Top 3 Hotspot Restaurants in Hongdae·Hapjeong - A Perfect Guide to Trendy Eateries Loved by the MZ Generation

The Center of Instagram Hotspots, Hongdae·Hapjeong Restaurant Trends

Hongdae and Hapjeong are on the rise again. After the pandemic, these areas are attracting young people, and new restaurants are popping up, becoming the talk of the town. Especially, three restaurants that require a wait are recognized as 'true hotspots' among the MZ generation.

1st Place. WooWa Hongdae Main Branch - Innovative Okonomiyaki Without Flour

'WooWa', the hottest okonomiyaki restaurant in Hongdae, is truly special. It became famous for using 100% 'ma' (Japanese yam) instead of the usual flour batter.

Basic Information

Address

2nd Floor, 21-16 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Business Hours

12:00~22:00 (Break Time 14:30~17:00)

Phone

0507-1414-9500

Reservation

CatchTable required

Unique Differentiation Points

The biggest charm of WooWa is its healthy ingredients. By using ma instead of flour, they create a soft and easily digestible okonomiyaki. Ma is rich in the mucin component, which is said to protect the stomach.

Signature Menu

Pork Tomato Okonomiyaki (17,000 KRW)
This is a signature dish that combines the tanginess of tomato sauce with the savory taste of pork. The unique soft texture of the ma batter is exquisite.

Shrimp Basil Pesto Yakisoba (18,000 KRW)
This yakisoba is rich in basil aroma and has springy shrimp. The chewy noodles are highly addictive.

2nd Place. Kiwoom Tuna Hongdae Branch - Blue Ribbon Certified Tuna Specialty Restaurant

This is the place to taste the highest quality tuna in Hongdae. Selected in the 2024 Blue Ribbon Survey, it is directly operated by an owner-chef with 20 years of experience.

Basic Information

Address

2nd Floor, Youngjin Building, 21 Donggyo-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Business Hours

16:00~23:00 (Closed on Sundays)

Phone

02-332-3788

Reservation

Available on Naver

The Prestige of Blue Ribbon

Kiwoom Tuna is famous for handling rare parts that are hard to find in regular tuna restaurants. You can taste rare parts like the nose and throat, making it a sanctuary for true tuna enthusiasts.

Recommended Courses

Chef's Recommended Course (58,000 KRW)
Experience the taste of each part in order: Akami, Chutoro, and Otoro. It includes grilled tuna belly and miso soup.

Honmaguro Course (100,000 KRW)
A premium course composed only of the finest bluefin tuna. It includes rare parts, allowing you to experience all the flavors of tuna.

Atmosphere and Value

It's not a formal place requiring a suit, but rather a comfortable Hongdae izakaya vibe. While the price range is high, it's reasonable compared to other Blue Ribbon restaurants.

3rd Place. Udon Kaden Hapjeong Branch - Michelin Guide Selected Sanuki Udon

This is where Chef Jung Ho-young showcases authentic Sanuki udon learned in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It was selected in the 2023 Michelin Guide Seoul, officially acknowledging its skill.

Basic Information

Address

2-1 Yanghwa-ro 7an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Business Hours

11:30~21:00 (Break Time 14:40~17:30, except Saturday)

Phone

02-6463-6362

Closed

Every Sunday

Craftsmanship of Udon

Chef Jung Ho-young adheres to the principle of 'cutting the noodles upon order'. His craftsmanship is evident in making the optimal noodles by varying the blend according to the daily temperature and humidity.

Signature Menu

Tori-ten Bukkake Udon (13,000 KRW)
Cold udon topped with chicken tempura. The harmony of rich tsuyu and chewy noodles is exquisite.

Kake Udon (8,000 KRW)
A traditional udon with a clean broth made from anchovies, kelp, and katsuobushi. It's a menu where you can check the basics.

Commonalities of the Three Restaurants: Why They Are Hotspots

Originality and Expertise

Each has its unique expertise: WooWa's flourless ma batter, Kiwoom Tuna's handling of rare parts, and Udon Kaden's authentic Sanuki udon.

SNS Influence

All three places gained fame through Instagram shots. WooWa's teppan cooking, Kiwoom Tuna's luxurious plating, and Udon Kaden's neat visuals captured the hearts of the MZ generation.

Waiting = Proof of Taste

All three places typically have a 2-3 hour wait. This is not just a trend but a verification of genuine taste.

Checklist Before Visiting

Common Preparations

• Prepare for waiting and secure spare time
• Make reservations in advance where possible
• Prepare both cash and card

Public Transportation Tips

All three places are within walking distance from Hongdae Entrance Station and Hapjeong Station, accessible via Subway Line 2. Enjoy a food tour by walking from Hongdae to Hapjeong.

Budget Guide

• WooWa: Around 20,000 KRW per person
• Kiwoom Tuna: 60,000 KRW~100,000 KRW per person
• Udon Kaden: Around 15,000 KRW per person

Conclusion

These three places are not just ordinary restaurants but innovative spaces creating new trends in their respective fields. If you want to experience the true hotspots of Hongdae·Hapjeong, be prepared for the wait and make sure to visit at least once. A unique experience awaits you at each restaurant.