Top 7 Best Restaurants in Seodaemun-gu

We have carefully compiled a list of the top 7 representative restaurants in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (especially the Yeonhui-dong and Sinchon areas) that have been loved for a long time.

1. Moraenae Seolleongtang Main Branch

Address: 271 Moraenae-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 22:00

Phone: 02-304-0311

Menu and Prices:

• Seolleongtang 15,000 won
• Lamb Bone Soup 18,000 won
• Special Seolleongtang 18,000 won
• Ox Knee Soup 21,000 won

Review: This is a specialty restaurant serving rich, milky-white Seolleongtang, carrying on a 40-year tradition. The milky, rich broth, simmered with care for a long time, is generously filled with tender meat, offering a deep and hearty meal. Large chunks of radish add a refreshing and deep flavor to the broth, while the pairing with the accompanying cubed radish kimchi and cabbage kimchi is outstanding. With a spacious and pleasant dining area and ample parking facilities, it is particularly popular with families. Opening as early as 7:00 AM, it is also an excellent spot for a hangover cure or a satisfying breakfast.

2. Subin

An authentic Korean traditional restaurant perfect for family gatherings or formal meals.

Address: 31-3, Yeonhi-ro 25-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Wed~Mon 11:30~20:40 (Break time 15:00~17:00 / Closed every Tuesday)

Phone: 0507-1387-9979

TV Broadcast: SBS Handsome Guys Episode 21 (Soy Sauce Marinated Crab, May 1, 25)

Menu and Prices:

• Tteokgalbi Set Meal 25,000 won
• Soy Sauce Marinated Crab Set Meal 41,000 won
• Set Meal for 3 Set No. 1 91,000 won
• Set Meal for 4 Set No. 1 116,000 won

Review: This is an authentic Korean traditional restaurant perfect for family gatherings or formal meals. The meal begins with a warm, nutty black sesame porridge to soothe the stomach. Signature dishes include thick, juicy, and tender Tteokgalbi (grilled beef patties), Ganjang Gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) with a deep umami flavor that isn't too salty, and savory Boriguribi (dried barley croaker). The diverse and neat side dishes, including seasoned eggplant, capture the authentic taste of healthy, heartfelt home cooking. With private dining spaces and complete valet parking services, it is highly recommended for dining with elders or for entertaining guests.

3. Magnolia

The representative Chinese restaurant of Yeonhui-dong owned by Chef Lee Yeon-bok, beloved enough to require advance reservations.

Address: 21, Yeonhi-ro 15-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Wed~Sun 11:30~21:20 (Break time 15:00~17:00, Last order 20:35 / Closed every Monday and the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month)

Phone: 02-732-0054

TV Broadcast: KBS2 Fun-Staurant Episode 43 (20.08.21 Menbosha/Dongpaeyuk)

Menu and Prices:

• Menbosha (Small) 35,000 won / (Large) 50,000 won
• Dongpo Pork (Small) 45,000 won / (Large) 60,000 won

Review: As the representative Chinese restaurant of Yeonhui-dong owned by Chef Lee Yeon-bok, this place is so beloved that advance reservations are essential. The Menbosha, with its crispy exterior and interior packed with plump shrimp, boasts an unrivaled texture and flavor. The Dongpo Pork, featuring meat that melts tenderly in the mouth and just the right amount of seasoning, is also a signature dish. Even the standard meal options like Jajangmyeon and Jjamppong offer flavors that go beyond solid fundamentals. With comfortable private rooms and spacious tables perfectly arranged, it is the ideal place for family gatherings on special occasions or for enjoying a refined Chinese course meal.

4. Nokwon Ssambap Yeonhui Branch

A top-tier Ssambap specialty restaurant offering excellent value for money with high customer satisfaction.

Address: 22, Yeonhi-ro 25-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Wed~Sun 11:30~21:00 (Break time 15:30~17:00, Last order 14:50, 20:20 / Closed every Monday)

Phone: 0507-1353-9483

TV Broadcast: IHQ Delicious Guys Episode 350 (21.11.05 Ssambap/Bossam/Makguksu/Buckwheat Pancake)

Menu and Prices:

• Makguksu 13,000 won
• Buckwheat pancake 15,000 won
• Nokwon Ssambap 18,000 won
• Nokwon Bossam Set Meal 18,000 won

Review: This is a top-tier Ssambap specialty restaurant offering excellent value for money, with high customer satisfaction thanks to its freshness and generous portions. A major advantage is the abundant and fresh leafy greens available for unlimited refills at the self-service corner, while the combination of spicy and sweet seasoned stir-fried pork and stir-fried squid is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The menu offers a diverse range of options, including tender Bossam set meals, refreshing Makguksu (buckwheat noodles), and crispy buckwheat pancakes. The savory and spicy Doenjang Jjigae (soybean paste stew) paired with neat, home-style side dishes creates the feeling of being treated to a healthy and hearty meal. Parking is available in front of the building, and we highly recommend this as a must-visit Korean restaurant.

5. Yeonkyung Yeonhee Branch

A renowned restaurant where you can enjoy a diverse range of high-quality Chinese cuisine in a grand and pleasant setting.

Address: 145 Yeonhi-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Daily 11:30 - 21:30 (Mon-Fri Break time 15:00 - 17:00 / Sat-Sun No break time, Last order 21:00)

Phone: 0507-1458-6655

Menu and Prices:

• Jajangmyeon 9,000 won
• Samseon Jjajangmyeon 13,000 won
• Samseon Jjamppong 13,000 won
• Glutinous Rice Sweet and Sour Pork 30,000 won

Review: This is a renowned restaurant where you can enjoy a diverse range of high-quality Chinese cuisine in a grand and pleasant setting. Popular signature dishes include Menbosha, featuring a delightful bouncy texture thanks to its generous filling of shrimp, and luxurious Peking Duck. Dishes such as the rich and savory Seafood Nurungji-tang, the crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside Sweet and Sour Pork, and Teppanyaki Yu Lin Ji continue to receive rave reviews, while the classic Jajangmyeon and Jjamppong are also excellent. Equipped with luxurious interiors, private rooms, and valet parking services, it offers the optimal environment for banquets, family events, and group gatherings.

6. Udon Kaden

An authentic Japanese udon specialty restaurant renowned for its noodles' unrivaled chewiness.

Address: 1F, Geohwa Building, 173 Yeonhi-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Tue~Fri 11:30~22:00 (Break time 15:00~17:30, Last order 21:30) / Sat 11:30~21:00 (Last order 20:30) / Closed every Sunday and Monday

Phone: 02-337-6360

TV Broadcast: Netflix Black and White Chef 2 (December 16, 2525)

Menu and Prices:

• Udon 9,000 won
• Sashimi-grilled Octopus 17,000 won
• Kaisendon 22,000 won
• Eel Rice Bowl 32,000 won

Review: Operated by Chef Jeong Ho-young, this is an authentic Japanese udon specialty restaurant renowned for its noodles' unrivaled chewiness. It offers a diverse menu featuring Tempura Udon, topped with crispy tempura in a clean and deep broth, as well as addictive Curry Udon and Maze Udon. Beyond udon, the side dishes are equally impressive, including Kaisendon topped with fresh sashimi, and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside Chicken Karaage and Crispy Octopus. With an open kitchen in the spacious and clean restaurant allowing you to watch the cooking process firsthand, this is a gourmet destination where you can enjoy your meal with peace of mind.

7. Cheongsong Hamheung Naengmyeon Specialty Restaurant

A Hamheung Naengmyeon specialty restaurant preserving deep history and tradition in Yeonhui-dong.

Address: 6 Yeonhimat-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Mon~Sat 10:30 ~ 20:20 (Last order 20:00 / No break time, Closed every Sunday)

Phone: 02-334-3545

TV Broadcasts: KBS2 Live Information Ep. 865 (May 2, 2014: Bibim Hoe Naengmyeon) / IHQ Tasty Guys Ep. 14 (May 29, 2015: Naengmyeon)

Menu and Prices:

• Bibim Naengmyeon 13,000 won
• Raw Fish Cold Noodles 13,000 won
• Skate Sashimi 25,000 won
• Boiled Pork 30,000 won

Review: This is a Hamheung Naengmyeon specialty restaurant that preserves a deep history and tradition in Yeonhui-dong, enough to be selected as a Seoul City 'Long-standing Store'. The popular menu items, Hoe Naengmyeon (raw fish cold noodles) and Bibim Naengmyeon (spicy mixed cold noodles), feature a perfect harmony of chewy noodles and a special sweet and sour sauce. The flavors are not overly spicy, making them easy to enjoy. They boast a fantastic pairing when accompanied by savory handmade king dumplings, mung bean pancakes, and boiled pork slices, all crafted in-house to showcase a personal touch. The restaurant operates without a break time and offers valet parking, making it the perfect place to visit comfortably anytime to enjoy a refreshing bowl of cold noodles.