South Korea_A Famous Korean Noodle Restaurant in Seoul – Myeongdong Kyoja Mokdong Branch

 If you’re looking to try one of Korea’s most iconic noodle dishes, Myeongdong Kyoja is a must-visit restaurant. While the original location in Myeongdong is world-famous, the Mokdong branch offers the same authentic flavors in a more relaxed, less crowded setting.

Located in western Seoul, Mokdong is a quieter residential area compared to tourist-heavy districts, making it a great place for travelers who want a more local dining experience.

Restaurant Atmosphere

The Mokdong branch of Myeongdong Kyoja features a clean, modern, and comfortable interior. Compared to the busy main branch, this location is less crowded but still maintains the same efficient service.

Staff are used to serving international guests, and the ordering process is simple since the menu is short and focused.

Signature Dish: Kalguksu (Korean Knife-Cut Noodles)

The most famous dish at Myeongdong Kyoja is Kalguksu, a warm noodle soup made with a rich chicken and pork broth.

The noodles are handmade, giving them a soft yet chewy texture. The soup is deeply flavorful, topped with minced meat and vegetables.

One unique feature is the strong garlic flavor, which may be surprising but is loved by many visitors.

Myeongdong Kyoja Mokdong Menu & Prices

Main Menu

1. Kalguksu (칼국수 – Knife-Cut Noodle Soup)
The signature dish of the restaurant.

• Price: 10,000 ~ 12,000 KRW

Rich broth, handmade noodles, minced meat topping, and vegetables.

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2. Mandu (만두 – Korean Dumplings)
Large, juicy dumplings filled with meat and vegetables.

• Price: 10,000 ~ 12,000 KRW

Perfect as a side dish or shared meal.

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3. Bibimguksu (비빔국수 – Spicy Mixed Noodles)
Cold noodles mixed with a spicy and slightly sweet sauce.

• Price: 10,000 ~ 12,000 KRW

A great option for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors.

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Side Dish (Included)

• Kimchi (Free, unlimited)

Myeongdong Kyoja is especially famous for its garlic kimchi, which has a strong and addictive flavor.

Why Foreign Visitors Love This Place

✔ One of the most famous noodle restaurants in Korea
✔ Simple menu that is easy to order
✔ Authentic Korean flavors in a clean environment
✔ Less crowded than the main Myeongdong location

It’s a great place to try Korean comfort food without the overwhelming crowds.

Location & Travel Tip

📍 Location: Mokdong, Seoul
🚇 Nearest Subway: Omokgyo Station (Line 5)

Nearby attractions include:

• Hyundai Department Store Mokdong

• Anyangcheon Stream

This area is perfect if you want to explore a more local side of Seoul.

Final Thoughts

If you want to experience one of Korea’s most beloved noodle dishes, the Mokdong branch of Myeongdong Kyoja is an excellent choice. With its rich broth, handmade noodles, and famous kimchi, it offers a truly authentic taste of Korean cuisine.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this restaurant is a great addition to your Seoul food journey.

South Korea_A Must-Try Traditional Korean Beef Soup in Seoul – Hadongkwan

If you’re visiting Seoul and want to experience a truly authentic Korean meal loved by locals for generations, Hadongkwan (하동관) is a place you shouldn’t miss. Located in the heart of Myeongdong, this historic restaurant has been serving its famous Gomtang (Korean beef bone soup) since 1939.

Unlike trendy restaurants, Hadongkwan focuses on one thing: perfecting traditional Korean beef soup. Because of its long history and consistent flavor, it has become one of the most famous traditional restaurants in Seoul and is frequently visited by both locals and international travelers.

Restaurant Atmosphere

When you walk into Hadongkwan, you’ll immediately notice its simple and traditional Korean dining atmosphere. The interior is clean and classic rather than modern, reflecting the restaurant’s long heritage.

Most tables are filled with locals enjoying a warm bowl of soup, and you’ll often see travelers who discovered the place through guidebooks and food blogs. Despite its popularity, the service is fast and efficient, which is typical for traditional Korean restaurants.

Signature Dish: Korean Beef Soup (Gomtang)

The star of the restaurant is Gomtang, a comforting Korean soup made by slowly simmering beef and bones for many hours.

The broth is clear, light, and rich in flavor, different from heavier bone broths. Tender slices of beef are added to the soup, along with rice. You can adjust the flavor by adding salt, green onions, or pepper to your taste.

It is a simple dish, but the depth of flavor shows why this restaurant has remained popular for decades.

Hadongkwan Menu & Prices

Here are the main menu items you can expect at Hadongkwan:

Main Menu

1. Gomtang (곰탕 – Korean Beef Soup)
The restaurant’s signature dish made with slow-boiled beef broth.

• Regular Bowl – 16,000 KRW

• Special Bowl (extra beef) – 20,000 KRW

• Large Bowl – 25,000 KRW

Served with rice, green onions, and traditional Korean kimchi.

2. Suyuk (수육 – Boiled Beef Slices)

Tender slices of boiled beef served with salt or dipping sauce.

• Price: 50,000 ~ 60,000 KRW depending on portion size

This dish is often shared among several people and pairs well with Korean rice wine or soju.

Side Dishes (Included)

Like many traditional Korean restaurants, Hadongkwan provides simple but delicious side dishes:

• Kimchi

• Radish Kimchi (Kkakdugi)

• Green onions for seasoning

These side dishes perfectly complement the rich beef soup.

Why Foreign Visitors Love Hadongkwan

There are several reasons why travelers often add Hadongkwan to their Seoul food itinerary:

✔ One of the oldest traditional restaurants in Seoul
✔ Located in Myeongdong, a popular tourist district
✔ Authentic Korean dish that locals eat regularly
✔ Simple menu that is easy for foreigners to order

It’s also a great place to try a traditional Korean comfort food that isn’t as spicy as many other Korean dishes.

Location & Travel Tip

📍 Location: Myeongdong, Central Seoul
🚇 Nearest Subway: Myeongdong Station (Line 4)

Because it is located near major tourist attractions, you can easily visit Hadongkwan while exploring:

• Myeongdong Shopping Street

• Namsan Seoul Tower

• Gyeongbokgung Palace

  

Final Thoughts

If you want to experience authentic Korean comfort food that locals have loved for over 80 years, Hadongkwan is a perfect choice. The restaurant’s famous Gomtang may look simple, but its deep and clean flavor represents the essence of traditional Korean cuisine.

Whether you’re exploring Myeongdong’s bustling shopping streets or searching for a classic Seoul restaurant, a warm bowl of beef soup at Hadongkwan is a memorable culinary experience.