
A Traditional Meal Slowly Selected in the Alleys of Insadong, Jongno
In the alleys of Insadong, a meal enjoyed at a leisurely pace, seated calmly and choosing thoughtfully, is more fitting than a hurried bite. Within Jongno-gu, Seoul, there are many places where the essence of Korean cuisine is distinct, making it easy to choose from hearty soup dishes to meals with a great atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of options, from dumplings and warm soup to cozy meals in traditional hanok settings, as well as different configurations for lunch and dinner. Even in the heart of a tourist area, the dining experience flows lightly, making it less burdensome to stop by while walking around.
Restaurant List
GaeSeong Dumpling Palace
03146 11-3 Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu, SeoulBusiness Hours 11:30 ~ 21:00"A place that captures the traditional taste of dumplings, 'GaeSeong Dumpling Palace'" Hidden in the alleyways of Insadong, Seoul, 'GaeSeong Dumpling Palace' is a gem of a restaurant that has consistently been featured in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, boasting a long-standing tradition as a dumpling specialty shop. Since the 1970s, this place has been a popular spot to savor the essence of GaeSeong dumplings, with long lines of eager customers waiting to get in. Upon entering the cozy, renovated hanok, friendly staff greet you, and the aroma of carefully prepared dumplings and warm broth tantalizes your taste buds. The signature dishes at 'GaeSeong Dumpling Palace' include dumpling soup made with rich bone broth and various dumpling hot pots, featuring dumplings that are generously filled with a soft, exquisite dough. In particular, the dumpling soup with rice cake offers a chewy texture and a rich broth that combines to deliver a deep and flavorful experience. All dumplings are handmade in the kitchen with fresh ingredients, ensuring a healthy taste. The basic side dishes, such as dongchimi and kkakdugi, are also homemade, adding to the overall freshness. While waiting is essential during weekends or lunchtime, the experience is well worth it. Come and enjoy a warm meal while experiencing the taste of tradition at 'GaeSeong Dumpling Palace.'
Um Um
03148 17 Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, SeoulBusiness Hours 17:00 ~ 23:20"The Elegance of Traditional Hanok, 'Insadong Um Um'" 'Insadong Um Um' is a hanok wine bar located in a quiet alley of Insadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. This place is known for its unique blend of traditional hanok beauty and modern sensibility, providing a special space where you can enjoy wine in a cozy atmosphere. The biggest charm of Um Um lies in its unique menu. A variety of dishes that add a Korean touch to international cuisine are perfect for enjoying wine alongside your meal. Notably, the Brick Chicken and Abalone Soy Sauce Noodle are frequent favorites, crafted from seasonal ingredients that satisfy both depth of flavor and visual appeal. Additionally, this place offers a fun experience where you can draw directly on your wine glass, making precious memories with friends even more special. A meal accompanied by wine in a relaxed atmosphere is ideal for dates or special gatherings, enriching your emotions in a space filled with art and music.
Gippeun
03146 6, Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, GippeunBusiness Hours 11:30 ~ 20:30"A place where mother's doenjang meets the umami of the sea, Gippeun" Gippeun, the second restaurant of Michelin Bib Gourmand Anam, is a cozy Korean restaurant located in a narrow alley near the entrance of Insadong. With seating for solo diners and tables for four, it offers a comfortable atmosphere whether you're dining alone or with a group. The dishes are crafted with care and healthy ingredients, reminiscent of the doenjang soup and fish your mother used to make. For lunch, the focus is on rice dishes, while dinner features grilled side dishes, with the squid ink fried rice and squid salad highly recommended. The fried rice, mixed with squid ink, anchovy, and fish roe sauce, is impressively tangy and full of umami. The charcoal grilled thistle hangover soup is spicy yet clean, made with mackerel and Ulleungdo thistle, along with the restaurant's special doenjang. The grilled mackerel pairs well with side dishes like mustard leaf kimchi, squid jeotgal, and pickled crown daisy. Lunchtime can get busy, so aiming for quieter hours will allow for a more leisurely experience.
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