๐Discovering Jongno & Euljiro: A Foodie's Guide for Travelers
๐ Why Jongno & Euljiro?
Euljiro has recently earned the nickname “Hipjiro” — an interesting mixture of old industrial-era alleys, small workshops and printing factories by day, and lively pubs, bars, and traditional restaurants by night. (Barrettish)
Meanwhile, Jongno — the historic heart of Seoul — offers a more traditional vibe, with long-time food stalls, classic Korean restaurants and easy access to older neighborhoods and markets. For an authentic taste of Seoul’s everyday food culture, these two areas pair very well.
๐ฝ️ Recommended Eateries & What to Expect
Here are a few places locals love, along with rough estimated costs per person (food only — drinks or extras may add more).
Euljiro Golmokjip
Euljiro Golmokjip Yongsan Address: 14 Hangang-daero 42-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
A classic alley-restaurant in Euljiro offering hearty Korean meals like tripe & chicken stew (Gopdoritang), aged-kimchi stew, and various hot pots. (jeonjiho.tistory.com)
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Typical meal: Gopdoritang or kimchi stew + side dishes.
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Estimated cost: ₩8,000–10,000 per person for a solo meal.
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If you go with friends, share a big stew + some side dishes + maybe drinks — the cost per person could be around ₩15,000–20,000.
This place is ideal if you want a warming, filling meal — especially late at night or after walking around the city.
Sansu Gapsan
A humble but popular spot in Euljiro, known for Korean sausage sets and soondae-gukbap (blood-sausage soup with rice). (Creatrip)
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Soondae-gukbap: ~₩8,000 per person.
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Sausage / assorted side-dish set: ~₩24,000 (good for sharing).
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Solo meal: ~₩8,000–10,000.
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With friends + drinks or shared dishes: ~₩15,000–20,000 per person.
Great for a casual, no-frills meal — friendly to travelers who want authenticity.
Manseon Hof & Euljiro Nogari Alley** (for nightlife & snacks)
If you want to experience local nightlife with casual eats, Euljiro Nogari Alley — the narrow lanes near Euljiro 3-ga / 4-ga — is a must. You’ll find pubs and small bars selling dishes like nogari (dried pollack) or garlic-fried chicken, perfect with beer. (CK Travels)
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A street-food or pub meal: roughly ₩10,000–15,000 (for a snack + drink).
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For a full casual dinner + drinks with friends: around ₩15,000–25,000+, depending on how much you drink or eat.
This is a great way to end your day: sit with locals, enjoy fried snacks, a cold beer, and soak up the vibrant, slightly gritty but friendly atmosphere of old-meets-new Seoul.
๐ฏ Sample Food Crawl Plan
Here’s a sample evening plan for travelers:
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Start in early evening: Head to Sansu Gapsan for a warm, comforting soondae-gukbap (₩8,000–10,000).
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Next: Walk through Euljiro alleys toward Manseon Hof / Nogari Alley. Grab dried pollack + beer (₩10,000–15,000).
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If you’re hungry / with friends: Share a sausage set or hot pot at Euljiro Golmokjip (total ₩20,000–30,000, maybe ₩15,000–20,000 per person).
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Nightcap: Enjoy the vibe — neon lights, chatter of locals, the rhythm of a real Seoul night — without tourist crowds.
Estimated budget for the night (food + snacks + a drink or two): ₩20,000–₩30,000 per person (more if you drink heavily or share a big meal).
๐ Tips for Travelers
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Many of these places are hole-in-the-wall or small alleys, so menus may not always be in English — it helps to have a translation app ready.
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Some pubs/restaurants get very busy at night (especially on weekends). Getting there before 7–8 PM can help avoid long waits.
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Don’t be afraid to eat alone: many locals dine solo — it’s totally normal. (reddit.com)
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For drinks + food in pubs or alleys: expect plastic chairs/tables outdoors or in casual indoor spaces — part of the charm!
✨ Final Thoughts
Jongno and Euljiro give you an authentic slice of Seoul — far from polished tourist-center restaurants. Whether you crave a comforting stew, a hearty Korean meal, or a late-night beer with fried snacks, this area delivers with flavor, atmosphere, and budget-friendly prices.
If you stay around downtown Seoul and want to experience real local nightlife and classic Korean meals, give Jongno & Euljiro a chance — your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.
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