Myeongdong Restaurant: Local Koreans' Top Recommendations

Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most iconic tourist destinations, attracting many visitors in search of great food. As a local living in Korea, I’d like to introduce some Myeongdong restaurants that are well-loved by Koreans.

Myeongdong offers a variety of delicious and popular eateries, but this post will focus on those Myeongdong restaurants I’ve personally visited.

Note that Myeongdong is not only a tourist hotspot but also a bustling area for office workers. To avoid the lunchtime rush between 11 AM and 1 PM, plan your visit to enjoy a more relaxed meal at these Myeongdong restaurants.

1. Myeongdong Kyoja: Kalguksu

Location

Main Restaurant: 29, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)
Branch: 8, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)
Itaewon Branch: 136, Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)

Hours

10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:30 PM) (Itaewon Branch Break Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

Menu/Price

Kalguksu (칼국수): 10,000 won
Dumplings (만두): 11,000 won
Bibimguksu (비빔국수): 10,000 won
Kongguksu (콩국수, Summer only): 10,000 won

Myeongdong Kyoja Kalguksu, Dumplings, Bibimguksu

Myeongdong Kyoja is one of the representative Myeongdong restaurants, known for its Kalguksu and dumplings since 1966. It’s a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, popular among both Koreans and tourists. The spicy kimchi served with the dishes is a standout, though it can be quite hot.

2. Hadongkwan: Gomtang

Location

Main Branch: 12, Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)
COEX Mall: B1 J101, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)
Yeouido Station Branch: B1-8, 50 Yeouinaru-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)
Yeouido Branch: 3 Euljiro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)

Hours

Main Branch: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays and holidays)
COEX Mall: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Break Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
Yeouido Station Branch: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays and holidays)
Yeouido Branch: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays and holidays)

Hadongkwan, established in 1939, is one of the oldest Myeongdong restaurants famous for its rich beef broth Gomtang. It’s a favorite among locals and has even been frequented by presidents and celebrities. The non-spicy broth is perfect if you want to avoid spicy Korean food. Add green onions and enjoy it with kimchi.

3. Mokmyeoksanbang: Bibimbap

Location

Main Branch: 36, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)
Namsan Tower Branch: 627, Namsangongwon-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)

Hours

Main Branch: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last order at 7:20 PM)
Namsan Tower Branch: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Last order at 6:50 PM)

4. Myeonghwadang: Tteokbokki

Location

2nd Floor, 30, Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Naver / Kakao)

Hours

9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Menu English translation (towards bottom left)
Kimbap
Tuna Kimbap
Tteokbokki
Jjolbokki – Tteokbokki with Jjolmyeon(flour noodles with chewy texture)
Meat Dumplings
Tonkatsu(deep-fried pork cutlet)
Udon Noodles
Kimchi Udon
Pot Noodles(thin Korean wheat noodle)
Bibim Jjolmyeon : Jjolmyeon(flour noodles with chewy texture) with korean style pepper seasoning
Bibim Cold Noodles – Cold Noodles with korean style pepper seasoning
Bibimbap

Myeonghwadang is a popular Myeongdong restaurant and snack bar since 1979, known for its unique sticky rice Kimbap. Their Tteokbokki is sweet and not too spicy, while their Bibim Jjolmyeon is a must-try for those who love chewy noodles mixed with spicy sauce.