Yeouido(여의도) recommended restaurants
When you think of Seoul, the glittering lights of Gangnam or the historic gates of Gyeongbokgung might come to mind first. But if you want to understand the heartbeat of modern Korea, you have to visit Yeouido. Often called the “Manhattan of Seoul,” Yeouido is an island located on the Han River.
It is the center of politics, finance, and broadcasting in South Korea. It’s where you’ll find the National Assembly, the major stock exchange, and iconic landmarks like the 63 Building and the trendy IFC Mall or the massive Hyundai Seoul.
But for us locals, Yeouido isn’t just about suits and skyscrapers. It is a place of contrast. During the day, it’s a bustling financial hub; in the evening, it’s a serene escape where people picnic at Yeouido Hangang Park. Most importantly, because of the high density of office workers (who are notoriously picky about their lunch!), Yeouido is home to some of the most authentic, long-standing “hidden gem” restaurants in the city.
Today, I’m sharing two of my absolute favorite spots. These aren’t fancy “Instagram-only” cafes; these are legendary institutions where the food speaks for itself.
1. Youngwon Sikdang (영원식당): The Comfort of Sujebi and Su-yuk
If you ask a Yeouido local where to go on a rainy day, they will point you toward Youngwon Sikdang. Located on the second floor of an older building (Seoul Sangga), this place feels like stepping back into the 1980s.
Why It’s Special
The star of the show here is Sujebi (Hand-pulled Dough Soup). While many tourists look for Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), Sujebi offers a unique texture—the dough is torn by hand into thin, chewy flakes.
The broth at Youngwon Sikdang is deep and savory, made from a rich beef base rather than the more common dried anchovy base. It’s “soul food” in its purest form.
My Personal Recommendation
The Sujebi: The dough is incredibly silky. It slides down your throat, and the broth warmed me up instantly.
The Kimchi: You can judge a Korean restaurant by its kimchi. The “Geotjeori” (fresh kimchi) here is crunchy, spicy, and perfectly seasoned.
Local Tip: This place gets incredibly crowded during the weekday lunch rush (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) because of the office workers. I recommend going around 1:30 PM or for an early dinner to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere without the noise.
2. Jinju-jib (진주집): The Holy Grail of Kong-guksu
If Youngwon Sikdang is for the cold days, Jinju-jib is the undisputed king of the summer—though locals crave it year-round. Located in the basement of the Yeouido Department Store, this restaurant is legendary. In fact, it’s often cited as one of the top three Kong-guksu (Cold Soy Noodle Soup) places in all of Seoul.
The Experience
Kong-guksu can be a bit polarizing for first-timers because it is a cold, savory soup made entirely of ground soybeans. However, Jinju-jib’s version is unlike any other. The broth is so thick and creamy it’s almost like a porridge or a rich pasta sauce.
Why You’ll Love It
The Texture: It’s incredibly nutty and rich. There’s no grainy residue; it’s pure, velvet creaminess.
The Noodles: They use thin, chewy noodles that hold onto the thick broth perfectly.
The “Secret” Kimchi: Their radish and cabbage kimchi is slightly sweet and very spicy, providing the perfect counterpoint to the mellow, nutty soy milk.
Local Tip: Don’t be intimidated by the line. It looks long, but the service is lightning-fast. Also, try their Dak-kalguksu (Chicken Noodle Soup) if you’re not feeling the cold noodles—the shredded chicken and dumplings inside are fantastic.
Authentic Seoul: Why You Should Visit
Visiting Yeouido and eating at these spots gives you a glimpse into the “real” Seoul. You’ll sit shoulder-to-shoulder with bankers, government officials, and families who have been coming here for decades. There are no English menus with pictures on every wall, but the warmth of the “Ajummas” (grandmothers/aunties) and the quality of the ingredients transcend any language barrier
After your meal, I highly recommend walking 10 minutes to the Han River Park. Watching the sunset over the water with the Seoul skyline in the background is the perfect way to end your Yeouido food tour.
