Complete Guide to the Top 5 Restaurants in Yeonnam-dong - From Michelin to Hidden Gems, Only the Real Deal

There's a Reason Why Yeonnam-dong is So Hot

You've probably heard that Yeonnam-dong is hotter than Hongdae these days, right? With the creation of the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, Yeonnam-dong has become a complete hotspot, and there are so many great restaurants that you might be wondering where to go. So, I did the legwork and compiled a list of the top 5 restaurants in Yeonnam-dong.

I scoured Naver blogs, news, and local searches to select only the truly verified restaurants. From Michelin Guide selections to hidden value-for-money spots, each has its own unique charm, so you can choose according to your taste.

1st Place: Sarukame - Yeonnam-dong's Top Tier Ramen Endorsed by Michelin

Location: 1st Floor, 15 Yeonnam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Business Hours: 11:30~20:30 (Break Time 15:00~17:30)
Price Range: 13,000~18,000 KRW
Features: Selected for Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for 2 consecutive years

Signature Menu: Flower Crab Clam Ramen (18,000 KRW), Famous Clam Ramen (15,000 KRW)

When it comes to ramen in Yeonnam-dong, this place is undoubtedly the top choice. It has been selected for the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years, proving its taste, and the seafood broth in the Flower Crab Clam Ramen is so rich and deep that once you try it, you won't forget it.

The name Sarukame (さるかめ) means monkey (さる) and turtle (かめ) in Japanese, animals that often appear in Japanese folklore. There are also monkey and turtle sculptures at the entrance of the store, making it a popular photo spot.

Run by Chef Honma Hitoro, who appeared on 'Master of Living,' it has been selected for the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand in 2024 and 2025 consecutively. The store is small with about 20 seats, but due to the nature of ramen, the turnover is relatively quick.

However, there are reviews mentioning that the store can be somewhat warm in the summer due to air conditioning issues, so keep that in mind. Nevertheless, the taste is truly guaranteed.

2nd Place: TukTuk Noodle Thai - A Legend with 9 Consecutive Years in Michelin

Location: 2nd Floor, 161-8 Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Business Hours: 11:00~21:00 (Break Time 15:20~17:00)
Price Range: 12,000~25,000 KRW
Features: Selected for Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for 9 consecutive years

Signature Menu: Pad Thai Kung (18,000 KRW), Drunken Noodles (16,000 KRW), Poo Nim Pad Pong Curry (25,000 KRW)

It is famous for offering the most authentic Thai food in Korea. Being selected for the Michelin Guide for nine consecutive years is truly an impressive record. Recently, it has become even more popular by collaborating with CJ Foodville VIPS to present the 'All That Thai' menu.

The actual tuk-tuk in front of the store is also a popular photo spot. You can feel the street atmosphere of Thailand, making it perfect for Instagram vibes.

The taste is not overly authentic but slightly adapted to suit Korean palates, making it easy to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Especially the Poo Pad Pong Curry, which is loaded with crab meat, has an addictive taste.

3rd Place: Gamnamujip Driver's Restaurant - The 'Infinite Challenge' Restaurant

Location: 25 Yeonnam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Business Hours: 24 hours (Open year-round)
Price Range: 8,000~15,000 KRW
Features: Featured on 'Infinite Challenge,' open 24 hours

Signature Menu: Pork Bulgogi (12,000 KRW), Spicy Chicken Stew (12,000 KRW), Stir-fried Squid (11,000 KRW)

Yes, it's the driver's restaurant that appeared on 'Infinite Challenge'! It's a genuine restaurant that has been around for at least 20 years, long before Yeonnam-dong became a hotspot. It's open 24 hours, so you can go anytime, and the unlimited lettuce wraps are a real treat.

Originally, it was a place where taxi drivers would grab a meal, but as the internet and YouTube became more popular, it started to become known to the general public. The price of pork bulgogi used to be around 7,000 KRW, but now it's 12,000 KRW, yet it's still considered good value for money.

The bulgogi is soy sauce-based, not too sweet, with a slight smoky flavor, and it's delicious when wrapped in lettuce. As a driver's restaurant, parking is available, making it great for those on the road.

4th Place: Mippeudong Yeonnam Main Branch - Neat Japanese Home Cooking

Location: 2nd Floor, 33-21 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Business Hours: 12:00~21:30 (Break Time 15:00~17:30)
Price Range: 15,000~25,000 KRW
Features: Representative Japanese restaurant in Yeonnam-dong

Signature Menu: Salmon Rice Bowl (18,000 KRW), Gyudon (16,000 KRW), Mippeudong Set Meal (25,000 KRW)

If you want to enjoy neat Japanese home cooking in Yeonnam-dong, this is the place. While Sarukame is famous for ramen, Mippeudong is known for rice bowls and set meals. Especially the salmon rice bowl, where the salmon is really fresh and perfectly complements the rice.

You can feel the neatness unique to Japanese home cooking here. While the gyudon is delicious, the salmon rice bowl is truly the signature dish. It's also popular among solo diners.

5th Place: Yeongyo - A Rising Star in Value-for-Money Dim Sum

Location: 1st Floor, 65 Yeonhui-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Business Hours: 11:30~21:30 (Break Time 15:00~17:00, Closed on Wednesdays)
Price Range: 8,000~18,000 KRW
Features: Value-for-money dim sum restaurant, recently on the rise

Signature Menu: Xiaolongbao (12,000 KRW), Fried Dumplings (8,000 KRW), Mala Mapo Tofu Rice (10,000 KRW)

It's one of the hottest new restaurants in Yeonnam-dong recently. It's a dim sum specialty store, but the prices are really reasonable. While other dim sum specialty stores are usually expensive, here you can start from 8,000 KRW and order several dishes without burden.

Especially the xiaolongbao, which is so juicy that once you try it, you'll be hooked. The Mala Mapo Tofu Rice is also a great menu item for a hearty meal alone.

Recommended Yeonnam-dong Restaurant Tour Courses

Lunch Course (Value-for-Money Focus)

Yeongyo → Gyeongui Line Forest Park Walk → Cafe
Solve lunch with dim sum, walk along the Gyeongui Line Forest Park to digest, and then enjoy dessert at a Yeonnam-dong cafe.

Dinner Course (Atmosphere Focus)

Sarukame or TukTuk Noodle Thai → Yeonnam-dong Bar
Have a proper dinner at a Michelin restaurant, then finish off at a hot bar in Yeonnam-dong for a perfect course.

Late-Night Snack Course

Gamnamujip Driver's Restaurant → Convenience Store Beer
It's a late-night course that can be done anytime since it's open 24 hours. Pork bulgogi and a can of beer make it perfect.

Customized Recommendations for Different Situations

For a Date

TukTuk Noodle Thai or Mippeudong - Great atmosphere and Instagram-worthy

When Dining Alone

Sarukame or Yeongyo - Counter seats make dining alone comfortable

When Focusing on Value-for-Money

Yeongyo or Gamnamujip - Affordable yet hearty

For a Special Occasion

Sarukame or TukTuk Noodle Thai - Michelin Guide restaurants for a classy experience

When You Need a Late-Night Snack

Gamnamujip Driver's Restaurant - The only 24-hour option

Overall: One-Line Summary of Yeonnam-dong's Top 5 Restaurants

Honestly, each of the 5 places has its own charm, making it hard to rank them. But what is certain is that these 5 places are truly verified restaurants.

• Sarukame: The prestige of Michelin, the ultimate ramen restaurant
• TukTuk Noodle Thai: The legend of 9 years in Michelin, authentic Thai taste
• Gamnamujip: The taste from 'Infinite Challenge,' a hearty 24-hour meal
• Mippeudong: Neat Japanese style, a representative of Japanese cuisine in Yeonnam-dong
• Yeongyo: Value-for-money dim sum, a rising star in Yeonnam-dong

I hope you choose a restaurant that suits your taste and situation to fully experience the charm of Yeonnam-dong. If you visit, please share your feedback.