Operating since 1966. This restaurant, with nearly 50 years of history, is the flagship store of the Myeongdong Dumplings brand and is considered one of the best places to enjoy authentic Korean dumplings. Their signature dishes are knife-cut noodles and steamed dumplings (which look very similar to xiaolongbao), and they also offer dumpling soup. Myeongdong Dumplings is arguably the No.1 dining spot in the Myeongdong area. The popular Korean drama 'You're Beautiful,' which captivated countless young men and women, was filmed here, showcasing its popularity. Therefore, long queues are a common sight when dining at Myeongdong Dumplings.
The store name sounds grand, but in reality, it is a very unassuming small shop. However, this small shop boasts a 50-year history and is renowned for its authentic Jeonju Bibimbap. The stone pot, made from the mineral-rich Jangsu wax stone of North Jeolla Province, creates the store's signature dish, 'Jeonju Wax Stone Bibimbap'.
Bongchu Jjimdak
A famous dish from the Andong region of South Korea, which still retains a rich traditional culture. Bongchu Jjimdak is actually a braised dish, where marinated, fragrant, and spicy chicken is stir-fried with side ingredients like potatoes, sweet potatoes, radishes, and glass noodles. It has a rich color, sweet taste, and mild spiciness that will definitely whet your appetite! The cooking method is similar to Northeast China’s mixed stew and also resembles the Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken. The glass noodles braised with the chicken are a major delicacy. This restaurant is definitely a super popular spot in the Myeongdong area, and you can avoid long waits by dining during off-peak hours. The restaurant's location is a bit hidden, situated in a relatively narrow street in the Myeongdong pedestrian area, but it is so famous that if you can't find it, you can ask others for directions.
A highly rated barbecue restaurant among locals and travelers in Seoul. The quality and taste of the ingredients are excellent, and the side dishes are quite generous. The main recommendation is pork ribs, and if your budget allows, you can try the raw beef and Korean beef ribs. If you need some staple food, seafood pancakes and cold noodles are recommended, but it's not recommended to order samgyetang here as it's not as authentic as in specialized samgyetang restaurants.
Ribs are wrapped in abundant cheese and grilled on an iron plate, blending the aroma of meat and cheese. This is one of the most famous examples of the Korean 'great invention' of adding cheese to everything. Originally a famous restaurant near Hongik University, this Myeongdong branch opened later but became even more popular. It is an excellent choice for dining while sightseeing and shopping in Myeongdong.
From Myeongdong, head uphill towards the Namsan Cable Car lower station. Turn left at the intersection near the Chinese Embassy Consular Office, and you will see a winding road lined with several fried pork cutlet shops, known as 'Fried Pork Cutlet Street.' On this street, there is a prominent orange sign, said to be the first fried pork cutlet shop in Namsan. The shop's decor is simple, but it has been thriving for 20 years and is the most frequently reported fried pork cutlet shop by various media. It is recommended for those seeking the most authentic and original experience.
Gongpyeong-dong Grilled Eel
The grilled eel here is not a small snack or the eel on Japanese eel rice, but rather spicy seasoned raw eel grilled directly on an iron grate like grilling pork belly. It's a dish that's hard to find outside of South Korea. This place often has long queues, and the menu is very simple. Besides grilled eel, the Korean-style spicy seafood noodles (짬봉) and steamed egg (계린찜) are also very delicious.
A highly popular Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace, frequently visited by former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun. It is almost always fully occupied, and during the hottest days of summer, you need to queue to get a seat. The restaurant's signature Samgyetang is made from a young chicken about a month old, combined with ginseng, jujube, and other supplements, and simmered with Tosokchon's special ingredients.
Samcheong-dong Ggakdugi Soup
Dough flakes are cooked in a fish soup stewed with clams, potatoes, pumpkins, onions, and other ingredients. The soup is thick and flavorful, making this Ggakdugi Soup very suitable for the taste of people from the northern regions. It is best enjoyed with a bowl during winter.
Hee's Grilled Octopus Restaurant
A specialty restaurant for spicy grilled octopus, where the octopus is grilled on an iron net with spicy sauce. It can be wrapped in perilla leaves or eaten with boiled eggs. Hee's Grilled Octopus Restaurant often has a line at the door during meal times and is a very popular restaurant near Hongdae.
Simpson Soup
A very popular Budae Jjigae (army stew) restaurant, co-owned by male singer Stay and female artist Hwangbo. Its biggest feature is the richer beef bone cheese broth compared to other Budae Jjigae restaurants. Simpson Soup has two other branches in Gangnam District, Seoul.
Dalsuda Dessert Cafe
A very popular dessert and coffee chain among young people recently. In addition to coffee and toast, various flavors of ice porridge and unique Maya-flavored grilled corn are the specialties. The presentation is quite chic, making it a place where you can enjoy exquisite dishes at reasonable prices.
Passionne
An elegant, refined, and authentic French restaurant offering set menus from appetizers to main courses to desserts. Lunch costs over 40,000 KRW and dinner costs over 70,000 KRW. Highly recommended dishes include lamb chops and baked escargot soup. The taste of the steaks and fish fillets is also top-notch, definitely at a five-star hotel level.
Louis Cinq
A Western-style bar where you can enjoy delicious lamb chops, oysters, cold ham, pasta, and roast chicken. It's especially suitable for friends who plan to bar-hop in Apgujeong but haven't had time for dinner yet, as you can solve both here. The bar is not very noisy, just the music is louder than in regular restaurants, creating a relaxed and stylish atmosphere.
