Seoul City Hall Dining Guide: 22 Top Eats

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Seoul Korean BBQ

When exploring central Seoul, the bustling commercial district surrounding Seoul City Hall, Mugyo-dong, Seosemun, and Gwanghwamun serves as the beating heart of South Korea’s travel industry. Home to major airline hubs, travel agencies, and tourism boards, this district is constantly buzzing with travel professionals and international visitors alike. Whether it is an official corporate dinner, a quick business lunch, or casual evening drinks after a long flight, the alleyways branching off from City Hall offer a distinctive culinary ecosystem that stands completely apart from trendy nightlife hubs like Hongdae, Yeonnam-dong, or Itaewon.

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Here, hyper-modern high-rises overlook narrow lanes packed with decades-old eateries, legendary food stalls, and unpretentious hidden gems. Instead of formal dining rooms requiring elaborate etiquette, these local spots invite you to pull up a stool and order comforting Korean dishes alongside icy drafts and local spirits. To celebrate 22 years of industry insight, Korea's Travel Times surveyed travel industry insiders to curate this ultimate guide to 22 outstanding dining spots located within a one-kilometre radius of Seoul City Hall.

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Fresh Seafood and Authentic Local Fare

1. Chungmu-jip (충무집)

Unlike standard Japanese-style raw fish establishments that crowd the table with unnecessary side dishes (banchan), Chungmu-jip focuses strictly on the quality and freshness of the fish itself. Highly praised by Han Ok-min, CEO of Mode Tour, this spot specializes in seasonal wild fish (*jabeo-hoe*), offering diners the freshest catch available on any given day. Long-time regulars are occasionally treated to off-menu house delicacies such as savoury beef skewered pancakes (*sanjeok-jeon*).

During lunch hours, the kitchen serves exceptional braised hairtail (*galchi-jorim*), mixed seasonal fish stew (*jabeo-maeuntang*), and sea urchin rice (*seong'e-bap*). If you are visiting during spring, do not miss the seasonal sea dace and mugwort soup (*dodari-ssukguk*). It is an ideal venue for an evening meal with companions when craving authentic seafood.

* Popular Dishes: Mixed Raw Fish (*Jabeo-hoe*) — Medium 65,000 KRW, Large 85,000 KRW

* Address: 24 Namdaemun-ro 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-776-4088

2. Hwangso Makchang (황소막창)

Tucked away in an unexpectedly hidden alleyway in Mugyo-dong, Hwangso Makchang is a quintessential local secret recommended by Hwang Seong-cheol of Very Good Tour. Despite its out-of-the-way location, it transforms into a bustling hot spot every evening for office workers unwinding after a long shift.

The star of the menu is the grilled beef abomasum (*makchang*), prized for its rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture. Another standout item is the spicy webfoot octopus (*jju-kumi*), slathered in house sauce and charred over open charcoal embers. Pairing these grilled delicacies with a cold glass of soju on a rainy evening makes for an unforgettable night in Seoul.

* Popular Dishes: Grilled Beef Abomasum (*So-makchang*) 13,000 KRW, Charcoal Webfoot Octopus (*Jju-kumi*) 10,000 KRW

* Address: 30 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Da-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-319-9055

3. Cheongky Myeongga (청키면가)

Recommended by Kang Seon-young of All America Tour, Cheongky Myeongga brings authentic Hong Kong noodle flavours straight to central Seoul. Operating through a technical partnership with the original Cantonese establishment—which boasts a 60-year history spanning four generations in Central, Hong Kong—this eatery faithfully preserves classic recipes.

The kitchen is staffed by Cantonese chefs producing delicate shrimp wonton noodles and traditional regional specialties. It is equally suited for a quick mid-day bowl of noodles or a full Cantonese dinner banquet in the evening. Reservations are recommended for larger groups.

* Popular Dishes: Shrimp Wonton Noodles — Small 5,500 KRW, Large 8,500 KRW; Scalded Choy Sum with Oyster Sauce 4,000 KRW

* Address: 1/F, Hyogwang Building, 33 Da-dong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-538-3913

Legendary Soups, Stews, and Comfort Foods

4. Bukeoguk-jip (북어국집)

With a history extending over 40 years, Bukeoguk-jip is an iconic Seoul institution highlighted by Kim Byung-sam of the Korea Association of Travel Agents. The long queues wrapping around the building every lunchtime are a testament to its enduring quality.

The restaurant serves only one item: dried pollack soup (*bukeoguk*). Made by simmering dried pollack in a rich, milky beef bone broth, the soup is deeply satisfying, light, and nutritious. It comes served with pickled cucumber, seasoned chives, classic kimchi, and a refreshing cold kimchi water soup. Though famous as a hangover cure, it makes a comforting meal at any time.

* Popular Dishes: Dried Pollack Soup (*Bukeoguk*) 6,500 KRW

* Address: 38 Eulji-ro 1-gil, Da-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-777-3891

5. Songga Hwanggune (손가 황구네)

If privacy is your priority, Songga Hwanggune comes highly recommended by Heo Shin-young of N-Tour. Most tables are situated within partitioned private rooms, allowing groups to converse freely without distraction.

The restaurant is famous for its hearty spicy braised chicken (*dak-bokkeum-tang*), featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, savoury-spicy sauce. Be sure to order fried rice mixed directly into the leftover stew at the end of the meal. It is an ideal setting for group gatherings and casual office celebrations.

* Popular Dishes: Spicy Braised Chicken (*Dak-bokkeum-tang*) from 30,000 KRW

* Address: 24-4 Da-dong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-775-0933

6. Sanbul Deungsim (산불등심)

For those who appreciate straightforward menus packed with deep flavour, Sanbul Deungsim is a vintage recommendation from Choi Soon-wook, China Team Manager at Hanatour. Operating in an old-school setting, the restaurant strictly serves one item during lunch: beef soybean paste stew (*sogo-gi doenjang-jji-gae*).

Packed with rich beef and fermented soybean paste, the stew provides a hearty, robust taste that keeps locals coming back. While prices reflect the premium quality of the ingredients, the flavor is consistently reliable. Note that lunch reservations are not accepted.

* Popular Dishes: Beef Soybean Paste Stew (*Sogo-gi Doenjang-jji-gae*) 9,000 KRW

* Address: 30 Eulji-ro 3-gil, Da-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-754-7584

7. Cheonjin-ok (청진옥)

Established in 1937, Cheonjin-ok boasts nearly nine decades of history and is one of the oldest surviving eateries in Seoul. Recommended by Jeong Ha-yong, Vice President of Seoul City Tour, this historic institution is famous for its hangover soup (*haejang-guk*).

The soup features a rich, simmered broth loaded with congealed ox blood (*seonji*) and beef tripe (*yang*). Adding plenty of freshly chopped green onions into the steaming earthenware bowl enhances the broth's depth. Accompanied by traditional cubed radish kimchi (*kkakdugi*), this warming meal is especially popular on chilly or rainy days.

* Popular Dishes: Hangover Soup (*Haejang-guk*) 9,000 KRW, Special Hangover Soup (*Teuk-haejang-guk*) 12,000 KRW, Anju Soup 13,000 KRW, Boiled Beef Slices (*Suyu-k*) 40,000 KRW

* Address: 1/F, Le Meiller Jongno Town, 19 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-735-1690

8. Jinju Hoegwan (진주회관)

Jinju Hoegwan is a legendary summer establishment championed by Choi Young-min of RTS. Famous for its cold soybean noodle soup (*kong-guksu*), the restaurant serves thick, velvety soup made from pure ground soybeans, paired with springy noodles.

The naturally rich, nutty flavor of the cold soup is balanced by the restaurant’s signature seasoned kimchi. While lunchtime queues can be long during peak season, the refreshing taste makes the wait worthwhile. Note that cold soybean noodles are served exclusively between March and November.

* Popular Dishes: Cold Soybean Noodles (*Kong-guksu*) 9,500 KRW

* Address: 26 Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-753-5388

9. Won Daegutang (원대구탕)

A favorite morning-after retreat for Kim A-young of the China National Tourist Office, Won Daegutang is celebrated for its soothing codfish soup (*daegu-tang*).

The clear, delicate broth relieves tiredness and warms the stomach, making it a staple spot for office workers across the city. Every order of codfish soup is traditionally paired with a thick, rolled omelette (*gyeran-mari*). Note that reservations are not accepted during lunch hours.

* Popular Dishes: Codfish Soup (*Daegu-tang*) 8,000 KRW, Rolled Omelette (*Gyeran-mari*) 5,000 KRW

* Address: 17 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-732-7473

Korean BBQ, Izakayas, and Lively Pubs

10. Chun San (춘산)

Located on the basement levels of the Seoul Finance Centre, Chun San is a refined Japanese-style izakaya recommended by Kim Ok-hwan of Mode Tour. Featuring clean interior designs, tatami seating, and private rooms, it is a favorite dining venue for corporate group dinners.

The kitchen prioritizes freshness, utilizing ingredients sourced on the very day of service. Standout options include assorted grilled skewers (*modu-m-gui*) and barley soybean paste sashimi (*bori-doenjang-sashimi*).

* Popular Dishes: Assorted Skewers (*Modu-m-gui*) 26,000 KRW, Barley Miso Sashimi (*Bori-doenjang-sashimi*) 35,000 KRW

* Address: B1/B2, Seoul Finance Center, 136 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-773-1357 (Lunch reservations accepted until 12:00 PM)

11. Hanmaru (한마루)

Recommended by Han Seung-ho of Lotte Tour, Hanmaru is a top-tier Korean BBQ destination known for serving fresh Jeju pork belly (*ojeop-sal*) grilled over real charcoal on wire grids.

The restaurant provides an impressive array of clean, Korean banquet-style side dishes alongside high-grade beef and pork cuts. Whether hosting corporate partners or dining with colleagues, its high quality makes it a crowd-pleaser.

* Popular Dishes: Jeju Pork Belly (*Jeju Ojeop-sal*, 150g) 13,000 KRW, Marinated Hanwoo Ribeye (*Hanwoo Jumul-leok Deungsim*, 130g) 25,000 KRW

* Address: 2/F, Le Meiller Jongno Town 1, 19 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-736-3100

12. Kuroya (쿠로야)

For intimate team dinners or quiet evening drinks, Kuroya is an elegant izakaya selected by An Ji-hyeon of Naeil Tour. Featuring cozy partitioned seating and private rooms, it offers an inviting space for private conversation.

The menu features delicate Japanese hotpots alongside premium grilled Wagyu beef. Lucky diners might even receive a complimentary side of crispy fried freshwater shrimp, which pairs exceptionally well with draft beer.

* Popular Dishes: Sukiyaki 15,000 KRW per person, Wagyu Beef Set (*Wagyu-modum*) 47,200 KRW for 2 people

* Address: Yuson Building, 116 Seosemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-756-0022

13. Cheonbok (천복)

Park Mi of Yellow Balloon recommends Cheonbok for its welcoming hospitality and hearty Korean dishes. Known primarily as a pork specialist, its everyday lunch staple is stir-fried spicy pork (*jeyok-bokkeum*).

In the evening, the restaurant transitions into a barbecue house serving fresh pork belly (*samgyeopsal*). Spacious seating on the second floor makes it particularly convenient for larger group gatherings.

* Popular Dishes: Stir-fried Spicy Pork (*Jeyok-bokkeum*) 7,000 KRW, Fresh Pork Belly (*Saeng-samgyeopsal*) 12,000 KRW

* Address: 27-4 Sejong-daero 14-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-756-8524

14. Poongnyeon (풍년)

Selected by Choi Jin-kyung of KRT, Poongnyeon is a reliable choice for efficient, hearty group lunches. Its specialty is spicy braised chicken (*dak-bokkeum-tang*).

Because braised chicken requires cooking time, placing an advance phone reservation ensures the piping-hot stew is ready the moment you sit down. It offers excellent value when sharing among three or four people.

* Popular Dishes: Spicy Braised Chicken (*Dak-bokkeum-tang*) from 26,000 KRW

* Address: 30 Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-755-5278

15. Jangho Wang Gopchang - Main Branch (장호왕곱창 본점)

While the sign outside advertises grilled tripe (*gopchang*), Han Heung-gyo of Malaysia Airlines reveals that this legendary spot is actually famous for its kimchi stew (*kimchi-jji-gae*).

Served bubbling in vintage aluminium pots, the stew combines sour aged kimchi with generous cuts of pork. The rich, tangy broth makes it a popular lunch choice for local office workers.

* Popular Dishes: Kimchi Stew (*Kimchi-jji-gae*) 7,000 KRW

* Address: 83-1 Seosemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-756-0570

16. Dwaeji-jip (돼지집)

When your appetite calls for bold flavours, Dwaeji-jip delivers with its spicy pork and kimchi stir-fry (*kimchi-duruchigi*). Recommended by Moon Eun-seok of B2B Resort, this eatery attracts daily queues thanks to its generous portions and budget-friendly pricing.

Featuring large private rooms on upper floors, it easily accommodates team dinners and group gatherings looking for an informal meal.

* Popular Dishes: Spicy Pork and Kimchi Stir-fry (*Kimchi-duruchigi*) 6,500 KRW

* Address: 74 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-777-3392

17. Manseon Hof (만선호프)

Choi Bo-sun, Representative of the Peru Tourism Board, highlights Manseon Hof as an essential Seoul night experience. Holding the record for highest beer sales of any single venue in South Korea, this pub delivers crisp, ultra-fresh draft beer.

Servers often place cold pints on your table the moment you sit down. Outside food is permitted, meaning guests can bring takeaway scallion pancakes (*pajeon*) or fried chicken from neighboring stalls to enjoy alongside affordable dried pollack (*nogari*).

* Popular Dishes: Draft Beer 3,000 KRW, Dried Young Pollack (*Nogari*) 1,000 KRW per fish

* Address: 19 Eulji-ro 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-2274-1040

18. Jongga-jip (종가집)

Recommended by Oh Seung-hwan of Hanatour's PR team, Jongga-jip offers a lively atmosphere centered around grilled beef tripe (*hwangso-gopchang*).

Plump beef intestines are grilled on iron hotplates alongside thick slices of onion and potato. To top it off, staff pour soju over the grill and ignite a brief flame show (*bul-show*) to sear the meats. Generous side dishes like steamed egg (*gyeran-jji-m*) complete the experience.

* Popular Dishes: Grilled Pure Beef Tripe (*Hwangso Sun-al Gopchang-gui*) 23,000 KRW

* Address: 15-6 Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-734-0987

International Flavours and Gourmet Complexes

19. Ganga (강가)

For those craving rich spices in central Seoul, Lee Ju-hyun of JNTO recommends Ganga, an upscale Indian restaurant located in the Seoul Finance Centre.

Featuring elegant Indian decor, the kitchen serves aromatic curries, tender tandoori chicken, and freshly baked garlic naan. It is a pleasant change of pace when seeking bold international flavours in the heart of the capital.

* Popular Dishes: Tandoori Chicken 25,000 KRW, Chicken Makhani 20,500 KRW, Prawn Chilli 22,500 KRW, Garlic Naan 3,500 KRW

* Address: B2, Seoul Finance Center, 136 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

* Contact: 02-3783-0610

20-22. Gran Seoul Sikgaekchon (그랑 서울 식객촌)

Recommended by Byeon Dong-hyun of Destination Canada, Sikgaekchon inside the Gran Seoul building brings together famous culinary establishments curated from Huh Young-man’s famous Korean food comic series *Sikgaek*.

This food dining arcade houses nine vetted restaurants spanning various budget levels. Thanks to extensive parking facilities, it is a convenient weekend family destination as well as a popular weekday lunch spot. Three highlight vendors within the complex include:

* Suhadong (수하동): Famous for rich beef bone soup (*seolleongtang*). The hearty broth includes both tender beef slices and offal, served without artificial seasonings so diners can salt to taste.

* Odusan Memil-ga (오두산메밀가): Specializes in refreshing buckwheat cold noodles (*memil-saeng-soba*). Ordering a double portion is ideal for beating the summer heat.

* Busanpo Eomuk (부산포어묵): Serves authentic handmade fishcakes shipped directly from Busan. Pairing hot fishcake skewers with cold C1 soju makes for an authentic regional snack.

* Pricing Guide: Suhadong Beef Soup 10,000 KRW, Odusan Buckwheat Noodles 8,000 KRW, Busanpo Fishcake Skewers 1,200 – 1,800 KRW per piece

* Address: B1, GS Gran Seoul, 33 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

* Contact: Suhadong 02-2158-7903 | Odusan Memil-ga 02-2158-7952 | Busanpo Eomuk 02-2158-7989

Practical Tips for Dining in Central Seoul

* Peak Hour Queueing: Office lunch hour in the City Hall and Gwanghwamun districts runs strictly from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Popular spots like Bukeoguk-jip and Jinju Hoegwan experience heavy queues. Arrive before 11:30 AM or after 1:15 PM to avoid long waits.

* Reservation Policies: Many popular mid-day soup and noodle establishments (including Sanbul Deungsim, Jinju Hoegwan, and Won Daegutang) do not accept reservations during lunch service.

* Evening Gatherings: Korean BBQ and izakaya establishments fill up rapidly after 6:00 PM on weekdays. For group bookings, phone ahead at least one or two days in advance.

* Language & Ordering: While upscale venues in financial centers feature English menus, smaller traditional alleyway eateries may rely on Korean signage. Pointing to menu boards or showing photos on your phone is widely accepted.