In Jongno, there are places like Insadong, Euljiro, and Myeongdong that form the cultural and historical heart of Seoul. These are must-visit destinations for both locals and tourists. As you stroll through Jongno, you’ll encounter a delightful blend of ancient palaces, historical sites, and hanok villages that tell the story of Korea’s rich heritage.
What to expect about food around Jongno and Insadong?
Not only their cultural significance, but Jongno and Insadong, as well as Euljiro and Myeongdong, are also renowned for their vibrant food scene. These neighborhoods boast an array of restaurants that allow you to experience authentic Korean flavors, from traditional Korean BBQ to exquisite temple cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, exploring the culinary delights in here is a must. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best restaurants in these areas, each offering a unique taste of Korean culture.
10 Best restaurants that will never fail
There are so many restaurants, cafes and bars in around Jongno, Insadong, Euljiro and Myeongdong that even the locals find it hard to have a good meal around this area. So here are 10 best ones, recognized and recommended by both locals and foreigners, for a satisfying lunch or dinner, or even as a refreshment.
1. Sustainable, organic, eco-friendly and DELICIOUS! <A Flower Blossom on the Rice>
- Address : 3-6, Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : 11:30 ~ 21:15 (Closed on major holidays in Korea)
- Break time : 15:00 ~ 17:30
A Flower Blossom on the Rice is a restaurant known for its passion in sustainable environment and organic life. It is officially recognized by Michelin Bib Gourmand for 7th and Michelin Green Star for 4th consecutive year.
The dishes here are crafted with seasonal ingredients, emphasizing the natural flavors and textures of vegetables and grains. Each plate is a visual masterpiece, adorned with edible flowers and herbs, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based meal, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience.
2. Unbelievable popularity, incredible taste <Sancheong Sootbul Garden Euljiro>
- Address : 114-6, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : 11:30 ~ 23:00
There are a few K-BBQ restaurants near Jongno and Insadong that has unbelievable lines of waiting, and Sancheong Sootbul Garden Euljiro has recently become one of the most jaw-dropping one. Over 200 teams register on the waitlist everyday, and they willingly wait for more than at least 3 to even 7 hours to say that this restaurant worth every minute.
Sancheong Sootbul Garden Euljiro specializes in charcoal-grilled meats, especially Black Pork in a variety of cuts. This place also knows its way in traditional Korean side dishes, so it is highly recommended to pair your meal with various combination for a complete feast.
To visit this place, go to Catch Table through the button below and make a reservation. If there is no slot left, you can always register on the remote waitlist and save yourself from waiting endlessly right in front of the restaurant. You might want to register yourself at least 2 hours earlier to your visit, just to make sure that you create an unforgettable dining experience in the warm and rustic ambiance, combined with the mouth-watering aroma of grilled meat.
3. Savor some meat like a real Korean! <Yangyeon>
- Address : 18, Samil-daero 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : Mon-Thu 16:00 ~ 22:00 / Fri 16:00 ~ 23:00 / Sat 12:00 ~ 23:00 / Sun 12:00 ~ 22:00
Yangyeon is another fantastic choice for Korean BBQ enthusiasts. This restaurant is renowned for its high-quality marinated meats, particularly the juicy and flavorful Samgyeopsal. The meats are grilled over an open flame, infusing them with a delicious smoky flavor.
This restaurant shows care towards the customers through set menus to try various cuts, corkage-free service and a seaweed soup (Miyeok-guk) on the house for the birthday person! The attentive staff and top-notch service further enhance the dining experience, ensuring you leave with a full stomach and a happy heart.
4. For the comfort from a Korean grandmother <Gomkuksizib Myeongdong>
- Address : 2F, 19-3, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : 11:00 ~ 21:30
If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting around Jongno and Insadong, head to Gomkuksizib Myeongdong. This 40-year-old restaurant is famous for its gomtang, a traditional Korean beef bone soup that is both rich and nourishing. The broth is simmered for hours to extract the deep, savory flavors of the beef bones, resulting in a soup that is both hearty and satisfying.
The most popular menu here is Jeongol (hot pot) with noodles which has mushroom, vegetables and meat inside. This dish is just perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a pick-me-up. The restaurant’s cozy and unpretentious atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Don’t forget to try their other specialties, including boiled beef slices (Suyuk) and dumplings, for a complete Korean comfort food experience.
5. The right way to deal with the best Hanwoo in Seoul <Twoppul Gwanghwamun>
- Address : 136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : Weekdays 11:00 ~ 22:00 / Sat 11:30 ~ 02:00 / Sun 11:30 ~ 21:00
- Break time : Weekdays 15:00 ~ 17:00
For a premium dining experience, Twoppul Gwanghwamun offers some of the best hanwoo (Korean beef) in Seoul. This upscale restaurant is dedicated to serving top-quality beef, meticulously aged with Twoppul’s unique skills and techniques to highlight its natural flavors. The menu features a variety of cuts, from striploin to tenderloin, all grilled to perfection.
The modern and sleek interior, combined with impeccable service, makes it an ideal spot for a special occasion or a business dinner. In addition to the exquisite beef, Twoppul Gwanghwamun offers an array of traditional Korean meal menus, each crafted with the same attention to detail. This restaurant offers variety of lunch menus and side dishes as well, which lures people who want to try Korean beef light-heartedly. Whether you’re a beef connoisseur or simply looking to indulge in a luxurious meal, this restaurant delivers an exceptional culinary experience.
6. Looking for something unusual, something like the locals? <Nice Time2>
- Address : 1F, 6, Namdaemun-ro 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : Mon-Fri 11:30 ~ 22:00 / Sat-Sun 11:30 ~ 21:00 (Closed on major holidays in Korea)
- Break time : Mon-Fri 15:00 ~ 17:30 / Sat-Sun 16:00 ~ 17:30
If you are exploring Jongno and Insadong and crave a modern twist amidst the traditional Korean surroundings, Nice Time2 is the place to be. This dining bar specializes in fresh pasta, offering a delightful escape for those seeking Western flavors in a setting rich with Korean heritage.
The ambiance is stylish and contemporary, providing a perfect contrast to the historical charm of the surrounding areas. Each pasta dish is crafted with precision, using high-quality ingredients to ensure a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you are enjoying a casual lunch or a sophisticated dinner, Nice Time2 offers a unique culinary experience that blends the best of both worlds. It’s an excellent spot for those looking to diversify their dining options while soaking in the cultural richness of Jongno and Insadong.
7. Fresh seafood for delicate palate <Sushi Michiru>
- Address : 42, Jong-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : 12:00 ~ 22:00 (Closed on Sundays)
- Break time : 15:00 ~ 17:30
For sushi lovers, Sushi Michiru offers a taste of Japan in the heart of Seoul. This elegant restaurant prides itself on using the freshest seafood to create exquisite sushi and sashimi dishes. The skilled chef who graduated from Tokyo Culinary and Confectionery Arts Academy at Sushi Michiru combines traditional technique with modern presentation, resulting in beautifully crafted plates that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
The serene decor provides a tranquil setting for enjoying your meal, allowing you to fully appreciate the delicate flavors and textures of the sushi. Sushi Michiru is also well known for its Futomaki, a thick sushi roll that puts various ingredients altogether into a single bite, and they also have to-go for this delicacy if you are too full to try it right away.
8. Korean BBQ with a hint of sophistication <Euljiro HOIKWAN>
- Address : 30-1, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : Mon-Fri 17:00 ~ 23:00 / Sat 16:00 ~ 23:00 (Closed on Sundays)
Euljiro HOIKWAN is a must-visit for meat lovers, offering a wide range of expertly grilled Korean beef, lamb and pork in a contemporary setting. This restaurant is a more of a grill bar where you can enjoy succulent meat grilled right in front of you with drinks for such a flavorful experience. If you are looking for a unique twist on traditional Korean BBQ, this might be the one.
Beyond the delicious meats, Euljiro HOIKWAN also offers a series of a la carte dishes to “amuse” your “bouche” and refresh the palate after arrays of sizzling meat. This grill bar’s sleek interior and warm ambiance create an inviting atmosphere perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
9. Little Italy in the heart of Seoul <SAYU LIBRARY BAR Namsan>
- Address : 3F, 13, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : 11:00 ~ 00:00
- Break time : 15:30 ~ 17:00
For a unique and sophisticated dining experience, visit SAYU LIBRARY BAR Namsan. This one-of-a-kind venue combines the cozy ambiance of a library with the elegance of a high-end bar. It runs cafe and pub on the 2nd floor and rooftop lounge on 6th floor. Dining with wine is available on the 3rd floor.
The signature menu here, cheese wheel ragu pasta, will make you wonder whether you are in the middle of Seoul, Korea, or somewhere in Italy enjoying summer breeze. SAYU LIBRARY BAR Namsan is also very serious about wine, enough to run occasional tasting classes, have an extensive wine list and all-you-can-drink wine menu for an hour or two. Altogether SAYU LIBRARY BAR Namsan will be the perfect cherry on the top after your long day of shopping in Myeongdong.
10. Refresh yourself like a king from Josun Dynasty! <TAE CHO>
- Address : 8th floor, 56, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Business Hours : 18:00 ~ 01:00
TAE CHO is a contemporary bar with very traditional Korean menus and interior. You can enjoy various types of Korean traditional liquor with Korean snacks in the most Korean setting. You can even enjoy Korean traditional ornamental painting with vivid colors around the walls and ceilings.
This classical bar collaborates with Ikseonjae, famous Korean traditional dessert cafe in Busan for premium snack line. Cocktails are innovative and dynamic, and the bartenders can also make custom drinks if you want something more special than the usual. If you want to wander around the world of Korean alcoholic beverages, TAE CHO will be your perfect Oz.
Exploring the diverse culinary landscape around Jongno and Insadong is an adventure in itself, offering a delectable journey through Korea’s rich food culture. From traditional Korean BBQ and comforting bowls of gomtang to exquisite sushi and innovative contemporary dishes, the restaurants in these neighborhoods cater to every palate.
Beyond the food, these areas are steeped in history and culture, providing a unique backdrop that enhances the dining experience. It doesn’t matter whether you have been to Korea before or not, the culinary delights and cultural experiences of Jongno and its neighboring districts will leave you with unforgettable memories every time. Make sure to take the time to savor each bite and appreciate the vibrant atmosphere that makes this part of Seoul truly special.