Lee Young-ja's Top 5 Eats in Seoul
- Mongtan (Yongsan) — The short-rib flavor that won Lee Young-ja over
- Myeongdong Gyoja (Myeongdong) — Lee Young-ja's go-to: legendary kalguksu
- Jindaegam (Sinsa) — A perfect trio: beef brisket, pen shell, and kimchi
- Hanip Soban (Sukdaegipgu) — The sharp, addictive charm of wasabi
- Hannam-dong Herbal Chicken (Seoul) — The rotisserie chicken Lee Young-ja waits in line to pack up
Seoul's side streets are full of flavors and stories that have been layered over years of hands-on cooking. Having tasted it all, Lee Young-ja favors spots that focus on solid, reliable cooking rather than flash. These places offer deep, memorable flavors and relaxed vibes that keep diners coming back. The restaurants that consistently deliver satisfaction in everyday meals are the ones you remember. Here are five spots that capture Seoul's culinary charm.
Mongtan (Yongsan) — The short-rib flavor that won Lee Young-ja over
Mongtan in Yongsan specializes in premium short ribs cut from the tastiest part of the beef rib. It's famous for long waits — people joke you might line up in the morning and eat at night — but one bite explains the buzz. The ribs get a first sear over straw embers, then staff slice and finish them on the grill at your table. The result is meat bursting with beefy aroma and juicy, toasty flavor. Pair it with the house signature sides like whole onion kimchi or crunchy, icy shredded radish to elevate every bite.
See 'Mongtan' on Siksin ▶
- ▲Location
50 Baekbeom-ro 99-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- ▲Hours
Daily 12:00 PM–10:00 PM (last order 9:00 PM)
- ▲Price
Special short ribs 35,000 KRW ($26.25 USD)
Myeongdong Gyoja (Myeongdong) — Lee Young-ja's go-to: legendary kalguksu
Myeongdong Gyoja, tucked in the heart of Myeongdong, is a Michelin Guide favorite and one of Lee Young-ja's lifelong essentials. Think smoky chicken garnish, a rich, hearty broth, and sharp garlic kimchi on the side. Its central location makes it a magnet for both locals and tourists. Bonus: when each diner orders at least one menu item, noodle refills and a bowl of rice are complimentary — so you’re unlikely to leave hungry.
See 'Myeongdong Gyoja' on Siksin
- ▲Location
29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- ▲Hours
Daily 10:30 AM–9:00 PM
- ▲Menu
Kalguksu 12,000 KRW ($9.00 USD), Dumplings 13,000 KRW ($9.75 USD)
Jindaegam (Sinsa) — A perfect trio: beef brisket, pen shell, and kimchi
Jindaegam celebrates the dream pairing of thinly sliced beef brisket, fresh pen shell scallops, and a variety of banchan. The side dishes — from salad and mustard-leaf kimchi to chive salad, plain kimchi, pickled garlic leaves, and gondre greens — let you mix flavors with every bite. Layer a nutty, well-seared slice of brisket with a chewy scallop and a bite of gondre or kimchi for a harmonious mouthful. The vibrant scallop sauce is a standout that ties the whole combo together.
See 'Jindaegam' on Siksin ▶
Suin Building, 18 Naruteo-ro 12-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
11:30 AM–10:00 PM / Break 2:30 PM–5:30 PM / Closed every Monday
- ▲Price
Hanwoo brisket trio 32,000 KRW ($24.00 USD), Hanwoo brisket 32,000 KRW ($24.00 USD), Hanwoo scallion kimchi hotpot 59,000 KRW ($44.25 USD)
Hanip Soban (Sukdaegipgu) — The sharp, addictive charm of wasabi
Hanip Soban, near Sookdaeipgu station, is one of Lee Young-ja's go-to spots for reliably delicious gimbap. Their signature aged-kimchi tuna roll balances tangy, crunchy aged kimchi with creamy tuna mayo. Another must-order is the 'samgyeop han-ssam gimbap' — a whole strip of charcoal-grilled pork belly tucked into a gimbap with plenty of veggies and ssamjang, so every bite feels like a perfectly wrapped lettuce wrap.
See 'Hanip Soban' on Siksin ▶
- ▲Location
- ▲Hours
Daily 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
- ▲Price
Aged kimchi tuna gimbap 6,000 KRW ($4.50 USD), Spicy anchovy gimbap 6,000 KRW ($4.50 USD), Radish greens gimbap 6,000 KRW ($4.50 USD)
Hannam-dong Herbal Chicken (Seoul) — The rotisserie chicken Lee Young-ja waits in line to pack up
Hannam-dong Herbal Chicken shot to nationwide fame after Lee Young-ja mentioned it on TV. It’s also a favorite of Shin Yong-jin, vice chairman of Shinsegae Group. From the street you can spot rows of whole chickens turning on long skewers. The birds roast with fragrant medicinal herbs, producing tender meat and crackling skin. Open a leg and you’ll find glutinous rice, jujube, ginkgo nuts, garlic, and eleutherococcus inside. Wrap a piece of the herbal chicken in the kimchi served on the side — it’s a perfect match.
See 'Hannam-dong Herbal Chicken' on Siksin ▶
38 Daesagwan-ro 34-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Mon–Thu 4:00 PM–12:30 AM / Fri–Sat 4:00 PM–1:30 AM / Closed every Sunday
- ▲Price
Herbal whole chicken 22,000 KRW ($16.50 USD)
