Munjeong-dong Alley Tteokbokki - Baek Jong-won Approved Seoul's Top 3 Broth Tteokbokki Restaurant Complete Review

A Treasure-like Tteokbokki Shop Discovered by Chance

A colleague kept saying, "There's a really delicious tteokbokki place in Munjeong-dong," so I went there with some skepticism. I used to think tteokbokki tasted similar everywhere, but this day completely changed my mind.

I went shopping with a friend at Munjeong Rodeo around 2 PM on a Saturday and stopped by because we were hungry. Seeing a line in front of the small shop, I thought, 'Ah, this must be the place.' It was easy to find, right next to GS25 Munjeong Rodeo branch.

The Taste Recognized by Baek Jong-won's Top 3 Chefs

It turns out this place was famous, having appeared on Baek Jong-won's Top 3 Chefs and Master of Living. The title 'Seoul's Top 3 Tteokbokki' wasn't given for nothing. It has been featured on multiple shows, including Master of Living in 2015, Baek Jong-won's Top 3 Chefs in 2016, and Sikshin Road.

The menu is really simple. Tteokbokki (4,000 KRW), Sundae (4,000 KRW), Fried Dumplings (3 pieces for 1,000 KRW) — that's it. It's a place that focuses solely on tteokbokki. Unlike other snack bars that sell a variety of items, their strategy of focusing on tteokbokki and a few side dishes is rather appealing.

A Munjeong-dong Staple with Over 20 Years of History

The owner initially started the business with a cart on the street of Munjeong Rodeo. It was famous among students even back then, and it's been over 20 years since they moved to the current location.

Because of this, almost all Munjeong-dong residents know this place. It's like, "When you think of Munjeong-dong tteokbokki, you think of Alley Tteokbokki!" It's truly a staple of the neighborhood.

A New World of Tteokbokki with Broth

When the tteokbokki was served, I thought, "Oh? This is different." Usually, tteokbokki is served coated in a thick sauce, but here it's real 'broth' tteokbokki.

They say the broth is made by boiling anchovies and kelp for 18 hours, and when I tasted a spoonful, it was really deep and refreshing. It's sweet yet subtly spicy, with a clean aftertaste that makes you keep sipping the broth.

They use wheat tteok, which is chewy and has a great texture. The portion is very generous, with over 40 pieces of tteok. There's also a decent amount of fish cake, and it's even tastier when soaked in the broth.

A Fantastic Combination with Fried Dumplings

My friend insisted we try the fried dumplings, and it was the right choice. Dipping the crispy fried dumplings in the tteokbokki broth made them moist and incredibly delicious.

The price of 1,000 KRW for 3 pieces is reasonable, and they're larger than expected. Tteokbokki alone might feel a bit plain, but the fried dumplings make it more filling.

However, the fried dumplings are filled with glass noodles, so they're somewhat hollow. That's why they're even better when soaked in the broth.

Sundae You Can't Miss

I planned to try the sundae on my next visit, and I finally did this time! Unlike regular snack bar sundae, it's not traditional, but it has no odor and a chewy texture, which was satisfying.

Especially when dipped in the tteokbokki broth, it tasted even better. It's okay to just dip it in salt, but eating it with the broth seems to be this place's unique charm.

Be Prepared for Waiting

There's usually a wait during weekday lunch hours or weekends. We waited about 20 minutes, but the turnover was quick, so we got in sooner than expected.

The store is really small, with about 5-6 tables. Most are in a bar style, so it's comfortable even if you come alone. Orders are prepaid, and you pick them up yourself in a self-service system.

The atmosphere is reminiscent of an old street food stall, bringing back memories of visiting snack bars during school days.

Reasonable Prices and Generous Portions

At 4,000 KRW for tteokbokki, the portion is really cost-effective. It's enough to fill you up alone, and it's a good amount to share between two people.

Compared to other top 3 tteokbokki places in Seoul, the price is similar or cheaper. It was 2,500 KRW ten years ago, so considering inflation, it's a very reasonable price.

Places to Explore Nearby

Located in the heart of Munjeong Rodeo Street, it's perfect for stopping by while shopping. There are many cafes nearby, and other famous restaurants like Heungdosikdang and Ondal Native Sundae Soup are within a 5-minute walk, making it a great location for a Munjeong-dong food tour.

It's a great place to visit when you're hungry after shopping, want a quick meal with friends, or want to eat lightly alone.

Differences from Other Top 3 Tteokbokki in Seoul

It's called one of Seoul's top 3 tteokbokki along with Achasan Shintoburi and Banpo Apple House, each with its own characteristics.

• Alley Tteokbokki: Not too spicy, sweet taste, broth tteokbokki style
• Achasan Shintoburi: Strong red pepper spicy taste, paired with hot dogs
• Banpo Apple House: Instant style, various side menus

Personally, I think Alley Tteokbokki is the most popular taste, as even those who can't handle spicy food can enjoy it without worry.

Honest Overall Review

At first, I thought, 'How different can tteokbokki be?' but it was really different. It was refreshing, completely different from the usual sweet and thick tteokbokki.

The broth, in particular, is excellent. The deep flavor of anchovy kelp broth with just the right amount of spiciness made me realize this is true 'broth tteokbokki.' It was my first time slurping tteokbokki like soup.

Pros:

• Deep and refreshing broth taste
• Generous portions and reasonable price
• Not too spicy, suitable for everyone
• Fantastic combination with fried dumplings
• Over 20 years of expertise

Cons:

• Waiting time can be long
• Small store with limited waiting space
• Sometimes the tteok can be overcooked

Willingness to Revisit: 100%! I've already made plans to go again next week with a friend, haha.

Recommended For: Tteokbokki lovers, those seeking new taste experiences, solo diners, value seekers

Not Recommended For: Those who love spicy tteokbokki, those who dislike waiting

In conclusion, the title of Seoul's top 3 tteokbokki wasn't given for nothing. If you're in Munjeong-dong, you must visit at least once!