Located in Insa-dong in Jongno, Tobang is a folk restaurant offering affordably priced meals. It is widely known through word-of-mouth and is particularly beloved for its Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew) and Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi stew). The rice and all the side dishes (except for the pickled crab) can be refilled for free upon request.

Owned by the parents of Lee Hi, Lamese Cadeau specializes in Korean seafood dishes. The K-pop star’s favorite food on the menu is the ganjang-gejang (soy sauce-marinated crabs) made with fresh crabs sourced from the Incheon sea shore. The ganjang-gejang meal is served with several side dishes (banchan), featuring locally-sourced conch, abalone, and seaweed. Upon request, the dishes can be delivered directly from the restaurant. As for the interior, a large poster of Lee Hi hangs by the entrance while autographs of Lee’s fellow artists from YG Entertainment―such as Bobby and Lee Soo-hyun―decorate the walls.  

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.

Kwonsooksoo gets its name from the chef who opened the restaurant and sooksoo, the old word for "a person who makes food." Chef Kwon Woo Joong opened the restaurant with the hope of showcasing the tastes of Korean homecooked meals in a new way, neither old fashioned nor awkward.  

Luden Loquen SPACE (Cafe LN) is a unique hanok cafe, located at the end of the alley where Bukcheon Hanok Village starts. The cafe is not just an average café where you can drink tea or coffee but because of location and design it has an added sense of cultural value. Locals come to enjoy the best tea in town, brewed using high quality tea leaves with information on its origin attached. (For example, the gukhwa-cha (chrysanthemum tea) at the café comes from the Andong region.) In addition to traditional drinks and sweets, the coffee shop offers a variety treats that combines Korean ingredients and modern desserts. The hanok (traditional Korean house) building has been reinterpreted through a modern design.

Bugeogukjip (formerly “Teojutgol”) is a restaurant behind City Hall in Seoul that has been serving up authentic dried Pollack soup since 1968. Despite a name change, the restaurant has proudly stood in this same location for decades, earning a strong reputation for its dried Pollack soup made using traditional cooking methods. Since the restaurant only serves one thing—dried Pollack soup—there are few preparations to be made and the meal arrives on your table in minutes. Customers are free to serve themselves basic side dishes such as kimchi and can have as many servings of rice as they’d like, allowing diners to enjoy a hearty meal at a low price. While the restaurant’s design and menu may be simple, Bugeogukjip takes pride in its long history and the careful efforts that have earned it a reputation as one of the most notable restaurants in Seoul.  

This orange-colored Mediterranean-style bakery has a great variety of pastries and cakes. You can also enjoy a relaxing brunch of Belgian waffles and pancakes. The carrot cake, with lots of cream cheese and fresh cream, is the most popular item on the menu.  

Yogorino Hongdae Branch is an ice cream shop opened by Zico, who is a working Hip Hop musician, and, additionally, a member of Block B, the idol group. Yogorino is an Italian dessert brand, which mainly sells frozen yogurt, artisan ice cream, parfait etc. They also sell beverages, such as Americano coffee and other beverages, which you can buy along with the dessert. Out of 1000 store branches located in 30 different countries, the Hongdae branch Yogorino is the only Yogorino store in Korea. ​

Also referred to as “Tto-tteok,” Ttobogetji Tteokbokki is a popular tteokbokki restaurant that has many branches in Hongdae. Upon order, tteok (rice cake), egg, eomuk (fish cake), and three different vegetables are served together with an order of tabletop tteokbokki. Additional menu such as noodles, fried potatoes, and fried rice are also available.

Gaemijip is a word-of-mouth restaurant featuring nakji bokkeum (spicy stir- fried baby octopus) and spicy seafood stew.