Myeongdong: A Favorite Street of Gourmet Restaurants

Myeongdong: A Favorite Street of Gourmet Restaurants

Myeongdong is located in central Seoul, the mecca of shopping, finance, and culture, and a must -visit tourist destination. Touring Myeongdong is even more enjoyable thanks to a number of gourmet restaurants that have served customers for several decades. Managing to survive the financial ups and downs that spelled disaster for neighboring businesses, these restaurants continue to attract customers mainly because of their tasty cuisine and warm hospitality. We’d like to recommend the following “seven best” restaurants.

Gogung Gogung is renowned for its Jeonju bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables and beef). The food was thus named because the city of Jeonju is famous for its tasty and nutritious bibimbap. Gogung opened in Jeonju in 1971, bringing another restaurant to Myeongdong in 1999. The Myeongdong chain provides genuine taste of Jeonju bibimbap, for it uses main ingredients, such as bean sprouts and red pepper paste, delivered directly from Jeonju. A bowl of Jeonju bibimbap contains various ingredients, including minced beef; slices of radish, pumpkin, and cucumber; steamed spinach, bellflower roots, bracken, and radish; jujubes, pine nuts, walnuts, gingko nuts, and chestnuts. What is more, you can enjoy seven side dishes such as kimchi pancakes and pickled squid. Foreign customers love the restaurant’s interior, which is decorated with the traditional, hand-made paper for which Jeonju is famous, and the personnel wear Korean traditional clothing. TIP To mix the bibimbap, use chopsticks rather than a spoon as it helps maintain the shape and texture of all the fresh ingredients. Restaurant Information -Open: 11:00 am~ 10:00 pm daily -Closed: Chinese New Year’s holidays, Chuseok holidays -Telephone: 02-776-3211 -Menu: Jeonju bibimbap 11,000 won, Dolsot bibimbap (bibimbap in a stone pot) 8,800 won, Nakji bibimbap (bibimbap with tiny octopus) 8,800 won, Gogung japchae (medley of Chinese noodles, vegetables, and sliced beef) 14,000 won -How to Get There: From Exit 10 of Myeongdong Station (Subway Line No. 4), walk to the right of Hotel Sejong until you reach a T-intersection. Turn left and walk about 60 meters.

Yeongyang Center Opened in 1960, Yeongyang Center is the oldest restaurant in Myeongdong, and has maintained the same simple menu for more than 40 years: tongdak (roasted chicken) and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). Because Yeongyang Center’s tongdak is roasted on an electric rotisserie, the skin is crispy and not at all greasy. In fact you can watch the chickens roasting at the restaurant’s entrance. Samgyetang is the most popular fare, not only during the sultry months of July and August, but also during the frosty winter. Whichever type of chicken you choose, the meat is always tender because the restaurant uses only Korean-bred chickens only about one month old. TIP During lunchtime, try the Tongdak Lunch Set (12:00 pm ~ 4:00 pm on weekdays, 12:00 pm ~ 2:00 pm on weekends) at only W 6,000. Restaurant Information -Open: 10:30 am ~ 10:00 pm daily -Closed: Chinese New Year’s holidays, Chuseok holidays -Telephone: 02-776-2015 -Menu: Tongdak 12,000, Samgyetang 12,000 -How to Get There: From Exit 5 of Myeongdong Station (Subway Line No. 4), walk about 50 meters along Myeongdong-daero to the first intersection (near Pascucci coffee shop). Turn left and walk about 50 meters. The restaurant is next to Kaist optician's.

Myeongdong Donkkaseu Opened in 1983, this restaurant serves delicious tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet). The secret is in aging thick slices of seasoned pork fillet (150kg total) for three to four days making the meat more tender. The slices are then coated with egg batter and breadcrumbs, and fried in hot oil (160°C) for about seven minutes. Voila! A tasty tonkatsu, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Also mouthwatering are the miso soup and fresh vegetables served with it. The first floor layout is a bar and the second and third floors are like spacious halls. During lunch, crowds of loyal customers mean a waiting line. The restaurant is a favorite for all ages, from youngsters to elderly regulars. TIP You can watch the tonkatsu being cooked on the first floor. Restaurant Information -Open: 11:00 am ~ 9:30 pm daily -Closed: Chinese New Year’s holidays, Chuseok holidays -Telephone: 02-776-5300 -Menu: Donkkaseu 9,000 won, Saengseon (fish) donkkaseu 11,000 won, Hirekkaseu (tenderloin donkkaseu) 9,000 won, Saeu-hurai (fried shrimp) 15,000 won -How to Get There: From Exit 6 of Euljiro-ipku Station (Subway Line No. 2), walk about 200 meters, until you reach a tourist information office. Turn left and walk about 80 meters until you reach McDonald’s to your left. Turn left at McDonald’s and you can see the restaurant sign.

Myeongdong Gyoja Opened in 1969, this restaurant serves one of the tastiest bowls of guksu (chopped-noodle soup) in Korea. Both the tender noodles and rich broth are prepared right in the restaurant. The chopped noodles are made of dough that “rests” for three hours before being cooked, and chicken bones are boiled for at least six hours in water to make the rich broth. A bowl of kalguksu is served with four pork-and-scallion mandu (dumplings) and topped with minced chicken. This restaurant’s kimchi, served as a side dish, is so delicious that customers come to the restaurant just for a taste of it. Popular with foreigners as well as Koreans, Myeongdong Gyoja is known for its excellent service: personnel never forget to refill the kimchi and soup bowls on each table. There are two Myeongdong Gyoja restaurants (Main Branch and Branch No. 1) in Myeongdong, and whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. TIP Kalguksu and mandu go well together. Restaurant Information -Open: 10:30 am ~ 9:30 pm daily -Closed: Chinese New Year’s holidays, Chuseok holidays -Telephone: [Main Branch] 02-776-5348, [Branch No. 1] 02-776- 3424 -Menu: Kalguksu 7,000 won, Bibim-guksu (noodles with assorted mixtures) 7,000 won, Kong- guksu (noodles in bean soup) 7,000 won, Mandu(Dumpling) 7,000 won -How to Get There: [Main Branch] From Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station (Subway Line No. 4), proceed between La Bellavita (coffee shop) and Crown Bakery about 150 meters (you'll pass two intersections). [Branch No. 1] From the Main Branch, walk straight further about 90 meters. It is across from Missha (cosmetics shop).

Ttaro-jip Sogogi-Gukpap Opened in 1969, this restaurant has been serving sogogi-gukpap (boiled rice served with beef soup) for 36 years. The restaurant’s name, ttaro-jip, literally means “separate house,” for unlike other restaurants that serve boiled rice already in the bowl of beef soup, this restaurant serves the boiled rice and beef soup in separate bowls. As time has passed and Korea’s fortunes have risen, the price of gukpap has also gone up: from W100 when the restaurant opened, to the current W6,000. The main fare is of course sogogi-gukpap, a Korean favorite. And no wonder the soup is so rich and hearty: the beef bones are boiled in water for over 48 hours. Red pepper seasoning makes the food both pungent and sweet, and bean sprouts, beef brisket and seonji (boiled beef-blood lumps) are added. The recommended side dish for gukpap is modeumjeon (Korean pancake) which contains various ingredients, including egg, fish, pumpkin, pepper, and fried meatballs. A refill of gukpap is free. TIP If you don’t want the seonji (beef-blood lumps), tell the waitperson, “Seonji-neun ppae- juseyo.” (“No seonji, please.”) Restaurant Information -Open: 24 hours daily -Closed: Chinese New Year’s holidays, Chuseok holidays -Telephone: 02-776-2455 (Korean language) -Menu: Gukpap 7,000 won, Modeumjeon 13,000 won, Gochujeon (pepper pancake) 10,000 won, Jeyuk- bokkeum (fried pork seasoned with spicy sauce) 15,000 won -How to Get There: From Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station (Subway Line No. 4), proceed between La Bellavita (coffee shop) and Crown Bakery about 230 meters (pass three intersections). It is across from Missha (cosmetics shop).

Teumsae Ramyeon Opened in 1981, this diminutive restaurant has been attracting customers with its mouthwatering ramyeon noodles for more than 20 years. The restaurant’s unique ramyeon recipe includes an ultra-spicy broth with lots of red pepper seasoning, chewy noodles, egg, and bean sprouts. Even Koreans, who are used to eating spicy kimchi, sometimes shed tears while eating this fare. Besides the food, the ambience is lots of fun, with interesting messages written by customers attached to the ceiling and the walls. The restaurant has created its own jargon that is recognized only by regular customers: ramyeon is called ppal-gye-tteok (spicy red soup with egg and rice cake), and yellow pickled radish is pineapple, to name a few of the coined terms. The menu board lists the price of ramyeon as W30,000 confusing first-time visitors. But don’t panic: an extra zero (0) was just added for fun! TIP (1) Take some souvenir pictures using the walls and the ceilings as the background (2) Try to putting some cold rice in your ramyeon for an interesting, less spicy taste experience. Restaurant Information -Open: 10:00 am ~ 9:30 pm daily (11:00 am ~ 8:30 pm on Sundays) -Closed: Chinese New Year’s holidays, Chuseok holidays -Telephone: 02-756-5477 -Menu: Ppal-gye-tteok (ramyeon) 3,500 won, Kkoma gimbap (small seaweed rolls) 1,000 won, Chanbap (cold rice) 1,000 won -How to Get There: After coming out of exit 8 of Myeongdeong Station (line 4), go walk the small street between Crown Bakery and the convenience store for about 100 meters. When you see Chungmu Gimbap, turn right and walk straight for another 20 meters, you will see it on the right side.

Halmeoni Guksu The name of this restaurant means “grandma’s noodle soup.” Opened in 1958, the restaurant serves guksu made from a traditional recipe handed down to grandma’s daughters. While the restaurant looks like an ordinary snack bar, it attracts crowds of customers because of the wonderful flavor of its guksu. The secret lies in a mouthwatering, delicately spiced seafood broth, as well as tender, hand-made noodles and mildly flavored tofu. A bowl of guksu is the perfect snack, and the service is also great. TIP Enjoy this tasty guksu anytime you need a quick snack between meals. Restaurant Information -Open: 6:40 am ~ 9:30 pm daily -Closed: January 1st, Chinese New Year’s holidays, Chuseok holidays -Telephone: 02-778-2705 -Menu: Halmeoni-guksu 3,000 won, Dubu-guksu (tofu noodle soup) 3,500 won, Bibim-guksu (noodles with assorted mixtures) 4,000 won, Gimbap (dried seaweed rolls) 2,500 won -How to Get There: From Exit 5 of Euljiro-ipku Station (Subway Line No. 2), walk about 50 meters, until you reach Buy the Way. Turn right and walk until you reach a T-intersection (Sock Stop is located here). Take the left fork and walk until you reach the first side street to your right. Halmeoni-guksu is located on this side street.

[Dessert Info] O'sulloc Teahouse Myeongdong is home to numerous shops serving wonderful desserts. Among them, O'sulloc Teahouse serves tea as well as desserts, such as green tea cake. Also popular are green tea ice cream and green tea tiramisu. During the winter season, try a green capuccino or a green latte. Tea shop Information -Open: 9:00 am ~ 10:30 pm (9:00 am ~ 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) -Closed: January 1st, Chinese New Year’s holidays, and Chuseok holidays -Telephone: 02-774-5460 -Menu: Okro Green tea capuccino 9,000 won, Green tea cheese tiramisu 5,000 won, Green tea ice cream 7,500 won -How to Get There: From Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station (Subway Line No. 4), proceed between La Bellavita (coffee shop) and Crown Bakery about 250 meters to WHO.A.U (clothing store). Turn left, and walk a short distance and you’ll find the O'sulloc Teahouse on your left.

Map of Myeongdong

* Above information may be subject to change after October 2009.

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr

Myeongdong : center of city ‘Seoul’, most of transportation passing through the Myeongdong

Why girls are going to shopping in Myeongdong ?

Why so many couples are going out in Myeongdong ?

Why lots of tourists are visiting in Myeongdong ?

 

Why?

 

Because of ‘Myeongdong' is convenience place for shopping and eating.

It’s center of city ‘Seoul’, most of transportation passing through the Myeongdong .

Myeongdong is located in central Seoul, the mecca of shopping, finance, and culture, and a must -visit tourist destination.

The famous tourist zone ‘Myeongdong ’ is start from small vendors, it’s almost thousands, can’t find where is came from actually. Anyway, there are many shops from a local unbranded cheap shop to the mega brand shops. But also you can find all the fashion items such as fabrics, clothes, shoes, jewelry, cosmetic, etc. in Myeongdong .

This is not the end, you can easily catch the traditional food restaurants(식당_Sikdang: local restaurant) through the small road(골목길_Golmukgil: small load).

My favorite restaurants are always fully book and my favorite shops are just like battlefield. But I like Myeongdong so much.

 

That’s why people heading to the Myeongdong . 

 

www.bookinnkorea.com

 

 



Hongdae : The area surrounding Hongik University, or 'Hongdae' (홍대)

The area surrounding Hongik University, or 'Hongdae' (홍대) as it's affectionately called, is the center of Korea's youthful nightlife. Many of Seoul's idiosyncratic clubs that draw the younger set are clustered in the area, and on the last Friday of every month these clubs host a 'Club Day.' The Hongdae Club Day was first started in 2001 as a way to promote the club business, and has since become a staple as a festival of youth. A 15,000 won ticket gains party-goers admittance into 11 clubs, with one drink on the house. It is an ideal place for people who find dancing and music irresistible. Head over to Hongdae Club Day on the last Friday of the month. A wild gathering of young adults from all over the world is waiting.

[Cafe Introductions] 1. M.I Club M.I has an impressive sound system that replays the tiniest sounds intact, and brilliant laser lights. The DJ deck is decorated with gleaming metals, and the stylish, modern interior attracts a style-conscious crowd. Music: Trance, Progressive House, House Hours: Weekdays 19:30-04:30, Weekends 19:30-06:00 Cover: Weekdays 7,000 won, Weekends 10,000 won (includes 1 drink) 2. SK@ With a varied age level from the 20s to the 40s, SK@ boasts a welcoming and liberated atmosphere. Photos of regulars and currency from all over the world given by foreign visitors adorn the walls. Music: Rock, Pop, Mixed Hours: Weekdays 18:00-05:00, Weekends 18:00-06:00 Cover: Weekdays free, Weekends 10,000 won (includes 1 drink) 3. DD The walls are decorated in neon lighting for a strong modern appeal, and the dance floor is a blessing for tired ankles. DD's playlist runs the familiar repertoire of Hip Hop and R&B hits. Music: Hip Hop, R&B Hours: Weekdays 18:00-05:00, Weekends 18:00-06:00 Cover: Weekdays 5,000 won, Weekends 10,000 won (includes 1 drink) 4. MWG (Myungwolgwan) Once a club with a unique traditional Korean atmosphere, it has since undergone a major renovation and redecoration effort, transforming itself into a modern spot instead. With plush sofas and mirrored walls, MWG is famous for inviting DJs from overseas to spin. Music: House, Tribal, Progressive House Hours: Weekdays 20:00-03:00, Weekends 19:00-06:00 Cover: Weekdays free, Weekends 10,000 won (includes 1 drink) 5. NB The largest club in the Hongdae area, NB is mainly a Hip Hop club but also has separate rooms that play House and other genre of music. A shower system is installed in the ceilings for unique water parties. A rest area in the 2nd level overlooks the 1st level, so that guests can catch up on rest while not missing out on the happenings down below. Music: Hip Hop, R&B Weekdays: Weekdays 19:30-04:00, Weekends 19:30-06:00 Cover: Weekdays 10,000 won, Weekends: 15,000 won (includes 1 drink) 6. MATMATA The space is relatively small but a devoted clientele of the young always crowds into MATMATA. It lures people in with a diverse mix of House music and friendly atmosphere. Music: House, Deep House, Funky Disco Hours: Weekdays 19:00-04:00, Weekends 19:00-06:00 Cover: Weekdays 7,000 won, Weekdays 10,000 won (includes 1 drink) 7. HOOPER A Western-themed bar familiar even to infrequent partiers, HOOPER is the only club in Hongdae that plays Korean Pop music. Music: Korean pop, Pop, House, Hip Hop Hours: Weekdays 18:30-04:00, Weekends 18:00-06:00 Cover: Weekdays free, Weekends 10,000 won (includes 1 drink) 8. SAAB SAAB is well known for the giant fan installed behind the main stage. Fashion-conscious college students and young professionals make up most of the clientele. Music: House, Hip Hop, Mixed Hours: Weekdays 18:00-04:00, Weekends 18:00-06:00 Cover: Weekdays free, Weekends 10,000 won (includes 1 drink) 9. Hodge Podge Playing funky Brit-Pop, alternative rock, and pop songs, Hodge Podge is a club popular with people who are tired of the typical techno music played at most clubs. It's a great place to experience something new. Music: Rock, Brit Pop, Pop Hours: Weekdays 19:00-04:00, Weekends 19:00-06:00 Cover: Weekdays 7,000 won, Weekends 10,000 won (includes 1 drink) 10. JOKERRED Spinning futuristic underground music, JOKERRED is famous for having a clientele full of ardent music fans. Guest DJs from outside Korea are frequently invited to spin. Music: Progressive House, House, Trance, Techno Hours: Weekdays 19:00-02:00, Weekends 19:00-05:00 Cover: Weekdays 5,000 won, Weekends 10,000 won (includes 1 drink) Homepage: http://www.jokerred.co.kr (Korea) 11. OLD ROCK Old Rock mainly serves a clientele of people in their 30s to 40s, but plays a good mix of everything from nostalgic oldies rock to current rock favorites. Music: Rock, Pop Hours: Weekdays 19:00-03:00, Weekends 19:00-04:00 Cover: Free except on Club Days

[A German Tourist at the Club- An Interview with Nick] It's not uncommon to see foreign visitors in Hongdae, drawn in by their curiosity for Korean nightlife. Nick, visiting from Germany, was one of many such people making the rounds at the clubs to enjoy the dancing and music. T2K: I just saw you dancing a little while ago, it was impressive! What country are you from? Nick: I'm from Germany, and it's been about a week since I've come to Korea. T2K: Is it your first time at Hongdae Club Day? Nick: Yeah, my Korean friends brought me along, and I'm having a fantastic time! T2K: Is there something like the Hongdae Club Day in Germany? Nick: In Germany, it depends on the region- some of the bigger cities hold club festivals from time to time. But the differences are that the restaurants here are open 24 hours, so that's great, and that they hold a Club Market. T2K: What genre of music do you like? Nick: If I can dance to it, I like it!

[Tips for Enjoying the Hongdae Club Day]

1. If thirsty, seek refreshment at nearby convenience stores. 2. If hungry, seek out one of the many street vendors that sell 'tteokbokgi' (spicy rice cakes) or 'eodaeng' (fish cakes). 3. After a long night of dancing, if you get hungry while waiting to catch the first subway home, visit a 24 hour grill to recover some of your spent energy. 4. Visit the Club Market. It opens on Club Days and you can find many clothing items and accessories ideal for wearing to the clubs. (Check the location on a map!)

[Transportation and map]

Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구 역 (Seoul Subway line No.2), Exit No.6.

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr