Hello there, K-culture fans! ✨
If you’re a fan of K-Pop Demon Hunters, you definitely remember that dazzling Myeongdong street where the Saja Boys performed their debut song, “Soda Pop.” 🎤 That spot, with its brilliant neon lights, is the true heart of Seoul!
I know many of you are visiting to follow in the Saja Boys’ footsteps. But let’s be real—Myeongdong can be full of tourist traps. As Your K-Friend, I can’t let you eat just anywhere!
So, I’ve prepared a special foodie guide to the genuine, must-visit spots beloved by locals in the Myeongdong area. This list is even backed by data from Kakao Navi and Kakao T Taxi, so you know these places are the real deal.
Let’s go eat! 🍜
📍 My Top 10 Real Local Restaurants (Myeongdong & City Center)
1. Gomguksujip (곰국시집)
- What to Expect: This is a legendary spot with history dating back to 1976! It’s famous for its rich, milky Gomguksu (beef noodle soup). It’s so warm and comforting, it feels just like a home-cooked meal.
- Location: 19-3, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: The Gomguksu is a must, but if you’re with a friend, I highly recommend sharing the Suyuk (boiled beef slices), too!
2. Buminok (부민옥)
- What to Expect: A true local favorite, open since 1956! They are masters of Yukgaejang (spicy beef soup). It’s the perfect way to warm up and get a taste of authentic, hearty Korean spice.
- Location: 24-12, Dadong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: Locals love the Yangmuchim (seasoned beef tripe) as a side dish with their soup. Be adventurous and try it!
3. Sanchaehyang (산채향)
- What to Expect: Want a healthy and delicious meal? This restaurant specializes in Deodeok (mountain herb) dishes. You’ll get a full-course Korean meal with tons of amazing, fresh side dishes (banchan).
- Location: 6, Gyeonghuigung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: Order the Deodeok-gui Jeongshik (Grilled Deodeok Set Meal) for the full experience.
4. Mugyodong Bugeogukjip (무교통북어국집)
- What to Expect: This place is famous for one thing: Bugeoguk (dried pollock soup). It’s light, refreshing, yet deeply flavorful. It’s so good, locals line up for it, especially for breakfast or as a hangover cure!
- Location: 38, Eulji-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: There’s only one main menu item, so just walk in confidently and order by holding up your fingers for how many bowls you need!
5. Namsan Sanchaejip (남산 산채집)
- What to Expect: Located on beautiful Namsan Mountain, this spot is famous for the classic Namsan Donkatsu (pork cutlet). The portions are huge, and you also get to try their neat bibimbap.
- Location: 95 Soparo, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: This is a great stop after (or before) you visit N Seoul Tower!
6. Nampomyeonok (남포면옥)
- What to Expect: If you want to try “the real local flavor,” this is it. They specialize in Pyeongyang Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). The flavor is very subtle, clean, and mild—a true delicacy!
- Location: 24 Euljiro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: If you’re new to this style of noodle, be sure to add a little vinegar and mustard to taste.
7. Cheolcheol Bokjip (철철복집)
- What to Expect: Feeling adventurous? This restaurant specializes in Bok (blowfish)! It’s a delicacy in Korea, and this place prepares it safely and deliciously.
- Location: 29 Euljiro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: Try the Bok Bulgogi (marinated grilled blowfish) for a flavorful intro, or the clear Bokjiri (blowfish soup) for a light, healthy meal.
8. Mokmyeoksanbang (목멱산방)
- What to Expect: This is one of my favorite places for the vibe. It’s a beautiful Korean restaurant on Namsan Mountain with stunning scenery. It’s famous for its traditional Bibimbap.
- Location: 71, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: Get the Cheese Kimchi Jeon (kimchi pancake with cheese) to share. It’s incredible, especially with the view!
9. Inamjang (이남장)
- What to Expect: A master of Seolleongtang (ox bone soup). This is pure comfort food. The broth is simmered for hours and hours until it’s rich and deeply satisfying.
- Location: 16, Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: You add salt, pepper, and green onions yourself at the table to get the perfect flavor for you.
10. Ranjukalmyeon (란주칼면)
- What to Expect: Located right between Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market, this place serves Dosakmyeon (knife-cut noodles). Watching them make the noodles is a show itself!
- Location: 64, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 💡 My K-Friend Tip: You must order the Kkwobarou (sweet and sour pork) with your Haemul Dosakmyeon (seafood knife-cut noodles). It’s the ultimate combo.
🚖 Getting to All These Feasts? Let’s Make it Easy!
Okay, Myeongdong is amazing, but it can be so crowded and confusing. After a delicious, filling meal (or three! 😉), the last thing you want is to struggle with finding the right subway station or waiting for a bus.
That’s why I truly recommend using K.RIDE! It’s the taxi-hailing app I always suggest to my friends visiting from other countries. It’s designed just for you and makes getting around Seoul so simple.
Here’s why it’s my top pick for your food adventure:
- ✅ Multi-language app support: No language stress! The app works smoothly in English, Japanese, and Chinese (Simplified/Traditional).
- ✅ Foreign card-friendly: This is the best part! You can register your international credit card right in the app. No fumbling for Korean cash.
- ✅ Automatic destination translation: Just type “Gomguksujip” or paste the Korean address, and the app automatically translates it for the driver. So easy!
- ✅ Fair pricing: K.RIDE uses the standard taxi meter, so you never have to worry about ‘foreigner’ pricing or haggling.
Just pin your location and your destination, and your safe, reliable ride will be on its way.
Enjoy Your Seoul Food Journey! 💖
From the neon lights of the Saja Boys’ “Soda Pop” street to a comforting bowl of noodle soup, you’ve now got a data-backed list to eat like a true Seoul local.
Bookmark this guide, share it with your travel crew, and use K.RIDE to hop between meals. Save your steps for shopping and photos!
Thanks for reading!
— Your K-Friend at K.RIDE ✨
See you on the road!
Explore Korea Like a Local 
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