The Top 10 Best Restaurants You Should Try in 2024 | Hongdae Edition
Hungry in Hongdae? Here is your ultimate guide to the top restaurants!
Famous for its lively and upbeat atmosphere, Hongdae is a vibrant place worth exploring! Along with cosmetics, clothes, and snack shops, there are also numerous restaurants in Hongdae that you shouldn't miss out on! If you're not sure about what to eat, check out our list of the top 10 best restaurants in Hongdae that guarantee a delightful dining experience!
The Top 10 Best Restaurants in Hongdae
Ttobogetji Tteokbokki (또보겠지 떡볶이)
First on the list is Ttobogetji Tteokbokki, a tteokbokki joint that has over 12 different branches, six of them in the Hongdae area. You might've heard of tteokbokki if you're familiar with Korean cuisine, but you're probably new to jeukseok tteokbokki. Jeukseok tteokbokki is a type of tteokbokki that is served in a pot and cooks in front of you, similar to hotpot. This version of tteokbokki is normally soupier and becomes thicker as it simmers in front of you.
You can make your own pot of tteokbokki by adding whatever toppings you want or just get a set with the best combos already picked out for you. A must-order side dish is their Butter Garlic fries, which many other tteokbokki restaurants tried to copy after Ttobogetji's went viral. Also, even if you're super full at the end of your meal, you have to order at least one portion of the fried rice, with the cheese topping. You can't say you've been to Ttobogetji if you don't order the fries and fried rice...
Address: 서울특별시 마포구 독막로3길 34 2츨
2nd floor, 34 Dongmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
(There are other branches in Hongdae and Seoul)
Hours: 11:30 - 21:00 (Last order at 20:00)
Closed on Mondays
Pungcheon Jangeo (Eel) (풍천장어)
Puncheon Jangeo has been a favorite among both the locals and tourists. Located in the Yeonnam-dong, which is a short walk from Hongdae, people from all over Seoul flock to Pungcheon Jangeo for its delicious, fresh eels.
This place is not for the faint of heart. As soon as you place your order, the staff sets up your grill and slides your eel that was prepped (k*lled) seconds ago. Some people say that their eel was still moving when brought to their table. However, that does mean that the eel is super fresh and delicious.
Don't be freaked out about not knowing how to grill eel. The staff will do that for you. Additionally, eel generally has a high price but it's still worth trying how Koreans enjoy eel here at Pungcheon Jangeo.
Address: 39 Donggyo-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 동교로27길 39
Hours: 11:00 - 22:30
Hawaii Clam Hongdae (하와이조개 홍대점)
If you're a seafood lover Hawaii Clam Hongdae is just for you! This restaurant offers a variety of clam specialties, alongside other Korean seafood options like lobster and crab in a unique Hawaiian-themed setting.
The seafood is stored in a clean aquarium outside the restaurant which means you'll taste the most fresh menu!
We recommend trying the hot pot set for 2 people (89,000 KRW) with scallops, octopus, shrimp, abalone, and various clams. Don't forget to add a packet of ramen as well! When boiled in a seafood-based broth, it tastes much better than regular ramen.
Hawaii Clam Hongdae | Reserve Here
Address: 서울 마포구 와우산로21길 19-8 태경빌딩 B1층
B1, 19-8, Taegyeong Building, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: Everyday 16:00~02:00 (Reservation Available: Sun -Thu 16:00-23:00)
Yunssi Milbang (윤씨밀방)
Yunssi Milbang has a cult following, which includes me. The restaurant specializes in Japanese Hamburg steak, with its own little fusion twist. The prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality and quantity of food you're getting, especially because they provide refillable tteokbokki and fried rice to go with your meal!
The atmosphere of the restaurant is super cozy and unique. All dishes come with a few pieces of olive rolls(also refillable!!!), which they make in-house every morning. Their different hamburg dishes will feel like a warm hug in your stomach until your third refill of their addicting tteokbokki makes you so violently full.
Address: 서울특별시 마포구 서교동 411-6
411-6 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:30 - 21:00 (Break time 15:00 - 16:00; Last order at 19:50)
Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays
Ongdare Jjimdak (옹다래 찜닭)
Jjimdalk is a famous Korean chicken dish where chicken, noodles, and vegetables are soaked in a delicious soy sauce marinade and cooked together. Try Ongdare Jjimdalk, which was also visited by the popular American comedian Conan O'Brien!
The inside of the store is large and the brick walls create a cozy environment. Also, there are bottles of wine that are lined up around the store, which creates a classy ambiance.
We recommend ordering Ondare Jjimdalk S for 2 people! There is plenty of chicken in it that can make even 3 people full!
Ongdare Jjimdalk | Reserve Here
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 122
122 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: Mon - Sat 10:30 ~ 23:00; Sun 10:30 ~ 22:00
Jangin Dakgalbi Hongdae Branch (장인닭갈비 홍대점)
Source: Naver
Dakgalbi is a must try when you're in Korea! Unlike other dakgalbi spots, Jangin Dakgalbi strikes the perfect balance of chicken, sauce, and cheese, avoiding excess grease or saltiness. Their lunch set, offering dakgalbi with cheese for two at just 24,000 KRW, is a great deal. Customize your dish with mozzarella cheese, rice cake, sausage, or various noodles. Don't forget to end your meal with fried rice topped with seaweed and sesame oil!
Address: 서울 마포구 어울마당로 111-1 1층
Seoul, Mapo-gu, Eoulmadang-ro 111-1, 1F
Hours: Mon - Sun 11:30-24:00
Ungteori Saenggogi (엉터리 생고기)
Ungteori Saenggogi is a famous all-you-can-eat samgyeopsal restaurant in Korea.
It is a famous and authentic restaurant so many people enjoy coming here even during the lunch hours! It is extremely popular at dinner, so you should expect a line if you come here at night.
Not only is it AYCE samgyeopsal, but it is also ACYE for other meat parts, soup, lettuce, and side dishes that come along with your meat. The AYCE is very affordable at just 16,800 KRW per person (if you come in a group of 2 or more people) and 1,000 KRW for rice! We recommend this place for those ready to eat! Creatrip members can also get 5% off!
Ungteori Saenggogi | Get Coupon Here
Address: 서울 마포구 어울마당로 118 2F
118 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:00-23:00
KyoChon Chicken (교촌치킨)
Kyochon Chicken is a popular Korean chicken brand! They are most famous for their soy sauce chicken.
Kyochon Chicken in Hongdae has a large 2nd floor with lots of spacing. This makes it perfect for those looking to come and enjoy some drinks and chicken.
If you make your way out here, make sure to try the Kyochon Combo which is a chicken with garlic soy sauce that contains legs and wings! Their Honey Chicken menu is also very popular, so you can try that as well. You can also order Kyochon Chicken for delivery using the link below!
Address: 서울 마포구 서교동 371-3
371-3 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 12:00- 02:00
Tokkijung (토끼정)
Tokkijung is most well known for their curry udon. They are a popular Korean franchise shop where you can enjoy Korean-style Japanese food items.
The Hongdae branch is a three-story building and has a cute aesthetic inside. The space is filled with large windows so there is a lot of light that comes through, making it a perfect place to take photos!
Everything here is beautifully plated, making them all perfect for Instagram photos! We recommend trying some of the set menu deals that they have so that you can try a variety of different food options. We tried the Pasta Tonkatsu Set (34,800 KRW) and enjoyed it as we were able to try pork cutlet as well as pasta and other side dishes!
They are also most well known for their cream curry udon, so we also suggest that you try that as it is what they are best known for! Download the coupon below for 10% off the entire menu!
Address: 서울 마포구 서교동 잔다리로 2길
13 Jandari-ro 2길, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:30 - 22:00 (Last order 21:00)
Hongik Gaejang (홍익게장)
At Hongik Gejang, you can eat crab to your heart's desire! This place is an AYCE Soy Sauce Crab place in Hongdae.
There is both floor and table seating, so you can choose as you please.
Depending on the type of set that you get, you can either get Soy Sauce Crabs (pictured above) or Yangnyeom Crabs (spicy and sweet sauce crabs). They are known for their Soy Sauce Crabs though, so make sure to at least try those! The Special Set is 23,900 KRW per person and the Normal Set is 21,900 KRW per person!
Address: 서울 마포구 성산동 232-12
232-12 Seongsan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:30-22:00 (Break Time: 15:00-17:00)
Do you want to discover the best of Hongdae with a local? Meet our Korean tour mates who are experienced in interacting with foreign friends! They're great at introducing popular activities and foods enjoyed by both locals and foreigners. If you're looking for a fun and safe experience, be sure to sign up!
Check out our top 3 recommended Tour Mate programs below!
After a delicious lunch or dinner, it's practically a Korean tradition to hit up a cafe for a second round of eating! Don't forget to check out our cafe guides and discover famous cafes to continue your food adventure!
Hongdae Cafe Guide | Check Here
Seongsu Cafe Guide | Check Here
Yeonnamdong Cafe Guide | Check Here
We hope you enjoyed our recommendations for top 10 restaurants in Hongdae! Make sure to add them to your travel list for your next Korea trip. Please let us know in the comments below if you have any additional questions, or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! Also make sure to follow us on Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!