Seongsu-dong, often called the "Brooklyn of Seoul," has transformed from its industrial roots into one of Seoul's most vibrant cultural districts. Originally a semi-industrial zone filled with shoe factories and warehouses in the 1970s, this eastern Seoul neighborhood has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis.
After the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s, many factories were abandoned, but this decline set the stage for an artistic renaissance. Young artists and entrepreneurs began moving into these vacant spaces in the 2010s, converting old red-brick factories and warehouses into creative venues. Today, Seongsu-dong perfectly blends its industrial heritage with contemporary culture, housing everything from traditional shoemaking workshops to trendy cafes, innovative startups, and K-pop cultural spaces.
The district has become particularly popular among young people and international visitors, attracting 30 million visitors in just the first half of 2024. Its unique charm lies in the coexistence of past and present – what locals call "Newtro" culture – where vintage industrial architecture meets modern gastronomy and arts.
In this guide, we'll introduce you to five authentic local restaurants that have earned the love of residents over the years, offering a taste of both traditional and contemporary Seongsu-dong cuisine. These establishments represent the area's culinary evolution while maintaining the authentic flavors that have made them neighborhood favorites.
1. Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang (소문난성수감자탕)
The restaurant's enduring popularity is evident in the constant queue of patrons, even during late-night hours, making it a testament to Seoul's vibrant 24-hour dining culture. Despite its global fame, the restaurant maintains its authentic local charm and traditional cooking methods, serving the same soul-warming soup that first made it famous in the early 1980s.
Signature Dishes:
- Gamjaguk (Individual Pork Bone Soup) ₩11,000~₩12,000
- A single-serving portion of their famous pork bone soup
- Served with tender meat, potatoes, and fresh vegetables
- Perfect for solo diners
- Includes rice and side dishes
- Gamjatang (Pork Bone Soup): Available in small (₩29,000), medium, and large sizes
- Special sauce with diced onions and peppers
- Hand-made sujebi (Korean hand-pulled dough soup) as an optional add-on
Pro Tips:
- Expect 20-30 minute wait times, especially during peak hours
- Solo diners can access priority seating
- English menu available
- Parking available for ₩2,000 during dining hours
Location & Access:
- Address: 45 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Nearest Station: Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 4, 5-minute walk
- Tel: 02-465-6580
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including holidays)
- No breaks or closures
- Kitchen service available around the clock
Note: Peak hours are typically 11:30-14:00 for lunch and 18:00-21:00 for dinner, with possible waiting times of 15-30 minutes
2. Neungdong Minari (능동미나리)
What makes this establishment truly special is their commitment to seasonal ingredients. The minari, a delicate water herb prized in Korean cuisine for its subtle pepper-like flavor and crisp texture, is carefully selected each season to ensure optimal taste. Their signature dishes showcase this dedication, whether in their refined gomtang (beef soup) that offers a clean yet profound depth of flavor, or in their celebrated shabu-shabu that perfectly balances the premium beef's richness with the minari's refreshing qualities.
Must-Try Menu:
- Minari Shabu-shabu
- Minari Hot Pot
- Premium Korean set meals
Signature Menu:
- Minari Gomtang: ₩15,000
- Beef Tartare Bibimbap: ₩15,000
- Minari Boiled-beef Stew: ₩48,000
Location & Access:
- Address: 28 Hangang-daero 40-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 11:00-23:00 daily
- Tel: 02-466-5292
3. Seongsu Jokbal (성수족발)
While preserving traditional cooking methods passed down through generations, the restaurant has thoughtfully adapted its presentation and seasoning to appeal to diverse palates. Their jokbal is braised for hours in a carefully crafted blend of herbs and spices, resulting in meat that's flavorful yet not overwhelming. Each serving comes with their house-made ssamjang (dipping sauce) and fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping, allowing diners to customize their experience. Whether you're a jokbal aficionado or new to Korean cuisine, the restaurant offers an authentic yet accessible taste of this beloved Korean delicacy.
Signature Dishes:
- Traditional Jokbal (Medium ₩40,000 / Large ₩45,000)
- Spicy Jokbal
- Bossam Set Steamed Pork Wraps
Location & Access:
- Address: 7 Achasan-ro 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Nearest Station: Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 1, 3-minute walk
- Hours: 12:00-22:00 (Break time 15:00-17:00 Mon-Fri)
- Tel: 02-464-0425
4. Shinmyeong Meokgeori (신명먹거리)
What sets this restaurant apart is its dedication to maintaining the genuine flavors of Korean home cooking. Each meal is served with twelve carefully prepared banchan (side dishes) that change daily based on seasonal ingredients. The dishes mirror the kind of heartwarming meals Korean grandmothers prepare - simple yet deeply satisfying, with clean, balanced flavors that avoid excessive seasoning or artificial additives.
At just ₩8,000 per person, diners can experience a complete Korean meal that includes rice, soup, and an array of side dishes, all prepared with the same care and attention as a home-cooked meal. The early opening time of 5:40 AM makes it an ideal spot for those seeking to experience an authentic Korean breakfast or for early birds wanting to start their day with a nourishing meal.
Daily Menu Highlights:
- Traditional Korean Set Menu (₩8,000) includes:
- Rice with 12 rotating seasonal side dishes
- Daily special soup or stew
- Unlimited rice refills
- Choice of traditional Korean main dishes
- Special breakfast sets available from 5:40 AM
- All dishes prepared following authentic home-style recipes
- Premium ingredients at remarkably affordable prices
Note: Menu items may vary daily based on seasonal ingredient availability and the chef's selection. The restaurant maintains its commitment to serving fresh, high-quality dishes while keeping prices accessible at ₩8,000 per person.
Location & Access:
- Address: 137 Seongsu-il-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Nearest Station: Ttukseom Station (Line 2), 5-minute walk
- Hours: 05:40-20:00
- Price: Set meals from ₩8,000
5. Soba Mae (소바마에)
The restaurant's commitment to authenticity extends to their broth-making process, where they use 100% katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) to create a deep, umami-rich soup base. This meticulous attention to detail has earned them recognition as one of Seoul's premier soba destinations. Whether served hot (온소바) or cold (자루소바), each bowl showcases the perfect balance between the nutty buckwheat noodles and the complex, savory broth.
Signature Offerings:
- Hot Soba (온소바) ₩13,800
- Cold Soba (자루소바) ₩13,800
- Seasonal Special Soba
- Crispy Tempura
- Premium Tempura Selection
Note: The restaurant observes a daily break time from 15:00-17:00, and waiting times are common during peak lunch hours.
Location & Access:
- Address: 96 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Nearest Station: Ttukseom Station (Line 2), 7-minute walk
- Hours: 11:30-21:00 (Break time 15:00-17:00)
- Tel: 02-2291-7890
◾Transportation Tips
All restaurants are accessible via Seoul Subway Line 2 (Seongsu Station or Ttukseom Station). The area is well-connected by buses, and most establishments are within walking distance of major stations. For international visitors, showing the Korean address to taxi drivers is recommended.
◾A Note to International Visitors
These establishments represent authentic Korean dining experiences beloved by locals, offering genuine flavors that might differ from westernized Korean cuisine you may have tried elsewhere. While all these restaurants welcome international guests and many have English menus, please note that the flavors, spice levels, and dining styles are traditionally Korean. We encourage you to embrace this authentic culinary experience, though you may want to start with milder dishes if you're new to Korean cuisine. Most restaurants are happy to provide recommendations suitable for international palates.
◾Getting There
All these restaurants are within walking distance of Seongsu Station or Ttukseom Station. Most establishments have English menus and are accustomed to serving international guests.
