Lucky for us, the culture-rich district is home to exceptional eateries and restaurants too. Here's a Michelin-recommended guide on where to go for food in Jung-gu.
23F Shilla Hotel, 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 12pm to 2pm for lunch, 6pm to 9.30pm for dinner, daily.
Distinction: 3 Michelin Stars
What our inspectors say: Time-honored traditions of Korean cuisine are prepared with a contemporary approach at La Yeon. Located on the 23rd floor of Shilla Hotel, this refined dining space offers stunning vistas over Namsan Park. Detail to comfort and elegance are noteworthy, from the fine tableware to attentive service. Hansik and wine pairing elevates the dining experience here to another level.
Ojangdong Hamheung Naengmyeon
108, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm, daily.
Distinction: Bib Gourmand
What our inspectors say: This family-owned establishment has been in business since 1953 serving their specialty, Hamheung-style naengmyeon. Hamheung-style naengmyeon is typically made from potato starch, which gives the extra thin noodles their distinct chewy texture, unlike the thicker and less springy Pyeongyang-style buckwheat noodles. The signature dish to try here is bibim naengmyeon, served with a sweet and spicy sauce, cold beef slices and a halved boiled egg.
Woo Lae Oak
62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 11.30am to 9pm, daily.
What our inspectors say: Lauded as one of the best Pyeongyang-style naengmyeon restaurants in the city, Woo Lae Oak has been serving consistently stellar food since 1946. The family-operated establishment is tucked away in the back alleys of Euljiro 4-ga, a bustling business hub. The restaurant interior is spacious and spotlessly clean. Indulge in their legendary cold buckwheat noodles, served in broth or without in a spicy sauce, and their bulgogi, grilled tableside.
Continental
23F The Shilla Hotel, 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 12pm to 2pm for lunch, 6pm to 9.30pm for dinner, daily.
What our inspectors say: If you are looking for a classy French restaurant with all the elements of classic French luxury, Continental is a solid bet. Perched on the 23nd floor of The Shilla Seoul, the restaurant is decorated in rich colors, large tables and French empire chairs. What’s more, the bright dining room offers diners a fantastic view of the city. The meticulously-prepared food is beautifully plated and is served in two different set menus of your choice.
Pildong Myeonok
26 Seoae-ro, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm, daily.
Distinction: Bib Gourmand
What our inspectors say: Located near Namsangol Hanok Village by Chungmuro subway station, this restaurant is a Pildong landmark that has been serving Pyeongyang-style naengmyeon for decades. The restaurant’s chilled broth has a delicate beef flavor, its subtlety both loved and disputed among naengmyeon aficionados. Another highlight of the restaurant is the buttery and tender boiled pork belly, served in thick slices with a dipping sauce. Homemade dumplings are also popular.
23 Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 11.30am to 11pm, daily.
What our inspectors say: Located near the bustling shopping district in Myeongdong--also home to a number of small and large hotels--Arirang is a busy Korean restaurant that serves up some much beloved Korean fare. Barbecue, however, is their specialty, and they offer a variety of cuts of top-quality local beef including short ribs, brisket, chuck flap tail and tenderloin which are cooked over charcoal. Classic dishes like bibimbap and marinated raw crab are also popular.
Myeongdong Kyoja
29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 10.30am to 9.30pm, daily.
Distinction: Bib Gourmand
What our inspectors say: Myeongdong Kyoja is a family-owned restaurant in operation since 1966. The restaurant, which offers only four items on the menu, specializes in mandoo and Kal-guksu. Despite the impressive number of patrons that flock here daily, all the dishes, including its signature garlic-laden kimchi, are made in-house. Simple décor and service come with hefty portions at affordable prices. Sister operation in the same area of Myeongdong.
11 Toegye-ro 31-gil, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 12pm to 9pm, daily.
Distinction: Bib Gourmand
What our inspectors say: Webfoot octopus is a beloved spring delicacy, but this restaurant has been serving them all year round since 1976. Here, the webfoot octopus is served marinated in a bright red sauce that is mildly sweet and spicy. Grilled over charcoal, the slightly charred morsels of octopus have a delightfully smoky flavor. The popular ‘mixed platter’ comes with an order of webfoot octopus and an order of the adductor muscles of fan mussels. Lively atmosphere.
Manjok Ohyang Jokbal
134-7 Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 11.30am to 10.30pm, daily.
Distinction: Bib Gourmand
What our inspectors say: At Manjok Oyhang Jokbal, the beloved Korean pork trotter dish is done right with the utmost dedication and care to hygiene and quality. The restaurant, armed with a systematic central distribution system and a comprehensive logistics system, offers consistent quality at all of its franchised locations. Here, the popular pork dish can be enjoyed warm until the very last piece thanks to the specially-designed hotplates installed into the tables.
