Sinchon-Dong is a quiet, peaceful, and lovely neighborhood in Seoul’s Sodaemun District. Although not as bustling as Hongdae or Itaewon, Sinchon-Dong has its charm. The area is well-known for education, with famous universities in the locality—Ewha Women’s University, Yonsei University, Sogang University, Hongik University, and Myongji University. The locals are less familiar with foreigners, but observing the young university crowd is pleasant. Because of its youthful atmosphere, Sinchon-dong has several entertainment hubs and refreshment spots, like Noraebangs (Karaoke Rooms), PC Rooms ( Cyber Cafes), Indoor game rooms, and several restaurants lining the streets, which is the main attraction of the city. The exuberant nightlife is something you’d want to miss, as it makes the area come alive after the sun goes down. However, do not confuse Sinchon-Dong with ‘Sinchon.’ Sinchon-dong is a part of ‘Sinchon,’ a collective name given to three other neighborhoods, including Sinchon-dong—Changcheon-dong, Nogosan-dong, and Daeheung-dong. This list contains restaurants surrounding the area of ‘Sinchon.’
1.Seowang Mandu
Seowang Mandu is a dumpling specialist restaurant located at 16-Sinchonyeok-Ro. The authentic Chinese dumplings served here are a superhit among the locals. The menu has only five varieties of mandu available. Customers recommend having the Shrimp Dumplings, Fried Dumplings, and the traditional Xiaolongbao. It isn’t easy to get authentic Chinese-style dumplings in Korea, but Seowang Mandu has them available at reasonable costs!
2. Stand By Kitchen
Standby Kitchen is a contemporary Sandwich restaurant frequented by University students and youngsters. The atmosphere may get busy and noisy, but their sandwiches are unparalleled. With varieties like Bacon and Omelette, Salmon, Chicken, Shrimp Avocado, Philly Cheesesteak, and Vietnam Chicken Banh Mi, the menu of this sandwich shop is exciting. In addition, the prices of sandwiches are less than those sold in other restaurants.
3.gosami
This halal-friendly restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves seafood. Grilled Mackarel, Stir-fried Spicy Squid, and Tofu Soup served with many delectable side dishes are famous among the locals. And that’s the reason the restaurant gets crowded quickly. The restaurant serves a simple, healthy, fresh, and satisfying Korean meal, and customers like to visit this place again and again.
4.Wan Chai
Wan Chai is a delightful Chinese restaurant located at 50-7 Myeongmul-Gil in Sinchon-Dong, serving food that leaves you feeling satisfied. Come down to this restaurant, and you can taste their best-selling Spicy Hong Kong Mussels, which customers say tastes best with a serving of Fried Rice. And then you have the famous Chinese-Korean dishes that you can’t forget. Tangsuyuk, Jjampong, and Jjajangmyeon are not to miss since they taste superb at Wan Chai!
5.Crazy Taco
Serving the best Enchiladas and Burritos in town—Taco Loco has secured a favorable impression in customers’ hearts as a delicious Mexican restaurant. Try their Chicken Burrito, Soft Shell Beef Tacos, Fish Tacos, Chicken Quesadilla, Nachos and Guacamole, and many more Mexican delights, and you won’t be disappointed. The food is fresh, the atmosphere cozy, and the service is friendly. That sounds like a perfect restaurant to us!
6. Outback Steakhouse
This popular and high-rated restaurant is a lovely place for all steak-lovers! Outback Steakhouse, located at 33 Yonsei-ro 12-Gil, describes itself as a ‘Boisterous Australian-themed’ restaurant chain serving ‘steaks, seafood, and other hearty steakhouse fares.’ Well, that pretty much summarizes what this restaurant is all about. So visit this one to try delicious Tomahawk Steak, Ribs, Mushroom Soup, and many such customer favorites.
7. Yeonnam Seo Sikdang
Yeonnam Seo Sikdang has garnered a legendary status as the original and 60-year-old standing Korean BBQ restaurant. The concept became so popularized that several standing BBQ eateries sprouted up gradually, so much that each neighborhood has at least one. But there’s nothing like the original! Gorge on local and imported cuts of beef. The restaurant only serves meat, sauce, chili, soju, and beer. So don’t forget to get your rice and Kimchi from the convenience stores.
8.Tong Tong Dwaeji
Pork and beef barbeque haven—Tong Tong Dwaeji is a fantastic Korean Barbeque restaurant for a great time with family and friends. Dine their good range of meats belly, neck, jowl, ribs, and marinated belly. Samgyeopsal served here is a must-try. You get generous portions of food at affordable prices. Since the restaurant is close to the Universities, expect to see a lot of young crowds.
9.Sodojeok
Sodojeok is a popular casual dining restaurant in the Sinchon neighborhood for beef and alcohol. With a laid-back vibe and juicy cuts of beef grilled over coal, Sodojeok is an apt place to de-stress with your friends and family. The Korean barbeque restaurant offers friendly service and food at an affordable cost. Customers love this restaurant so much that they like to call it one of the best Korean BBQ.
10.The Impasse81
A little away from the Sinchon area is this Michelin-star in Mapo District. This French paradise specializes in charcuterie. If you ever crave traditional French cuisine, this is the place to go. You can indulge in treats like a beautiful assortment of sausages, ham, and pate or enjoy excellent mains like Duck Confit, Andouillette, and Boudin. This restaurant with a romantic setting in the fun area of Hongdae is perfect for couples.
11.Tuk Tuk Noodle Thai
Another culinary gem a little away from Sinchon in the Mapo district is Tuk Tuk Noodle Thai, a Michelin-star Thai restaurant. The restaurant is a collaborative creation of a Korean owner and a Thai Chef. And the result? A pure, authentic, and delightful spread of Thai cuisine. The components of a full-fledged Thai meal are present from start to finish. Must-try is the delectable Thai sausages and ‘Larb Moo’— A spicy and sour stir-fried minced pork dish.
12. Ipanema Grill
Ipanema Grill is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys meat! Juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked beef; this Brazilian restaurant serves hot beef sliced right in front of you. Do try Picanha and Brazilian Churrasco. Their drinks, Caipirinha and Guarana, are a must-try too! Visit this Barbecue restaurant with your group of friends, and you will have a great time!
13.Aangan
Customers swear you won’t find such curries anywhere else in Seoul—that’s the deep impression Aangan has on its customers. An Indian restaurant located conveniently right in front of Ewha Women’s University, Aangan, specializes in North Indian cuisine. That means you can gorge on dishes like Chicken Vindaloo, Mutton Kadai, Butter Chicken, Naan, Samosa, and many more.
14. Via Merengue
Via Merengue is a must-visit for Mexican food lovers. You get to taste the delicious Carnitas Tacos generously topped with cilantro, Enchiladas with delectable sauces, Potato appetizers, Burritos with a soft texture, and fresh Guacamole. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are not high. The pride and joy the staff carries when serving the food are noticeable.
15. The Bread Blue
It was a must to include this beloved cafe on our list for our vegan readers! The Bread Blue, located at 3 Sinchon-Ro 12da-Gil in the Mapo district, is a vegan cafe offering various vegan pastries, cakes, and drinks. Honey Bread and Sweet Potato Bread are a must-try. The restaurant is also environment-conscious and avoids using plastic. So whether you follow veganism or you don’t, this cafe will keep you coming back for more!
16.Ewha Andong Jjimdak
Jjim refers to dishes braised in a sauce, and Dak means chicken. Andong-Jjimdak, which originated in Andong city in Gyeongsangbuk Province, is a Ganjang sauce-based dish that uses chicken and vegetables. Near Ewha Women’s University, you can treat yourself to a generous portion of Andong Jjimdak, and it is so delicious that you wouldn’t want to miss it!
17.Sosinesso
Sosinesso offers Kalbi-jjim, Korean-style braised beef, which is spicy and meaty. The dish has five spice levels you can choose from, and the menu provides ample options to counter the spice. There are two options for Kalbi-jjim: a spicy one and a creamy one. Many customers have mentioned the creamy Kalbi-jjim to be so delicious that it is addictive! However, the restaurant often has long waiting queues because of the delicious food, so get there early!
18. Bangkok Express
A comfortable and relaxing Thai restaurant—Bangkok Express, located inside Baeksong Building, is your go-to place if you like Thai food. You get huge portions of popular Thai specials like Chicken Pad Thai, Pineapple Fried Rice, Soft Shell Crab, and Prawn Curry. The food is affordable, and the service is satisfactory.
19. You Dark Story / You Chicken Story
You Dark Story is a cleverly coined restaurant name. Dak ( 닭 ) in Korean means Chicken. You Dark Story is a well-promoted restaurant, especially by celebrities, and for a good reason. The restaurant is famous for its delicious Chicken-based dishes—Dakgalbi and Chicken Soup served with Mandus are a must-try. Interestingly, the restaurant has a toy store-like decor. Visit this restaurant in the winter, and you will love the refreshing hot pot of chicken to warm yourself up!
20.Blossom cuttlefish
Choco Blossom is your go-to place if you have a sweet tooth. Located at 50-4, Myeongmul-Gil, Choco Blossom is a cozy and warm dessert parlor cafe. You can go to their upstairs section and relax in their soft sofas or choose to cuddle up in their blankets. The must-try items from the menu are Chocolate shaved ice, Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Brownies, Raw Chocolate, Americano, Cappucino, and many more. So, remember to visit this place if you wish to taste real Chocolate!
