Jongno is home to a number of famous haejangguk restaurants, and Cheongjinok (청진옥) is considered the forerunner among them. Opened in 1937, the restaurant has been run by three generations of the same family. Beef bones are simmered for more than 24 hours to make a rich broth, and soybean paste is added to neutralize the meaty odor. Ingredients added to the broth include various vegetables, clotted beef blood, beef intestines, and rice. Always crowded, Cheongjinok is open 24 hours a day.      

Dining in Space is a resturant overlooking Changdeokgung Palace and serving course meals of French cuisine.

Bonghwajeon is a traditional Korean restaurant specializing in North Korean cuisine. It serves various kinds of traditional Pyeongyang(capital of North Korea)-style delicacies such as sogogijeon (a pancake filled with ground beef), royal hot pot (a delicacy with vegetables and meat added to pork broth boiled in a specially designed pot; said to have been enjoyed by royal family and the aristocrats), and many more dishes. Bonghwajeon offers healthy and delicious lunch and dinner specials at affordable prices. The restaurant also stocks an array of alcoholic beverages including makgeolli (Korean rice wine), Japanese sake, whiskey and wine.

Bonjour Hawaii is an exotic fusion restaurant. Just by looking taking a glance at parasol rooftop which is by its main entrance, you can tell that the restaurant exudes exotic atmosphere/mood. The interior, small details, and the traditional Hawaiian music will have you mistaken that, in fact, you are at a cafe in Hawaii somewhere. It’s main dishes include, “BBQ Sunset Platter,” (It is a dish that has a set of ingredients: sausage, potato, chicken kebab, shrimp, Korean style pork), and “Cream Curry Udon,” which is just one of its many unique dishes on Bonjour Hawaii’s menu. Also, a pizza so addicting that it is nicknamed, “Drug Pizza,” is its specialty pizza called, “Sushi Pizza,” together with a fruit punch cocktail, you do not have to be jealous of someone who just went on a trip to Hawaii.     Through the restaurant’s appearance in the drama, “Doctors,” it created curiosity in the viewer’s mind. Since after the appearance it has become Hongdae’s, “hot place,” through words by mouth. Specifically, Bonjour Hawaii took on a role of a cafe that the main character Yoo Hae Jung (Park Shin Hae), operated. Back then, the restaurant was called, “ Suni Hawaii,” and Hong Ji Hong (Kim Rae Won), Ryu Hye Jung (Park Shin Hye) who are couples in the drama, “Doctors,” had scenes where they were drinking beer, while enjoying their date.  

Bicena provides tasty Korean cuisine available only in Korea in a refined interior.  

Yetchatjip is a famous teahouse that has also been used as a movie filming set. It is a great place to stop by for a cup of natural traditional Korean tea, or the traditional summer treat patbingsu, made with the old way with shaved ice and homemade red bean topping.

Not like usual Gamjatang (pork back-bone stew), Halmajip’s Gamjatang uses only bean sprout and leek to make a refreshing soup taste along with red pepper powder, for a spicy flavor.

Table 34 is a restaurant which serves traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. Far from your typical restaurant, Table 34 has an extensive wine cellar housing 1,000 fine wines and several practiced sommeliers at the ready to provide excellent service and make suggestions regarding your wine choice. Executive Sous Chef Nicolas De Visch has worked at Michelin star restaurants in Europe for 20 years and has created a distinguished and prestigious menu to tickle the taste buds of even the pickiest epicurean. As if all this wasn’t enough, Table 34 also boasts a striking interior designed by New York’s acclaimed restaurant designer Toni Chi.

Located on the first floor of Times Square near Yeongdeungpo Station, Namu Gneul (Rest with Book & Coffee) is a book café and art gallery where visitors can tour the gallery or just sit back and relax with a book and coffee or tea. Tea and bread can be refilled free of charge, so visitors can stay as long as they like. The café is directly connected with the Shinsegae Department Store and surrounded by a nice park perfect for taking walks. If you need a break from shopping while at the Times Square Mall, slip away to the solace of Namu Gneul.