Translation result
Myeongdong’s Top 5 Restaurants
- Menten — Myeongdong ramen with knockout umami from chicken broth
- Molto Italian Espresso Bar — beautiful view of Myeongdong Cathedral
- ‘Hadonggwan’ Myeongdong Main — Myeongdong’s long-standing gomtang institution
- Wonjo Namsan Wang Donkatsu Myeongdong Main — kettle-fried pork cutlets with exceptional crispness
- Mokmyeok Sanbang — a bowl of bibimbap made with care
Myeongdong sits at the heart of Seoul’s busiest commercial district, pulsing with energy and endless foot traffic. Between the shopping and sightseeing, you’ll find well-loved restaurants standing shoulder to shoulder with trendier spots — offering everything from classic Korean comfort food to international flavors. With travelers from all over the world passing through, the neighborhood is a deliciously diverse playground. Even in the midst of the hustle, a satisfying meal here feels especially rewarding. Here are five Myeongdong joints that capture the neighborhood’s irresistible charm.
Menten — Ramen with unbeatable umami from chicken broth
A solo chef runs Menten, a ramen spot that nails clean, focused flavors. The pared-down menu — just tantanmen and shoyu ramen — means each bowl gets the chef’s full attention, and portions are limited. The chicken-based broth delivers a balanced, refined umami, and every ingredient is cooked to preserve texture and flavor. Be warned: lines are long and turnover isn’t quick, so even with an app-based waitlist, expect to wait.
See Menten on SikSin for more details ▶
- ▲Location
1F Dongbuk Building, 305 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
- ▲Hours
Mon–Sat 11:40–19:30 (break 14:30–17:40 / last orders 14:00, 19:00) / Closed every Sunday and on the first and third Monday of each month
- ▲Prices
Savory Ramen 12,500 KRW (≈ $9.38 USD)
Molto Italian Espresso Bar — beautiful view of Myeongdong Cathedral
Molto Italian Espresso Bar brings an Italian sensibility to Myeongdong and has become a favorite photo stop. The cafe takes espresso seriously — the signature Caffè Salato pairs a bold shot with sweet cream and a pinch of salt, delivering a delicious sweet-and-salty bite you enjoy by scooping cream and espresso together. It’s a perfect match with a crisp croissant.
See Molto Italian Espresso Bar on SikSin for more details ▶
▲Location
3rd floor, 73 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
▲Hours
Mon–Sat 10:30–19:30 (last order 19:00) / Closed every Sunday
▲Prices
Caffè Salato 4,800 KRW (≈ $3.60 USD) / Bruschetta varies / Fresh fruit juice 8,800 KRW (≈ $6.60 USD)
Hadonggwan Myeongdong Main — Myeongdong’s long-standing gomtang institution
Hadonggwan has delivered the same comforting flavor since 1939. Their steaming gomtang is rich without being heavy, and the bowl includes a variety of beef cuts — brisket, tripe, flank — so each spoonful offers a different texture. The clear beef broth is ladled over rice so it cools slightly and you can dig in right away.
See Hadonggwan Myeongdong Main on SikSin for more details ▶
12 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Mon–Sat 07:00–16:00 / Closed every Sunday
- ▲Prices
Gomtang (small) 15,000 KRW (≈ $11.25 USD) / Gomtang (regular) 18,000 KRW (≈ $13.50 USD) / 25-gong 25,000 KRW (≈ $18.75 USD)
Wonjo Namsan Wang Donkatsu Myeongdong Main — kettle-fried pork cutlets with exceptional crispness
Wonjo Namsan Wang Donkatsu sticks to the old-school method of frying cutlets in a large iron cauldron. They use premium ingredients — domestic fresh sirloin, preservative-free breadcrumbs made from house bread, and oil that’s used only that day — then fry each cutlet to a gloriously crisp finish. The large, crunchy pieces go perfectly with the sweet sauce, and the many set menus make it easy to enjoy a generous, varied meal.
See Wonjo Namsan Wang Donkatsu Myeongdong Main on SikSin for more details ▶
Myeongdong Artnouveau Centrum, 21 Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Daily 11:00–22:00
- ▲Prices
Namsan Wang Donkatsu 13,000 KRW (≈ $9.75 USD) / Spicy Wang Donkatsu 13,000 KRW (≈ $9.75 USD) / Cheese Donkatsu 15,000 KRW (≈ $11.25 USD)
Mokmyeok Sanbang — a bowl of bibimbap made with care
Mokmyeok Sanbang is a bibimbap specialist serving thoughtfully prepared bowls made from quality ingredients. From Sanbang Bibimbap to Gondre Soy Sauce Bibimbap and Bulgogi Bibimbap, the menu is approachable for locals and foreigners alike. Every element — the rice, the seasoned greens, the doenjang and soy sauce, the sesame and perilla oils — is carefully selected to build deep, layered flavors you can taste in every bite.
See Mokmyeok Sanbang on SikSin for more details ▶
1F, 71 Toegyero 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Daily 11:00–20:00 (last order 19:20)
- ▲Prices
Yukhoe Bibimbap 14,500 KRW (≈ $10.88 USD) / Sanbang Bibimbap 9,000 KRW (≈ $6.75 USD) / Gondre Soy Sauce Bibimbap 10,000 KRW (≈ $7.50 USD)
Most Commented