A Taste of Korean Street Food in Myeongdong: Shinsegae Tteokbokki A Culinary Tradition Spanning 46 Years With over 46 years of history, Shinsegae Tteokbokki has long been cherished by both locals and visitors to Seoul. Frequently featured on various TV programs and media outlets, this time-honored eatery has earned a solid reputation, attracting domestic and international tourists looking to experience authentic Korean flavors. Experience Local Korean Cuisine For those visiting Seoul and eager to sample Korean street food, Shinsegae Tteokbokki in Myeongdong offers a convenient and reliable choice. Myeongdong is known for its shopping, dining, and close proximity to many of Seoul’s popular tourist attractions, making this location ideal for first-time visitors. Menu and Pricing * Tteokbokki: 5,000 KRW * Sundae (Korean blood sausage): 5,000 KRW * Mandu (dumplings): 3,000 KRW * Odeng (fish cake): 3,000 KRW Practical and Accessible The restaurant’s straightforward menu is suitable for newcomers to Korean cuisine. Nestled in Myeongdong’s tourist-friendly area, Shinsegae Tteokbokki makes it easy to incorporate a taste of local street food into your Seoul itinerary. A Simple Stop on Your Travel Route Whether you’re browsing nearby shops, exploring K-Beauty products, or just passing through Myeongdong, a visit to Shinsegae Tteokbokki offers a grounded introduction to everyday Korean flavors. Add this stop to gain a more authentic understanding of Seoul’s culinary scene, enriched by decades of tradition and media acclaim.

Bulgogi is a Korean word referring to all types of grilled meat. During the 1950s, grilled meat used to be called ‘Seolyameok’ or ‘neobiani’. When introduced to Japan, Bulgogi became known as Yakiniku. Depending on the recipe, both salted or seasoned meat are considered Bulgogi. Bulgogi Brothers is a new Korean food concept restaurant where high quality Bulgogi is served amongst a stylish interior with chic jazz music and sophisticated lighting without the annoyance of smoke. The restaurant offers a wide selection from their menu including different types of local bulgogi dishes (e.g. Gwangyang-style and Eonyang-style), grilled Hanu (Korean-bred beef), cold noodles, bibimbap, and stews. Recently, the restaurant has introduced 13 different kinds of traditional liquor leading the efforts to promote quality Korean traditional liquors to a wider audience.

Opened in 1981, this diminutive restaurant has been attracting customers with its mouthwatering ramyeon noodles for more than 20 years. The restaurant’s unique ramyeon recipe includes an ultra-spicy broth with lots of red pepper seasoning, chewy noodles, egg, and bean sprouts. Even Koreans, who are used to eating spicy kimchi, sometimes shed tears while eating this fare. Besides the food, the ambience is fun, with interesting messages written by customers attached to the ceiling and the walls. The restaurant has created its own jargon that is recognized only by regular customers: ramyeon is called ppal-gye-tteok (spicy red soup with egg and rice cake), and yellow pickled radish is called pineapple, to name a few of the coined terms. The menu board lists the price of ramyeon as W30,000 confusing first-time visitors. But don’t panic: an extra zero (0) was just added for fun! TIP: (1) Take some souvenir pictures using the walls and the ceiling as a background (2) Try putting some cold rice in your ramyeon for an interesting, less spicy taste.

Most foods from the northern region are characterized by their mild taste. In particular, Pyeongyang-style cold buckwheat noodles has a milder flavor compared to Hamheung-style cold noodles. Pildongmyeonok's cold buckwheat noodles may taste bland for those who are used to stronger flavors or seasonings, but it is praised by others who prefer mild flavors. The neat after taste of broth and chewy noodles are enough to delight one's tastebuds. Pyeongyang-style dumplings is another popular dish at Pildongmyeonok.    

The restaurant's signature dishes include a selection of items that do not include any of the 'five' forbidden roots (leeks, garlic, wild rocambole, Korean leeks, asafoetida) or artificial flavors. Pan-fried dough and fritters are tasty dishes dipped in potato starch and glutinous rice flour, instead of wheat flour. The restaurant uses organic vegetables delivered directly from the farm. 

Itaejae, located in a refined side street in Sogyeok-dong, offers authentic traditional Venetian-style Italian cuisine at a reasonable price.

The interior of the restaurant is dressed in Japanese style, offering a foreign environment for customers. Fresh, natural ingredients are used instead of MSG to give the udon soup base a refreshingly clean flavor. There are 5~6 different types of udon offered on the menu that are adapted to the taste of Koreans, such as Kimchi Udon and Oden Udon. Recommended set menus include the Okonomi-Teishoku (with tuna sashimi), Tokumi-Teishoku, and Tonkatsu-Teishoku (pork cutlet, rice, udon).

               

Opened in 1978 in central Daegu, Gaejeong a Korean restaurant serving traditional dishes, including different types of naengmyeon (chilled buckwheat noodle) and bibimbap.  

<Youtube: @치미러미_치밀한me+취미러mi> Introducing Lucky Ducky: A Must-Visit K-POP Themed Café in Myeongdong Nestled in the heart of Myeongdong, Lucky Ducky Café offers K-POP fans a unique and immersive experience. This café is particularly beloved by BTS fans, thanks to its diverse K-POP exhibitions and frequent events. Café Overview Located at 16, Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the first floor of Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong, Lucky Ducky Café is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM. The café boasts a spacious and clean interior filled with K-POP-themed decorations and exhibits.       K-POP Theme and Events The interior of the café is adorned with BTS photos and merchandise, creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans. There are dedicated photo zones where visitors can take pictures with BTS backdrops. Lucky Ducky frequently hosts various K-POP events, including fan meetings and birthday celebrations, making it a popular spot for fans to gather and celebrate their favorite idols. These events draw many international tourists, adding to the café's lively ambiance. Drinks and Desserts At Lucky Ducky, visitors can enjoy a variety of beverages and desserts. The BTS-themed macarons are particularly popular among fans. During event periods, ordering specific menu items can earn you exclusive idol merchandise, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.       Highlights Photo Zones: Capture memorable moments with the BTS-themed photo zones throughout the café. Events: Enjoy fan meetings, birthday celebrations, and special events like lucky draws, which provide unique experiences for visitors. Idol Merchandise: With every drink purchase, you can receive idol-themed goods. The café also displays a wide range of K-POP memorabilia. Special Menu Items: Indulge in special treats like BTS-themed macarons and other unique desserts. If you're planning a trip to Myeongdong, make sure to visit Lucky Ducky Café to immerse yourself in K-POP culture and create unforgettable memories. This café is a dream destination for K-POP fans, offering a truly special experience in the heart of Seoul.