5 hidden restaurants in Myeongdong

5 hidden restaurants in Myeongdong

Gook food has long been an important part of Korean society, but it is now receiving increasing attention around the world. Myeong-dong is one of the most vibrant streets representing Korea, and is also a place where you can easily find a variety of cuisines from around the world. However, because there are so many choices, international travelers visiting Myeongdong often wonder, ‘Which is the real taste of Korea?’ and ‘Where do locals eat?’ Famous and crowded restaurants are great, but sometimes you can encounter the true Korean spirit in places hidden deep in alleys. Since you are traveling to Korea, we introduce 5 hidden restaurants in Myeong-dong that are incorporated into the daily lives of Koreans rather than flashy advertisements!

Myeongdong Chaeum Jeongsik
1

Myeongdong Chaeum Jeongsik

Halal certificationveganMuslim FriendlyK-Food
tasteComfort indexlanguage communicationcleanlinessserviceCost-effectiveness

Myeongdong Chaeum Hanjeongsik, located right in front of Myeongdong Station, is a special space where you can experience traditional Korean food and culture in one place. This store is very spacious and the tables are spaced generously, providing an optimal environment for families or group gatherings. In particular, we have menus that are officially certified as Halal, so even Muslim travelers can enjoy authentic Korean food with confidence. There is also a vegan limited menu option for vegetarians, so you can experience a healthy Korean diet that focuses on neat vegetables and vegetables without meat. The interior with a Korean feel and the Hanbok experience and traditional play area provided within the store provide foreign guests with special memories that go beyond just a meal. The food is neatly prepared with authentic Korean aesthetics. In addition to main dishes such as soy sauce crab that boasts a deep flavor, you can also enjoy scorched rice, a delicacy of Korean food culture, through instant pot rice cooked upon order. Thanks to its respect for diverse dietary preferences (Halal, Vegan), it is recommended as the most inclusive Korean restaurant in Myeong-dong.

Location

1 minute walk from Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station

Mi Seong-ok
2

Mi Seong-ok

K-Food
tasteComfort indexserviceCost-effectivenesscleanlinesscommunication

Miseongok, hidden in an alley in Myeongdong, is a true restaurant that has focused on only seolleongtang (seolleongtang) and boiled pork for decades. The seolleongtang here is characterized by a much clearer and cleaner broth than regular seolleongtang. When you take a bite, you can feel the deep flavor of the broth without any unpleasant smell. Above all, the most important side dishes of seolleongtang, kimchi and kkakdugi, are very delicious. If you put a piece of kimchi on top of seolleongtang meat, it tastes great. Tips: This is a prepaid payment system. To enjoy your food comfortably, you must first pay while sitting down and ordering. Seolleongtang alone is great, but the gently boiled pork is the hidden star of Miseongok. If you have a group, I highly recommend ordering together.

Location

5-minute walk from Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station, 3-minute walk from Exit 6 of Euljiro 1-ga Station

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu
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Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu

Multilingual menu
serviceCost-effectivenessComfort indextastecleanlinesslanguage communication

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu is one of the most popular and loved kalguksu brands in Korea. It has numerous chain stores nationwide, so it is a proven restaurant that can be easily found anywhere, including major tourist attractions in Seoul such as Hongdae and Myeongdong. Although it is not fancy, high-end cuisine, it is the first place recommended when you want to experience the ‘real local taste’ that Koreans enjoy in their daily lives. The biggest attraction of this place is that you can enjoy a perfect full course [Shabu Shabu + Kalguksu + Fried Rice] at an affordable price. There are many spacious and comfortable stores, making it a great place to visit with friends or family, and you can feel the vibrant energy typical of a friendly Korean restaurant. <Quick Guide to Enjoy Like a Local> Ordering Tip: The default is spicy broth, so if you want a light taste, order 'Clear Mushroom Kalguksu' (for 2 or more people). To maximize the flavor of the broth, be sure to add beef (200g). Eating order: First, lightly blanch the vegetables and meat in the boiling broth, then add the kalguksu noodles and cook them thoroughly. Final highlight: Even if you're full, don't miss the fried rice. The savory rice stir-fried with the remaining broth is the key to completing the rating of this place. This is a place where you can get all the flavor and taste of Korea at a reasonable price, so try it when you need a hearty and healthy meal during your trip!

Location

5-minute walk from Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station

Kimgane Myeongdong Station Branch
4

Kimgane Myeongdong Station Branch

Multilingual menu
Cost-effectivenessservicecleanlinesstasteComfort indexlanguage communication

Kimgane Myeongdong Station branch, located near Exit 4 of Myeongdong Station, is a 24-hour store that you can visit anytime you feel hungry, late at night or early in the morning after enjoying the gorgeous night view of Myeongdong. The biggest appeal of this place is that you can taste the most Korean soul food regardless of time. The premium kimbap, the main menu here, is perfect for those who want a ‘simple but perfect meal’. It is filled with more fillings than rice, so it has excellent nutritional balance, and above all, it is very easy to package, so you can enjoy it on the go or on the street. Highly recommended for travelers who want to have a picnic meal at a nearby park during their busy schedule. With over 50 colorful menu items, including sweet and spicy tteokbokki and bibimbap, ordering is very easy thanks to the kiosk. The store is kept clean and trustworthy, and the turnover rate is fast, so you can eat quickly without waiting even during a busy shopping schedule. If you are looking for the most accessible and cost-effective restaurant in Myeongdong, Kimgane, open 24 hours a day, is the answer.

Location

1 minute walk from Exit 4 of Myeongdong Station

Samhojeong
5

Samhojeong

Corkage free
tastecleanlinessserviceComfort indexCost-effectivenesslanguage communication

Samhojeong, located in a quiet alley near Myeongdong Station, is a Korean beef specialty restaurant that has been in business for over 50 years. Instead of a flashy sign, this place maintains the friendly atmosphere typical of an old-fashioned restaurant with traces of time, making it the perfect place for those looking for a truly local Korean restaurant. The representative menu item, Korean beef sirloin, is quickly grilled on a specially made cast iron plate, boasting tender meat and rich gravy. The seasoning is not too strong and the flavor is excellent, and the neat side dishes provided further enhance the flavor of the meat. The first floor has regular table seating, and the second floor has private rooms that can be reserved, making it ideal for dining while having a private conversation with your group. If you want to get away from the streets crowded with tourists and experience Korean meat dishes filled with deep flavor, I highly recommend you visit. The neat young radish noodles served after the meal are a delicacy unique to this place that leaves your mouth feeling refreshed.

Location

2-minute walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 4