Exploring the Historic and Flavorful Old Chinese Restaurants of Seoul

In the streets of Seoul, there are old Chinese restaurants boasting a rich tradition. Within their humble exteriors that seem frozen in time, the history and flavors continue to thrive. These old Chinese eateries each possess unique charms, welcoming guests with a variety of dishes, from deep and rich Jajangmyeon to spicy Jjamppong, and crispy fried foods. Each restaurant attracts many regular customers with recipes refined over the years and a heartfelt touch in their cooking. Especially, the handmade noodles and fresh ingredients create distinct flavors that offer an unforgettable experience with every bite. The simple decor and warm service provide a comfort akin to meeting an old friend. On weekends, there may be a waiting line, but the wait is well worth it for the delicious meals. Experience the depth of tradition and enjoy a special meal at one of Seoul's old Chinese restaurants.

Seoul Chinese restaurants
old eateries
traditional Chinese cuisine
Jajangmyeon
Jjamppong
recommended Chinese restaurants
long-established Chinese eateries
food exploration
traditional dishes
Seoul dining

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Shinseonggak
04190 55-1 Imjeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:30 ~ 16:00
“Shinseonggak, a place where the taste of tradition is embodied in handmade Jajangmyeon” Located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, 'Shinseonggak' is a Jajangmyeon specialty restaurant that has been beloved since 1981. This place only accepts cash payments and does not offer delivery or takeout services, providing a unique charm where you can enjoy the food exclusively in the restaurant. Notably, the noodles are handmade by the owner, resulting in a delightful irregularity in thickness that adds to their charm, harmonizing beautifully with the Jajang sauce that preserves the natural flavors. The Gan Jajang also offers a unique taste that can be polarizing, as it showcases the freshness of vegetables rather than just a simple seasoning flavor. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and modest, filled with traces of time that give the feeling of a time travel experience. At Shinseonggak, where the taste of tradition and healthy ingredients are preserved through Jajangmyeon, come and experience a special meal that reconnects you with the essence of being Korean.
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Seochon Yeonghwa-ro
03036 65 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:00 ~ 21:00
Break Time 14:50 ~ 17:00
"Seochon Yeonghwa-ro, a traditional Chinese restaurant in Seoul" Located in the alleys of Seochon, 'Seochon Yeonghwa-ro' is a traditional Chinese restaurant that has been serving since 1966, famous for its spicy black bean noodles and spicy seafood noodles. Known as the first Chinese restaurant to deliver to the Blue House, this place is charming with its retro exterior that shows the passage of time and walls filled with signatures of celebrities. What makes this place special is the spiciness derived from fresh Cheongyang peppers, rather than artificial heat. The spicy black bean noodles feature a rich and deep black bean sauce combined with large chunks of meat and minced peppers, providing a bold flavor experience for spice lovers. Additionally, the spicy seafood noodles are packed with seafood, offering a deliciously spicy and refreshing broth. Seochon Yeonghwa-ro provides ample seating for groups, as well as cozy spaces perfect for solo diners, making it a welcoming spot for everyone. Experience a unique Chinese dining experience at 'Seochon Yeonghwa-ro' that carries on traditional flavors with a modern touch.
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Yeonhui-dong Ipum
03703 20, Yeonhui-ro 11-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:00 ~ 21:00
Break Time 15:00 ~ 17:00
"A classic Chinese restaurant in Yeonhui-dong, 'Ipum'" Located in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 'Ipum' is a Chinese restaurant with a long-standing tradition, gaining even more love after being featured on Sung Si-kyung's show 'I Will Eat'. Despite its modest exterior, the interior offers a warm and cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect space for family, friends, and couples to visit together. Particularly, the signature dish, Jajangmyeon, boasts a rich and deep flavor that is unforgettable after just one taste, showcasing why it has been beloved by countless regulars. The noodles are chewy yet tender, and the Jajang sauce harmonizes the flavors of its rich ingredients, providing ample satisfaction in a single bowl. Additionally, the fried dumplings and sweet and sour pork are must-try items, with their crispy skin and moist filling delivering the essence of Chinese cuisine. 'Ipum' is quite popular, especially on weekends, leading to wait times, but the quick turnover ensures that the wait is worthwhile. If you want to truly experience the charm of Chinese food in Yeonhui-dong, be sure to visit 'Ipum'. A refined taste and warm service await you.
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Yaraehyang
04423 22-5, Ichon-ro 75-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:00 ~ 22:00
"Yaraehyang, the Chinese dining hotspot in Ichon" Located in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 'Yaraehyang' is a Chinese restaurant featured in Sung Si-kyung's YouTube program, where you can experience the true flavors of China. This cozy establishment, run by a Chinese owner, offers a unique charm that allows you to savor authentic dishes from the mainland. The signature dish, 'Uni Jajang', is made with meticulously prepared ingredients, boasting a savory taste that is neither too salty nor bland. Particularly, the seafood 'Gul Jjamppong' is known for its refreshing and spicy broth that highlights the deep flavors of seafood, making it a menu item that you would want to enjoy anytime, whether in the hot summer or cold winter. Another appealing aspect of this place is the generous portions and variety of side dishes. The 'Gunmandu' (fried dumplings) and 'Tangsuyuk' (sweet and sour pork) are especially popular, with fresh ingredients and care put into the preparation that captivates the taste buds. Additionally, there are rooms available, making it a favored spot for group gatherings or family meetings. 'Yaraehyang' is a must-visit Chinese restaurant for anyone visiting Ichon-dong, promising a special experience in both taste and atmosphere.
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Shandong Dumplings
04535 52-13 Namdaemun Road, Jung-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:00 ~ 21:00
Break Time 15:30 ~ 17:00
"Experience the charm of Chinese cuisine at 'Shandong Dumplings'" Located on Namdaemun Road in Jung-gu, Seoul, 'Shandong Dumplings' is a Chinese restaurant run by a Chinese immigrant with a 40-year tradition, where you can experience the essence of authentic Chinese food. The Chinese ambiance felt from the exterior creates a special anticipation for visitors. Notably, this place has gained fame through various programs such as Sung Si-kyung's 'Eating Show' and 'Wednesday Food Talk'. The biggest attraction of Shandong Dumplings lies in their signature dishes like Five-Spice Pork, Tempura, and Dumplings. The Five-Spice Pork, made with fresh ingredients, boasts a deep and rich flavor, while the Tempura, easy to enjoy, has a crispy texture that makes it perfect as a snack with drinks. Every dish is prepared with great care, allowing you to appreciate the harmony of each menu item throughout your meal. Additionally, this place is a popular dining spot where waiting is essential, but the enticing menu makes the wait worthwhile. Enjoy seasonal dishes that suit the upcoming season and share a variety of dishes with friends or family for a special Chinese dining experience.
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Peking Garden
04526 13, Namdaemun-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Business Hours 11:10 ~ 22:00
"Peking Garden, where the essence of fried meat meets" Peking Garden is a humble Chinese restaurant located in the alley of Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, with a 30-year tradition. This place is particularly famous for its crispy fried meat, earning a reputation as a beloved dining spot among office workers and local residents. The fried meat offers a unique charm distinct from sweet and sour pork, with a perfect harmony of crispy batter and tender meat. The interior of the restaurant has a cozy and simple atmosphere, with tables on the first and second floors always filled with customers. The popular menu items, Jjamppong and Jajangmyeon, boast exceptional flavors, especially the Jjamppong, which enhances satisfaction with its fresh seafood and spicy broth. Peking Garden is an attractive spot for office workers, offering various menu items at reasonable prices, making it easy to visit without any burden. The combination of fried meat, Jjamppong, and generous dumplings is a reason to return to this place.
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PalGong
08780 1680 Nambu Circular Road, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Kwandong Castle Office Building
Business Hours 11:20 ~ 21:30
Break Time 15:00 ~ 17:00
"A Chinese Cuisine Hotspot in Sillim, 'Chinese Restaurant PalGong'" Located between Sillim and Bongcheon stations, 'Chinese Restaurant PalGong' is a well-known eatery famous for its long lines. This restaurant is centered around delicious Jajangmyeon and Jjamppong, which clearly explains why customers keep coming back. The semi-boiled egg and generous onions on top of the Jajangmyeon create a delightful harmony, boasting a rich flavor reminiscent of Gan Jajang style. Another charm of PalGong is its Seafood Jjamppong. The combination of rich broth and fresh seafood is exceptional, providing a refreshing taste without overwhelming spiciness. Additionally, you can enjoy dishes like Sweet and Sour Pork and Yurinchi, allowing for a variety of flavors to be experienced. The cozy and friendly atmosphere felt during the meal is another reason to visit this place. With an open kitchen where you can see the cooking process and ample seating, it's comfortable even for solo diners. Although the wait can be long, the flavor is worth it. Experience a special Chinese dining experience at Chinese Restaurant PalGong.