Hey guys! So, I was wandering around Seochon (West Village) today after checking out Gyeongbokgung Palace, and I stumbled upon this brand new Japanese dining spot called Moaneuk (모아늑).
Literally, it just opened, and I think I might be one of the first people to spill the tea on this place. If you’re looking for that perfect “Instagrammable but actually delicious” spot in Seoul, keep reading! 👇
(The vibe is immaculate. Look at that window view!)
🌿 The Vibe: Zen & Cozy
First of all, the interior is chef’s kiss. 💋 The name is Moaneuk, and it feels super cozy and oriental. They have these huge windows that look out into a little courtyard with stacked firewood, and it gives off such a peaceful, Zen energy. It’s the perfect escape from the busy Seoul streets.
Oh, and huge plus—the restroom is sparkling clean. ✨ (You know how rare that can be in some older Seoul neighborhoods, right? Major bonus points!)
🍣 The Food: “Moaneuk’s Winter” Course
I ordered their lunch course called “Moaneuk’s Winter” (모아늑의 겨울). The menu changes daily based on seasonal ingredients, which makes it feel super special.
Here’s what I got:
- Appetizer: A silky smooth Chawanmushi (steamed egg) to start.
- Main: A stunning plate of sushi and diverse sashimi. 🍣 The fish was SO fresh. I know some of you back home might be hesitant about raw fish, but trust me, the quality here is top-tier. Even my friends who are picky eaters would love this.
- Soup: A warm, comforting Udon/soup to finish it off.
(Look at these colors! No filter needed.)
They also have Japanese beer (Sapporo and Asahi) on the menu. I didn’t drink today, but an ice-cold draft beer with this sushi? Yes, please. 🍺
💸 The Price: Worth the Splurge?
Okay, let’s talk money. The lunch course is 38,000 KRW (about $28 USD). To be honest, it’s a little pricey for a student budget. If it were like 30,000 KRW, it would be a total steal. But considering the quality, the atmosphere, and the fact that it’s a full course? I’d say it’s worth it for a treat-yourself day or a date! 💖
🕵️♀️ How to Find the “Secret” Entrance
Here is the tricky part! The entrance is notoriously hard to find. It’s like a hidden speakeasy but for sushi.
📍 Address: 1F, No. 1, 62 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 자하문로 62)
My Tips for Finding It:
- Don’t trust your eyes immediately. It’s not a huge flashy storefront.
- Go to the address on Naver Maps (definitely download this app if you haven’t yet!).
- Look for a building on the main road, but keep your eyes peeled for a small, discreet entrance or a narrow pathway. It might look like a private residence or a side door at first glance.
- If you see a sign that looks minimalist and artsy, that’s probably it!
📝 Final Verdict
- Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fresh, seasonal, delicious)
- Vibe: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Aesthetic heaven)
- Price: ⭐⭐⭐ (A bit of a splurge)
- Difficulty to Find: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Keep your eyes open!)
If you’re visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, definitely add this to your list. It’s the perfect quiet lunch spot after walking around the palace in a Hanbok all morning. 😉
Let me know if you guys go! Catch you in the next post! Xoxo.