (numbing and spicy) aroma is captivating. It delivers a genuine taste of Sichuan cuisine, characterized by the sharp heat of chili oil, the salty depth of doubanjiang, and the distinct numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns (huajiao), with absolutely no sweetness. It’s an acquired taste, but incredibly authentic – akin to what you’d find in Daerim-dong’s Chinatown. The dumplings, particularly the fried ones, are a signature item. They are incredibly juicy on the inside with a satisfying crispy exterior, packed with a rich filling of pork and shrimp.

Location: Sinseol-dong, Seoul
General Rating: Mapo Tofu is authentically spicy and numbing (may be divisive); Dumplings are excellent and a must-try.

Elevated Comfort Food: Joyful Pork Cutlet (즐거운맛돈까스)

For a different kind of comfort, Joyful Pork Cutlet in Sinseol-dong offers a high-quality experience. Even at 11:40 AM, there’s often a wait, a testament to its popularity. The menu is simple: Loin (Deungsim) and Tenderloin (Ansim) pork cutlets. We opted for the Loin cutlet.

What sets this place apart is the incredible thickness of the pork – the thickest the reviewer had ever seen in a pork cutlet. Yet, despite its thickness, it’s astonishingly soft and juicy, reminiscent of perfectly cooked Bossam (boiled pork slices). The frying oil appears fresh, ensuring a clean, crisp coating. Dipped in salt, the natural flavors shine, or you can use their tangy, mustard-infused Worcestershire-based sauce. At 13,000 KRW for five substantial pieces, it offers tremendous value and a truly unique pork cutlet experience, feeling more like a high-quality steak than a typical fried cutlet.

Location: Sinseol-dong, Seoul
General Rating: Excellent, high-quality, very tender and thick cutlet. Highly recommended.

Dongmyo’s Noodle Battle & Beyond

A Spicy Adventure: Honam Restaurant (Jjukkumi Alley)

Venturing slightly beyond Sinseol-dong, a famous Jjukkumi Alley boasts Honam Restaurant, a spacious establishment known for its flavorful webfoot octopus dishes. We tried the Jjukkumi (webfoot octopus) for takeout. A key tip for preparing their jjukkumi at home is to add plenty of garlic as you stir-fry it. The natural juices released from the octopus form a delicious, fresh broth, making it perfect to enjoy “soup jjukkumi” style, much like tteokbokki in sauce.

The taste is a delightful balance of intense spiciness (comparable to Buldak Bokkeum Myeon), a subtle sweetness, and a fresh, almost oceanic undertone, distinguishing it from typical jjukkumi bulgogi. The octopus itself is wonderfully chewy. Adding cheese is a fantastic option to complement the heat. Don’t forget to stir-fry rice with the leftover sauce – it’s a game-changer! This restaurant is a must-visit for lovers of spicy food.

Location: Jjukkumi Alley (a notable food street, general area for exploration)
General Rating: Highly recommended for spicy food enthusiasts.

A Local Secret: Wari Gari Sundaeguk (와리가리 순대국)

Nearby, Wari Gari Sundaeguk stands out for its unique take on the traditional blood sausage soup. The restaurant is quite spacious and offers a flavorful Sundaeguk, usually priced around 8,000-9,000 KRW. What makes it special is the inclusion of “Pee-Sundae” – a handmade blood sausage with a distinct, richer texture and flavor compared to conventional sundae.

The broth is clear and robustly savory, with a mild spiciness that warms you from within. But the star is truly the Pee-Sundae: its unique texture, savory taste, and delightful “popping” sensation with each bite are unforgettable. The soup is clean, focusing mainly on the sundae and osuri gamtu (pork stomach lining), making for a satisfying meal. The kimchi served here is also delicious, perfectly complementing the rich soup.

Location: Near Sinseol-dong/Dongmyo, Seoul
General Rating: Excellent, especially for its unique Pee-Sundae.

Cold Noodle Giants: Naksan Naengmyeon (낙산냉면) & Gitdaebong Naengmyeon (깃대봉냉면)

No culinary tour of Dongmyo is complete without experiencing its legendary cold noodle rivalry. Naksan Naengmyeon, located right in the bustling Dongmyo Market, is incredibly famous and has been featured extensively on television. They serve just one dish: Naengmyeon.

The broth of Naksan Naengmyeon is famously sweet, almost like a refreshing, cold noodle-flavored soda – perfect for a hot day. While the “regular spicy” option wasn’t very spicy to our reviewer, it’s recommended to order a spicier version for a more balanced and exciting flavor profile that combines sweetness, sourness, and a kick. Gitdaebong Naengmyeon, another Dongmyo heavyweight with convenient parking, offers a similar but subtly different experience. Its broth is less sweet and slightly spicier than Naksan’s “regular spicy,” with a more subdued overall taste. Both offer a unique, sweet, sour, and spicy cold noodle experience that stands apart from typical mul-naengmyeon or bibim-naengmyeon. For those who enjoy a fiery kick, opting for the spiciest level at either establishment is highly recommended.

Location: Dongmyo Market (Naksan Naengmyeon), Dongmyo (Gitdaebong Naengmyeon), Seoul
General Rating: Both are very famous and offer unique sweet/sour/spicy cold noodles; recommended to order spicier options.

From the comforting warmth of haejangguk to the invigorating chill of naengmyeon, Sinseol-dong and Dongmyo offer a diverse and deeply satisfying culinary landscape. These neighborhoods are a testament to Seoul’s rich food heritage, providing authentic tastes that delight both locals and adventurous foodies. Make sure to add these gems to your next Seoul itinerary!