Seoul: Best Restaurants in Myeongdong To Satisfy Food Cravings

by Jackie
Published: Last Updated on
Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea - Sulbing

Overwhelmed by the plethora of food options in Seoul, South Korea? 

If you’re visiting or staying in the Myeongdong area, you’re in luck as we’ll share the best restaurants in Myeongdong

We have you covered with recommended delicious and affordable foods that you need to try and where to eat in Myeongdong which will make you crave more food! 

We stayed in Seoul for five days, so we tried a variety of foods from traditional Korean food to dessert to enticing street food in this area. Since our hotel was located in Myeongdong, it was convenient to walk to the easily accessible Myeongdong restaurants and food options. 

As a heads up for vegetarians and vegans travelers, South Korea is challenging as the meals are meat-centric. It’s possible to eat vegetarian food such as banchans (Korean side dishes). Luckily, this list of amazing vegan food in South Korea has some delicious options in Seoul. 

You’ll want to have this Myeongdong food guide post handy when you’re in Seoul so you’re ready to eat and prevent hanger (hunger and anger). Now, let’s go and see what to eat in Myeongdong!

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Appreciate the support.


Why Visit Myeondong?

Located off of Line 4 subway system, Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s main hubs for shopping galore

We’re talking chic and affordable women’s clothes, facial products and cosmetics at every corner, and tons of facial mask stores. Many of the stores give a free mask if you visit the store. 

The shopping opportunities are endless, so it’s a fantastic place to stock up on your favorite beauty supplies and cosmetics as gifts or souvenirs. 

If you spend a certain amount, don’t forget to take advantage of the tax refund at the Incheon Airport when you depart.


Map of Where to Eat in Seoul’s Myeondong Area

Map of places to eat in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea

Click on the map to see a larger view of places to eat in Myeongdong. Credit: Map data: Google


Best Restaurants in Myeongdong

1. Myeongdong’s Street Food

Ok, this place isn’t a restaurant but Myeongdong is swarming with street food everywhere in the evenings. It’ll be hard to go shopping and not stop by one of the vendors to purchase something.

Try snacks like Korean fried chicken with topokki (rice cakes) in gochujang spicy sauce, fried squid on a stick, or even fancier items of BBQ fresh scallops with cheese. 

A cup of fried chicken and rice cakes in a spicy sauce in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea

If you love sweets, choose from croissant taiyaki (fish-shaped sweets), strawberry mochi (when strawberries are in season), or honey ice cream with a piece of honeycomb.

Taiyaki fish shaped desserts on display at the Myeongdong Night Market, Seoul, South Korea

You can’t go wrong with trying a taiyaki when exploring Myeongdong’s Night Market

Vendors start to repeat themselves as you navigate further toward the middle of the shopping area, so no need to FOMO (fear of missing out) if you missed the vendor the first time. 

TIP: Make sure that you have enough cash available to pay for the food items as some of the seafood options are pricier. 

In addition, all of these items are for takeaway, so you can enjoy them on the sidewalk or while you’re walking along the street. 

Please remember to dispose of trash in the trash cans to keep the streets clean. 


2. Sulbing Korean Dessert Cafe (설빙)

This popular place in Myeondong is famous for its snow-ice desserts and specialty toast. The snow is heavenly with the smooth, superfine powdered snow. It’s super fluffy and has the perfect amount of sweetness. 

We went here every evening of our stay for dessert even during the rain. It’s that good and we’re still dreaming about this place!

What is great about this place is that the desserts can be shared with another person. The portion is huge. Or if you’re a big eater, you can try to tackle it yourself!

We tried the following and loved every one of them:

  • Real Green Tea Snowflake (9,500 KRW / $8.40 USD) – What is not to love about green tea anything?! This snow comes with TWO scoops of green tea ice cream and red bean filled mochi.
  • Green Tea Chocolate Snowflake (9,500 KRW / $8.40 USD) – A mix of chocolate powder and green tea snow with green tea ice cream = deliciousness. It’s a popular menu item and perfect for chocolate lovers. We noticed that the chocolate did overpower the green tea flavor though.
  • Strawberry Snowflake Tree (13,500 KRW / $12 USD) – During our visit, strawberries were in season. Therefore, we had to try the strawberry snow with the green tea ice cream (instead of a ball of ice cream it was flatter to look like a tree). Although a pricier dessert, the fragrant and sweet strawberries complemented the green tea flavors.
  • Injeolmi Snowflake (7,000 KRW / $6.20 USD) – If you want a lighter flavor, try the snow with the injeolmi powder. It’s a soy powder with almonds, mochi, and a side of condensed milk.
  • Injeolmi Honey Butter Toast (7,000 KRW / $6.20 USD) – For the bread junkies, this dessert comes with three layers of toast with cheese in between, vanilla ice cream with honey, and topped with injeolmi powder.
Snow ice dessert with fresh strawberries and green tea ice cream at Sulbing Cafe in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea A plate with two pieces of toast with soy powder and ice cream and a bowl of green tea snow iced dessert and ice cream at Sulbing Cafe in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea

Address: 32-17 Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea (on the second level)

For more information: Facebook


3. Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자)

Since 1966, Myeongdong Kyoja serves incredible kalguksu, knife-cut noodles in the area. Everyone makes kalguksu differently as we’ve had it in Jeonju, one of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy

Recently, it’s been recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its good value and cooking. 

The kalguksu at Myeongdong Kyoja comes with pork and dumplings in a hot, savory soup. 

A bowl of noodles and handmade dumplings at Myeongdong Kyoja in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea

We also ordered the kongguksu, a cold soybean soup, which had a rich flavor from the crushed sesame seeds. 

Both dishes were 8,000 KRW ($7 USD) each. In addition, everyone also receives a small dish of kimchee. 

Due to the crowds at this place, efficiency is key. Therefore, you’ll pay for the meal before the food arrives. In addition, the tables are cleaned up within 15 seconds of a group leaving.

Space is also tight at this restaurant as your neighbor is half an arm’s length away. If you have claustrophobia or agoraphobia, you may want to go to a different restaurant.

Addresses: 

  • Main location: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Second location: 8 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

4. Yoognae Restaurant (유가네)

Yoognae is a chain restaurant that focuses on chicken galbi since 1981. There are locations around the world including in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

This place has a long queue but if you have a party of two and there is a table available, you’ll get to jump the line. Unfortunately, this place isn’t good for solo travelers due to the minimum ordering.

There is a minimum order of 2 for your meats and everything is cooked in a giant skillet. Waiters came around to mix it up every few minutes so you don’t need to cook anything yourself. 

TIP: It’s best to wear the aprons that they provide since the food splatters everywhere. You can go to their self-serve section for kimchee and cabbage.

We had chicken and giant octopus with leeks and cabbage. They were first cooked in the skillet. 

Then, we added ramen and assorted topokki (regular, sweet potato, and cheese stuffed) to the meats and the red-orange gochujang sauce. The gochujang was spicy but had great flavors mixed with the meats. 

Jackie Szeto, Life Of Doing, sits behind the giant skillet with chicken, cabbage, and leeks cooking at Yoognae in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea Justin Huynh, Life Of Doing, holds up pieces of octopus with chopsticks at Yoognae in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea

Once you leave the restaurant, you have a nice BBQ smell attached to your clothes to remember the meal.

Our meal was 27,000 KRW ($24 USD), with meats starting at 10,000 KRW ($8.80 USD).

Addresses: 

  • 8 Myeongdong 4-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • 19 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • 7-4 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • 22-6 Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

For More Information: Facebook


5. Issac Toast (이삭토스트)

Need a place for a quick takeaway breakfast? Check out Issac Toast

There are over 700 stores in South Korea, yet the Myeongdong shop always has a queue. 

The concept is similar to a grilled cheese sandwich where you have buttered toast cooked on a griddle and stuffed with your choice of filling. 

The top menu choices are bulgogi, chicken, or galbi toast and each has hashbrown inside. 

It’s a cheap sandwich starting at 3,200 KRW ($2.80 USD).

There is currently a deal on Klook for Isaac Toast Cathedral (3-11 Myeondong Location) where you can get a discounted set menu of toast and drink. Learn more here.

Addresses: 

  • 3-11 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • 105 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

For More Information: Facebook


6. 32 Parfait (32 파르페) 

We’re suckers for ice cream so we couldn’t resist seeing everyone eating tall ice cream. 

After roaming around the streets, we found two places that served tall ice cream and decided to go to 32 Parfait

You can’t miss this place with the long lines and the servers are dressed in red baseball jerseys.

This place advertises the 32 cm (12.5 inches) length ice cream and combines two flavors – vanilla and chocolate, strawberry and mango, and green tea and blueberry. 

All for 2000 KRW ($1.77 USD). What a fantastic deal! Therefore, it’s a must-eat in the Myeongdong area!

Jackie Szeto, Life Of Doing, holds a 32 centimeter ice cream cone from 32 Parfait in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea

You can’t go wrong with trying a 32 cm ice cream when you’re in Myeongdong.

Address: 36-1 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

For More Information: Instagram | Facebook


7. Lotte Department Store – Basement Level (롯데백화점)

Although not along Myeongdong Street, the flagship Lotte Department Store is less than a 10 minutes walk from the area.

Head to the basement level of the department store to find a huge food court

Choose from Korean, Japanese, Thai, baked goods, and other dining options. It can be a change of pace compared to what you’ve eaten at Myeondong Street.

We discovered the food court on our last day in Seoul and wished we found it sooner! As our last meal, we had half of a fillet of grilled fish with soup and also grilled eel with kimchi fried rice.

Tip: If you head during lunchtime, it’s a battlefield to find seating. You may want to go during the off-hours.

Address: 81 Namdaemun-ro, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea


School Food Blooming Mari (스쿨푸드) – Permanently Closed

If you’re looking for Korean food at reasonable prices, visit School Food! The menu is vast and has a variety from noodle dishes to kimbap.

We loved the kimbap at this place and had the shrimp and combo kimbap, which came with meat, fish roe, and squid ink. Who knew squid ink kimbap would be yummy? 

Three different kinds of kimbap rolls at School Food Blooming Mari in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea

We also had cold noodles, blood sausage (not quite a fan), and galbi. It was a lot of food and many dishes started at 10,000 KRW ($8.90 USD).

Address: 27 Myeongdong 8-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea (on the 5th floor of the M Plaza) (CLOSED)

While this location is gone, for a current list of locations around Seoul, click here. 

For More Information: Instagram


Migabon (味加本) – Permanently Closed

** This restaurant is closed as of March 2020**

It’s time for porridge! Migabon is another must-try place when you’re in Myeongdong. It offers a variety of porridge which is wonderful to enjoy in any weather.

The waitress recommended the mushroom porridge (7000 KRW / $6.20 USD) which had rich flavors of mushrooms and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. 

We also went extravagant and ordered the abalone and mushroom porridge (18,000 KRW / $16 USD). Wow! This was the best porridge that we’ve eaten. The intense flavors of the abalone and mushroom topped with seaweed and sesame seeds brought out an umaminess to the porridge. 

Both porridges had a silky smooth texture (similar to Hong Kong-style porridge).

A black tray with a bowl of abalone porridge and four small side dishes at Migabon in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea

Abalone and mushroom porridge is a winner at Migabon!

Address: 56 Myeongdong-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea (on the second level) – You’ll see a long line outside, but take the stairs up to go to Migabon. (CLOSED)


Final Thoughts

You’re probably drooling or growing hunger pains after reading this post! 

We hope you enjoyed reading about the various food options in Myeongdong in Seoul, South Korea.

 As you can see, we scratched the surface as there are so many delicious places to eat in Myeongdong! 

On a future trip, we’ll try Korean BBQ, ice cream made with gold, and find more vegetarian options in the area.

For more good eats in South Korea, check out another post such as food options in Incheon

Or, if you’re looking for a day trip from Seoul, check out Gapyeong!

Which restaurants do you want to try when you visit Myeongdong area? What other recommendations do you have in the area? Let us know in the comments below.

Like this post? Save it to your South Korea Travel Board on Pinterest.

Fried chicken with rice cakes in a spicy sauce, one of the street foods in Myeongdong, South Korea Strawberry mochi for sale at the Myeongdong Night Market in Seoul, South Korea Places to eat in Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea. Photo of strawberry bingsu at Sulbing Cafe.

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20 comments

The Travel Bunny November 25, 2018 - 4:25 pm

This all looks so interesting and crazy (the parfait!). I wanna try it all, your article is making me curious and hungry!

Reply
Jackie November 25, 2018 - 4:37 pm

Yes! Let’s go on a food tour through Seoul. Seriously, we didn’t have enough days try everything in the Myeongdong area and look forward to a return trip.

Reply
Kristie November 25, 2018 - 8:56 pm

What a great list! I’m very intrigued by snow-ice desserts and specialty toast. And that huge ice cream cone! But the other food looked great, too. 🙂

Reply
Jackie November 26, 2018 - 12:30 pm

Thanks Kristie. Sulbing is our favorite place. Thank goodness we don’t live next to one or we’ll eat the snow ice several times a day. LOL.

Reply
kasia November 26, 2018 - 3:30 am

If I ever needed a reason to visit Seoul, this is it! I am not sure what I like better – the sweet or savoury dishes – but they all make me hungry! I think that the Sulbing cafe would definitely be my first stop!

Reply
Jackie November 26, 2018 - 12:31 pm

Kasia – Seoul has too many good restaurants to choose from. Let me know when you visit Sulbing so you can eat my share too! 🙂

Reply
Navita November 26, 2018 - 4:37 am

Myeongdong sounds like an area we would love to stay in Seoul for the food lovers that we are. So happy that there are so many eating options here. We just love trying out the street food everywhere and this seems to be perfect for that. And those snowflakes sound mouthwatering. This post actually got me hungry and crave for traditional Korean food 🙂

Reply
Jackie November 26, 2018 - 12:32 pm

Navita – Glad to hear that you enjoyed reading this post. We were drooling when we wrote this post. Can’t wait to return back to Seoul to eat more Korean food.

Reply
Jackie November 26, 2018 - 9:11 am

Honestly, every single place you described sounded delicious to me. I love to be adventurous when it comes to food. I especially liked the dessert café and can see why you would return every night for the snowflakes.The mushroom porridge also looked delicious and creamy. Thanks for sharing these great dining options. I will keep them in mind when in Seoul!

Reply
Jackie November 26, 2018 - 12:33 pm

Thanks Jackie! (BTW – great name!) When you visit Seoul, let us know your good eats too!

Reply
Chef Mireille November 26, 2018 - 9:27 am

As I’m a chef and a foodie, this is definitely a handy guide for when I make it to Seoul I’ve had Korean food here in my home city of NYC but I’m sure it wont compare to all the amazing options in Korea.

Reply
Jackie November 26, 2018 - 12:34 pm

Chef Mireille – Oh gosh, NYC has amazing Korean food in Koreatown! Hope you make it out to Seoul to try the food and see compare between the two areas.

Reply
Adrenaline Romance November 26, 2018 - 10:06 am

Not a good read for someone who is hungry. Hahaha! That porridge looks delicious! I’m a porridge guy! 🙂 And that ice cream looks reeeeaallly interesting. 🙂 Having a food trip in a new place is a must-do adventure.

Reply
Jackie November 26, 2018 - 12:35 pm

The porridge was delicious! One of the best porridges that we’ve eaten. Hope you get a chance to eat your way through Seoul!

Reply
julie November 29, 2018 - 12:18 am

Ooohhh myyyy gooooddddddd!!! I’m hungry now! The food in Myeongdong looks delightful.

Reply
Diana Narcisse November 29, 2018 - 4:11 am

Everything you mentioned made me want to jump on a plane and experience everything in South Korea for myself. For me, travel is 33% the trip, 66% the food. I enjoy really getting in touch with a place by its food and comforts.

Reply
Jyoti basu January 10, 2020 - 1:55 pm

All of these look so delicious! I’m a porridge guy! ???? Thanks for sharing the information.

Reply
Jackie January 14, 2020 - 7:24 pm

You’re welcome Jyoti! There are so many good options when you’re dining in the Myeongdong area.

Reply
Ankita Sharma October 10, 2023 - 12:11 pm

Seoul’s Myeongdong is a culinary heaven that never disappoints. This looks so tempting and tasty.

Reply
Jackie October 11, 2023 - 11:43 am

Thanks for checking out the blog. Hope you can try the street food and other restaurants around Myeongdong on your next visit!

Reply

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