🍽️ Where to Eat in Myeongdong: 10 Best Restaurants for First-Time Visitors (2026)
Myeongdong is one of my favorite places to recommend for first-time visitors to Seoul. Many travelers come here for shopping and street food, but the area is also full of amazing Korean restaurants. Since moving to South Korea, I’ve visited Myeongdong many times and tried different restaurants, from famous noodle shops to Korean BBQ and traditional Korean dishes.
In this guide, I’m sharing 10 restaurants that are worth adding to your Seoul itinerary. They are easy to find on Naver Map, popular with travelers and locals, and great places to experience Korean food during your trip.
Myeongdong is also one of the most convenient areas to stay in Seoul, especially for first-time visitors. If you are still choosing where to stay, check my guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Seoul for First-Time Visitors.
If this is your first time visiting Korea, you can also check my First Time in South Korea? Complete Beginner Travel Guide (2026) for helpful tips before your trip.
Quick Comparison Table
Restaurant | Best For | Budget |
Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자 1호점) | Handmade Kalguksu & Dumplings | ₩12,000–18,000 |
Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Myeongdong (등촌샤브칼국수 명동점) | Hot Pot | ₩15,000–25,000 |
Hadongkwan Myeongdong Main Branch (하동관 명동본점) | Korean Beef Soup | ₩15,000–20,000 |
Boseung Hoegwan Myeongdong (보승회관 명동본점) | Pork Soup & Jokbal | ₩10,000–18,000 |
Gunja Daehan Gopchang Myeongdong (군자대한곱창 명동본점) | Grilled Beef Intestines | ₩25,000–40,000 |
Wangbijib Euljiro (한식왕비집 을지로점) | Korean BBQ | ₩25,000–45,000 |
Sonui Son Myeongdong (손의손 명동점) | Korean Home-style Food | ₩15,000–25,000 |
Mitssu Jokbal Seoul Myeongdong (미쓰족발 서울명동점) | Jokbal | ₩30,000–50,000 |
Miseongok (미성옥) | Seolleongtang | ₩12,000–18,000 |
Yoogane Dakgalbi Myeongdong Branch 2 (유가네닭갈비 명동2호점) | Dakgalbi | ₩15,000–25,000 |
📍 Map Tip
Before heading out, I recommend saving these restaurants on Naver Map. It’s the navigation app most locals use in Korea and provides more accurate walking directions than Google Maps.
For more useful apps before your trip, check my guide to the 15 Essential Apps to Download Before Your Korea Trip, including navigation, translation, and transportation apps.
🍽️ Best Myeongdong Restaurants by Category
Place this after your Quick Comparison Table and before Restaurant #1.
Example:
Category | Recommended Restaurant | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
⭐ Best Overall | Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자 1호점) | Famous Seoul restaurant known for kalguksu and mandu |
🥩 Best Korean BBQ | Wangbijib Euljiro Branch (왕비집 을지로점) | Great choice for Korean BBQ near Myeongdong |
🍜 Best Noodles | Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu (등촌샤브칼국수 명동점) | Warm soup, noodles, and shabu-shabu combo |
🍲 Best Traditional Korean Food | Hadongkwan (하동관 명동본점) | Long-running restaurant famous for gomtang |
💰 Best Budget Meal | Boseung Hoegwan (보승회관 명동본점) | Affordable Korean soup meals |
👨👩👧 Best for Groups | Gunja Daehan Gopchang (군자대한곱창 명동본점) | Fun Korean BBQ-style dining experience |
🧍 Best for Solo Travelers | Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자 1호점) | Easy solo dining with quick service |
1. Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자 1호점)
⭐ Best for: Handmade Kalguksu & Dumplings
If you’re only going to eat at one restaurant in Myeongdong, make it Myeongdong Kyoja. This iconic restaurant has been serving handmade knife-cut noodles for over 50 years and is even featured in the Michelin Guide. The rich chicken broth, chewy noodles, and handmade dumplings make it one of Seoul’s most famous comfort food restaurants.
I’ve visited Myeongdong Kyoja by myself, and it’s one of the easiest restaurants in Myeongdong for solo travelers. The menu is simple, service is fast, and it’s a great place to enjoy a famous Korean dish without needing a group.
Must-Try
Kalguksu
Mandu (Dumplings)
Bibim Noodles
Price: ₩12,000–18,000
English Menu: ✅
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Before 11:30 AM or after 2:00 PM
Nearby Attractions
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Myeongdong Cathedral
Lotte Department Store
After exploring Myeongdong, don’t miss trying Korean street food around the shopping streets. You can find more must-try dishes in my guide to 11 Korean Street Foods First-Time Visitors Should Try.
Nearby Hotels
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
Hotel28 Myeongdong
2. Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Myeongdong (등촌샤브칼국수 명동점)
⭐ Best for: Korean Shabu-Shabu
If you’re visiting during autumn or winter, this is one of my favorite places for a warm meal. You’ll start with a spicy mushroom broth, cook thin slices of beef and vegetables, then finish with handmade kalguksu noodles and fried rice made from the remaining broth.
It’s filling, affordable, and perfect for sharing.
Must-Try
Beef Shabu-Shabu
Handmade Kalguksu
Fried Rice
Price: ₩15,000–25,000
English Menu: Basic
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Lunch or Dinner
Nearby Attractions
Myeongdong Night Market
Namsan Cable Car
Nearby Hotels
3. Hadongkwan Myeongdong Main Branch (하동관 명동본점)
⭐ Best for: Authentic Gomtang
Hadongkwan is one of Seoul’s most legendary restaurants, serving beef bone soup (gomtang) for generations.
The menu is simple, but the quality is exceptional. The clear, rich broth and tender beef make it a favorite among locals.
If you want to try authentic Korean comfort food, don’t miss this restaurant.
Must-Try
Gomtang
Beef Brisket
Price: ₩15,000–20,000
English Menu: Basic
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Breakfast or Lunch
Nearby Attractions
Lotte Duty Free
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Nearby Hotels
4. Boseung Hoegwan Myeongdong Main Branch (보승회관 명동본점)
⭐ Best for: Pork Soup & Korean Comfort Food
This restaurant is known for its hearty pork soup, sundae soup, and generous portions. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a satisfying meal after a long day of sightseeing.
I’ve eaten at Boseung Hoegwan in Myeongdong, and I recommend it for travelers who want to try a simple but authentic Korean meal. The warm soup, generous portions, and comforting flavors make it a great choice, especially on a cold day or after walking around Seoul.
The prices are reasonable, making it popular with both locals and visitors.
Must-Try
Sundae Gukbap
Bossam
Pork Soup
Price: ₩10,000–18,000
English Menu: Basic
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Lunch
Nearby Attractions
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Namdaemun Market
Nearby Hotels
Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Station
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong
5. Gunja Daehan Gopchang Myeongdong Main Branch (군자대한곱창 명동본점)
⭐ Best for: Korean Gopchang (Grilled Beef Intestines)
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something many locals love, Gunja Daehan Gopchang is one of the best places in Myeongdong. Their grilled beef intestines are cooked at your table and paired with vegetables, sauces, and fried rice at the end of the meal. It’s especially popular in the evening, so expect a wait during dinner hours.
Must-Try
Beef Gopchang
Daechang
Fried Rice
Price: ₩25,000–40,000
English Menu: Limited
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Dinner
Nearby Attractions
Myeongdong Shopping Street
N Seoul Tower (via cable car)
Nearby Hotels
L7 Myeongdong
Hotel Prince Seoul
If you are visiting Seoul alone, Myeongdong is also one of the easiest neighborhoods to stay in because everything is nearby. Check my guide on Where to Stay in Seoul Alone for more accommodation tips.
6. Wangbijib Euljiro Branch (한식 왕비집 을지로점)
⭐ Best for: Premium Korean BBQ
No trip to Korea is complete without trying Korean BBQ, and Wangbijib is one of the most popular choices among international visitors. Located just a short walk from Myeongdong, this restaurant is known for its high-quality beef and pork, friendly service, and English menu.
The staff will even help grill your meat, making it a great choice if it’s your first Korean BBQ experience.
Must-Try
Marinated Galbi
Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly)
Hanwoo Beef
Cold Noodles
Price: ₩25,000–45,000/person
English Menu: ✅
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Dinner (5:30 PM onwards)
Nearby Attractions
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Lotte Department Store
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Nearby Hotels
7. Sonui Son Myeongdong (손의손 명동점)
⭐ Best for: Traditional Korean Home-style Meals.
If you’re looking for a quieter dining experience away from the busy shopping streets, Sonui Son offers comforting Korean dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu includes grilled fish, bulgogi, kimchi stew, and seasonal Korean side dishes that feel like a home-cooked meal.
Must-Try
Bulgogi Set
Kimchi Jjigae
Grilled Fish
Bibimbap
Price: ₩15,000–25,000/person
English Menu: Basic
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Lunch
Nearby Attractions
Myeongdong Cathedral
Noon Square
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Nearby Hotels
8. Mitssu Jokbal Seoul Myeongdong (미쓰족발 서울명동점)
⭐ Best for: Jokbal (Braised Pig’s Trotters)
Jokbal is one of Korea’s most popular late-night dishes, and Mitssu Jokbal serves tender, flavorful pork that’s perfect for sharing.
I’ve tried Mitssu Jokbal in Myeongdong, and it’s a great choice if you want to experience a more traditional Korean drinking and sharing meal. The portion is generous, and the combination of jokbal with fresh vegetables, sauces, and side dishes makes it a satisfying meal.
Each order comes with lettuce wraps, kimchi, garlic, dipping sauces, and side dishes, making it ideal for groups.
Must-Try
Original Jokbal
Spicy Jokbal
Makguksu
Rice Balls
Price: ₩30,000–50,000/group
English Menu: Limited
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Dinner
Nearby Attractions
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Namsan Cable Car
Nearby Hotels
9. Miseongok (미성옥)
⭐ Best for: Seolleongtang (Ox Bone Soup)
Miseongok has been serving traditional Korean soups for decades and is a favorite among office workers and locals.
The slow-simmered beef bone broth is rich without being too heavy, making it a comforting meal any time of the year.
If you want to experience authentic Korean comfort food, this restaurant is worth adding to your itinerary.
Must-Try
Seolleongtang
Suyuk (Boiled Beef)
Kimchi
Price: ₩12,000–18,000/person
E
nglish Menu: Basic
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Breakfast or Lunch
Nearby Attractions
City Hall
Deoksugung Palace
Myeongdong
Nearby Hotels
10. Yoogane Dakgalbi Myeongdong Branch 2 (유가네닭갈비 명동2호점)
⭐ Best for: Spicy Stir-fried Chicken
If you’ve seen Korean dramas or variety shows, you’ve probably seen dakgalbi. Yoogane is one of Korea’s best-known restaurant chains and a great place to try this popular dish.
I’ve visited Yoogane Dakgalbi in Myeongdong, and it’s one of the restaurants I recommend when friends want to try a fun Korean meal. The best part is watching everything cook together at the table, especially when the cheese melts into the spicy chicken.
Chicken, vegetables, rice cakes, and spicy gochujang sauce are cooked together at your table. Don’t forget to add fried rice at the end—it’s one of the best parts of the meal.
Must-Try
Cheese Dakgalbi
Seafood Dakgalbi
Fried Rice
Mozzarella Topping
Price: ₩15,000–25,000/person
English Menu: ✅
Card Accepted: ✅
Best Time: Lunch or Dinner
Nearby Attractions
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Myeongdong Cathedral
N Seoul Tower
Nearby Hotels
L7 Myeongdong
Hotel Skypark Myeongdong III
Sollago Myeongdong Hotel
🏨 Where to Stay in Myeongdong
If you’re planning to explore Seoul, Myeongdong is one of the best places to stay thanks to its excellent public transportation, shopping, and dining options.
It is also convenient for reaching popular attractions and getting around the city during your first Seoul trip. For more hotel area recommendations, check my guide on Best Areas to Stay in Seoul for First-Time Visitors.
Here are a few hotels worth considering:
🏨 Lotte Hotel Seoul
Luxury hotel connected to Lotte Department Store, perfect for travelers who want convenience, shopping, and easy access to Myeongdong.
➡️ Check prices on Agoda
🏨 Solaria Nishitetsu
Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
A popular choice among international travelers because of its excellent location in the heart of Myeongdong.
➡️ Check prices on Agoda
🏨 L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE
A modern hotel located just steps from Myeongdong Station, making it easy to explore Seoul by subway.
➡️ Check prices on Agoda
🏨 Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong
A comfortable mid-range option with a convenient location for first-time visitors and shoppers.
➡️ Check prices on Agoda
🏨 Hotel28 Myeongdong
A stylish boutique hotel inspired by Korean cinema, great for travelers looking for a unique stay.
➡️ Check prices on Agoda
Tips for Dining in Myeongdong
Visit popular restaurants before 11:30 AM or after 2:00 PM to avoid long queues.
Many restaurants provide English menus, but having Papago installed can still be helpful.
Most restaurants accept international credit cards, though carrying a little cash is a good idea.
You can also learn where to exchange money before visiting Myeongdong in my guide to the Best Place to Exchange Money in Korea: Airport vs Myeongdong vs ATM.
If you’re dining alone, look for noodle shops, soup restaurants, or chain restaurants, as they’re generally more solo-traveler friendly.
During weekends and holidays, expect longer waiting times, especially at Korean BBQ restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous restaurant in Myeongdong?
Myeongdong Kyoja is one of the most famous restaurants in the area, known for its handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and long history in Seoul.
Is Myeongdong expensive for food?
Not always. You can find many good meals for around ₩10,000–15,000, while BBQ and specialty restaurants usually cost more.
Are there restaurants with English menus in Myeongdong?
Yes. Many restaurants have English menus, picture menus, or staff who can help international visitors.
Can I eat alone in Myeongdong?
Yes. Noodle shops, soup restaurants, and casual Korean restaurants are great choices for solo travelers.
Do restaurants in Myeongdong accept credit cards?
Yes. Most restaurants accept international cards, but carrying some Korean won is still useful for smaller shops.
Do I need a reservation for restaurants in Myeongdong?
Usually not. However, popular restaurants can get busy during dinner time, so arriving early is a good idea.
What Korean food should I try in Myeongdong?
Try local favorites like kalguksu, Korean BBQ, dakgalbi, gomtang, and mandu.
How do I find restaurants in Myeongdong?
Use Naver Map for the most accurate locations, reviews, and directions in Korea.
Is Myeongdong a good area for first-time visitors?
Yes. It is convenient, easy to explore, and close to shopping, attractions, hotels, and many restaurants.
Final Thoughts
Myeongdong offers much more than shopping—it’s one of Seoul’s best neighborhoods for experiencing authentic Korean cuisine. Whether you’re craving handmade noodles, Korean BBQ, hearty soups, or spicy dakgalbi, there’s something for every type of traveler and budget.
If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, I recommend starting with Myeongdong Kyoja for its famous kalguksu, enjoying a Korean BBQ dinner at Wangbijib, and ending your evening with a comforting bowl of dakgalbi or gomtang. These restaurants are all conveniently located, easy to find on Naver Map, and have built strong reputations among both locals and international visitors.
Before your trip, save your favorite restaurants on Naver Map, make reservations where possible, and consider staying in Myeongdong to be within walking distance of many of Seoul’s top attractions.
Planning your Seoul itinerary? Start with my [Your First 24 Hours in Seoul (2026 Step-by-Step Survival Guide for First-Time Travelers)] for an easy beginner-friendly route covering food, attractions, and transportation.
Looking for more things to do after eating your way through Myeongdong? Popular Seoul experiences include visiting N Seoul Tower, renting a hanbok at a palace, joining a Seoul city tour, or taking a day trip outside the city. Check out my recommended [Seoul activities on Klook] to plan your next adventure.
Happy eating, and enjoy discovering the incredible flavors of Korea! 🇰🇷🍽️
👤 About the Author
Hi, I’m Richelle, the creator of Just KTravel, based in South Korea.
I share simple and practical Korea travel guides from my own experience — including seasonal spots, transport tips, hidden places, and easy itineraries.
I started this blog after visiting Korea as a traveler myself, and now I write to help others plan their trips with less stress and more confidence.
My goal is to make Korea travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone, especially first-time visitors.
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