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korean bbq jamsilsaenae station

The area around Seoul’s Jamsilsaenae Station might seem like a wasteland of intestine barbecue restaurants, chain cafes, hofs, and claw arcades, but there’s a few hidden gems to be found amongst the riffraff.

food street near jamsilsaenae station
Most restaurants can be found on the food street near Jamsilsaenae Station

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What’s in Jamsilsaenae anyway?

This area of Seoul isn’t on the tourist radar, unless you’re going to a concert or baseball game at the nearby Sports Complex, but it’s one of the most high demand areas of the city to live. There are 3 huge apartment complexes, each made up of over 60 high rise buildings, taking up 3 whole city blocks, right around Jamsilsaenae Station.

apartments in jamsilsaenae

There are a LOT of apartments (and people) living near Jamsilsaenae Station

Most of these apartments have a jeonse price hovering around $1M for a 2 year contract, due to the incredibly high demand. And with all those families living here, you can bet there’s a ton of services, food, and cafes within walking distance to provide for all those thousands of people.

This is a very Korean part of the city. You won’t find many foreigners or travellers just wandering around, but I’d say that it’s still, strangely, one of the most international parts of the city.

jamsil stadium | baseball game

Fans eat near Jamsilsaenae Station after baseball games at Jamsil Stadium.

Almost everyone I’ve met that lives in this neighbourhood has spent time living overseas, speaks English reasonably well (especially the moms!), and has more “western-style” etiquette. At least in my experience. Head to Jamsilsaenae to get a taste of everyday local life in Seoul.

Where to eat around Jamsilsaenae Station

Like most Seoulites, I spend most of my time close to home. Not just because the city is so incredibly vast, but because population density is so high, you can usually find everything you need from medical professionals to lawyers to spas to continuing education within a few blocks of where you live.

And so, despite the fact that some of the best Korean food and foreign restaurants I actually want to eat at are all the way over in Jongno-gu, Mapo-gu, or clustered around Itaewon somewhere, I mostly have to make do with what’s nearby and easily accessible. Otherwise, I’d be spending half my life on the subway.

morococo cafe

If I could eat at Morococo Cafe in Itaewon every week, I would.

Most restaurants can be found on the food street, or winding side streets behind Jamsilsaenae Station. You’ll find a lot of well-known brands, including Starbucks (TWICE!), McDonalds, Burger King, and whatever else you can imagine, as well as mom and pop shops, and cafes.

The places I’ve recommended below are at least a little bit unique for the area, offer good value and quality, or are just plain delicious. Check them out next time you find yourself near Jamsilsaenae Station!

jamsilsaenae station | bon bon sandwich

Don’t just walk by Bon Bon Sandwich. Stop for lunch!

Bon Bon Sandwich | 봉봉 샌드위치

It’s tempting to give Bon Bon Sandwich a pass because of its very strange location near the entrance of the 새마을시장, right across from a butcher where the smell of animal is alive and well.

You’d be missing out though.

Because the owner bakes his crusty French style baguettes right on site, and while not 100% super authentic, the sandwiches are delicious, filling and affordable. Choose from bahn mi, philly cheesesteak, beef taco or jerk chicken.

jamsilsaenae station | bahn mi at bon bon sandwich

The pork banh mi at Bon Bon is crunchy, meaty, spicy and, delicious.

Closed on Mondays, Bon Bon Sandwich is open from 11AM – 9PM, with a break between 3 and 4PM. Prices range from 6,000 – 7,000KRW and you can add a soda or Americano for an extra 1,000 or 1,500KRW respectively.

AWESOME THINGS TO DO NEARBY

The proximity to nearby Lotte World, the Seoul Sky Tower, Seokchon Lake, and the Hangang River Parks is a big part of why Koreans enjoy living in Jamsilsaenae. Check out these awesome things to do in nearby Jamsil. Yes, it’s walking distance!

> Lotte World is a super popular theme park in the middle of the city, with both indoor and outdoor spaces, and rides for all ages. Get discounted 1 Day Passes to Lotte World, Combo Tickets, and Magic Passes here.

> The Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Observatory has the best views in Seoul. Ride one of the fastest elevators in the world, and see the location for Korean television shows like, “Infinite Challenge” and “My Little Old Boy.” Enjoy views from Korea’s tallest building with discounted tickets.

Ssaltong Fried Chicken | 쌀통닭 신천본점

Admittedly, there’s fried chicken joints on every other corner of every other street in Korea, and everyone has a favourite. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve tried enough fried chicken in Seoul to have a good basis for comparison.

쌀통닭 is the clear winner in my books. This is one of the best places to have fried chicken in Korea, never mind in Jamsilsaenae.

ssaltong chicken jamsilsaenae

Fried chicken and beer or “chimek” is a classic Korean combo.

Their original coating is light, extra crunchy and has the kind of seasoning and spice that makes you keep eating far beyond when you should. Probably because it’s made from rice flour, instead of breading. One bird costs from 15,900 to 19,900 won, depending on whether it’s boneless or not and the type of sauce, topping etc… and arrives at your house on a bed of shrimp chips along with the requisite pickled radish and a Pepsi.

Be warned though – on busy nights, they’ve been known NOT to answer the phone, and delivery can take up to an hour. If you’ve got a serious fried chicken hankering, order early. Or better yet, go to the restaurant and eat it there.

Hwadeok Gogitgan | 화덕고깃간

화덕고깃간 is a rare find not just near Jamsilsaenae Station, but in Seoul itself. Not just because it’s the only one in the city (the other being in Daegu), but because it’s one of the few bbq places in Korea that sears its meat over an actual wood fire at your table.

They sell various cuts of pork (no beef), but don’t go there if you’re looking for the usual 3-layer pork belly or sam-gyupsal. Because at 화덕고깃간, they only have huge cuts of 5-layer pork belly or oh-gyupsal.

korean bbq jamsilsaenae station

This huge chunk of pork belly has been seared over a real wood fire at your table.

Every person I’ve brought to this restaurant, Korean or not, has said it’s the best pork belly they’ve had in the country. It comes with a huge array of refillable sides, kimchi jiggae, a complementary skewer of veggies, and best of all, it doesn’t break the bank.

If you stay long enough, you might even get a chance to win some fire-roasted sweet potatoes with a game of rock, paper, scissors.

화덕고깃간 jamsilsaenae

It’s completely worth making the trip to Jamsilsaenae Station to eat at 화덕고깃간.

Le Tatin | 르 따땅

Located on the B1 level of the Trizium 상가 attached to Jamsilsaenae Station, Le Tatin is one of those hidden gems that doesn’t get much press, but survives with a quality product, affordable prices and a great location.

let tatin jamsilsaenae

Stop by Le Tatin for super affordable and delicious crepes and tarts.

The owner, Wonwoo Lee, trained at New York’s prestigious Institute of Culinary Arts and that’s something you can taste in his savoury and sweet crepes, and baked goods. Everything is authentic, satisfying and super affordable.

Things to do near Jamsilsaenae Station

If you find yourself in the Jamsilsaenae area, it makes sense to combine a few activities in the area on the same day. This is where I live, and I can vouch for the fact that there’s a ton of great attractions to check out nearby.

Check out the following articles to learn things to do near Jamsilsaenae Station.

Jamsilsaenae Station | 잠실새내

Jamsilsaenae Station used to be called Sincheon (신천) station, but was changed to avoid all the confusion between it and Sinchon (신촌) station. Sinchon is located on the exact opposite corner of the city, all the way over by Hongdae, so going to the wrong station is a big deal.

I still hear a lot of confusion amongst visitors AND Koreans, since Jamsilsaenae isn’t all that different from Jamsil (잠실), or Jamsillaru (잠실나). Enough people make mistakes though, that they’ve placed huge signs on the subway platform, near the stairs, that say “This is is Jamsilsaenae Station!” All I can say is, at least you’re just a few stops away from the right stop, instead of an hour subway ride away, if you make a mistake.

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Where do you live in Seoul? Are there any hidden gems in your neighbourhood?

Comments:

  • April 21, 2018

    All these places look amazing! Especially that chicken place, I’ll have to try it next time I’m up in Seoul! Thanks for the maps too 🙂

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  • February 26, 2018

    Haha intestine bbq isn’t my fave at all. I had it in Daegu as apparently, the best makchang is from Daegu and while I’m not unfamiliar with eating cow intestines (Mexicans love a spicy soupy kinda stew made from these delicacies), I wasn’t down with how chewy the texture was. I prefer intestines either super crunchy/crispy or very soft but never chewy!

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    • February 28, 2018

      You are braver than me! Intestine bbq will never cross my lips – just the thought makes me feel gross. My hubby is desperate to try it though – having grown up eating tripe in Italy – he just has to find a willing partner. He gets his fix, but always ordering the gopjang soondubu. I just say eww. 😉

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  • February 26, 2018

    Why did I think it was a good idea to read this at 19h? I am so hungry! I know nothing about Jamsil, been there a couple times to visit a temple for 설날 and I am missing so much! I am very interested in get to know 화덕고깃간, I love samgyeopsal and you really got me curious. Another one I’m looking forward to visit is the Bon Bon Sandwich place. I am a big fan of sandwiches, baggets and crusty bread. You totally got me in the crusty recently baked breads. Gotta check it out! *o*

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    • February 28, 2018

      화덕고깃간 is amazing. Def worth a visit next time you’re near Jamsil area. Everyone I’ve taken there really loves it! Haha you Europeans and your bread. 😉 My hubby grew up in Italy, and that’s the thing that he first liked about Bon Bon – the bread!

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  • Eric

    February 26, 2018

    Ooooo, I found this post right at the perfect time! Having dinner in Jamsil Saenae tomorrow with some friends and we weren’t sure where we should go. After dinner we are definitely stopping by Le Tatin to try some of those little pastries from the photos! Thanks for the recommendations!

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    • February 26, 2018

      Perfect timing then! Def recommend the 오겹살 place if you’re in the mood for bbq…and FYI I think le Tatin closes at 8!

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  • February 26, 2018

    This post made me so hungry! haha. Thanks for the great recommendations for food in the Jamsil area. I’ll make sure to check them out the next time I’m in Seoul. I live in a small city called Ulsan and I have been lucky to find some great places that my husband and I always go back to and know will have great food and good service! We have a place we call three pigs (with a picture of three ninja pigs on the front) and they have hands down the best pork barbeque I have ever had in Korea! If you’re ever in Ulsan let me know and I’ll help you get there!

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    • February 26, 2018

      It’s so great when you find those places close to home that are quality and you can go back to again and again. I’ll let you know if we go to Ulsan (a def possibility since my cousin is moving there for work!)

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  • February 25, 2018

    Nice synopsis of some great places to eat. I especially enjoyed your photos, particularly the colours and the arrangement of the photo presentation. Well done. I need to eat out even more often than I already do!

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    • February 26, 2018

      Thanks Tash… these days, I mostly just embed photos from IG cuz it saves me the time of editing photos yet again (and time is a scarce resource when you have a toddler around).

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  • February 25, 2018

    Guess I should come and eat on your side of the city a bit more. That firewood bbq joint definitely looks appealing. You do need to get out more to this side of town though hahaah

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    • February 26, 2018

      Haha yeah I know… especially since there’s so many places over there I really want to eat at. Well, now that the weather is soooo much better, I’ll have to make the trek more often. 😉

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  • February 24, 2018

    I don’t live in Seoul, I reside in Daejeon, but would probably make a trip for Bon Bon sandwiches, especially Bahn Mi. Oh man, it makes me think of the fresh and amazing Bahn Mi Sandwiches in Vietnam, but they are only about $1 haha. The deserts cafe is also calling my name…

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    • February 25, 2018

      Bahn Mi seems to have taken over Seoul these days. It’s literally EVERYWHERE. There’s a new place on the B1 level of Lotte World Mall just called BAHN MI. Haven’t tried it yet, but you get the idea. 😉 If you do make it to Bon Bon one day, I’d recommend the cheesesteak though – the bahn mi is good, but the cheesesteak better.

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  • wrpalomo

    February 24, 2018

    I live on the other side of Seoul (Mapo), so this list is helpful. Going to Jamsil (and Gangnam area) feels like it always have to be scheduled and not just a random type of “let’s go out and eat”:-)… i love how we get to have great places to go (and eat in) whichever part of the city we go to… even the nooks and alleys have hidden gems!

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    • February 25, 2018

      Haha I feel exactly the same about Mapo Wendy. So sad really because you have so many new and exciting things happening in the restaurant world over there. My neighbourhood is pretty traditionally Korean with LOTS of families around, so places cater to that, but it’s slowly improving…

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  • February 21, 2018

    looks pretty awesome. just how prevalent do u reckon peanuts is when eating out in Seoul?

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    • February 21, 2018

      Ohhh are u allergic? ? it’s def not a common ingredient in Korean cuisine, but it could sneak into a few things… overall I think you’d be pretty safe ?

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  • February 21, 2018

    Makes me want to come back! Not just the food (although you dd entice me), but the memory of that sprawl of a city. So different and fun! Did you like it as soon as you moved there, or was it a process?

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    • February 21, 2018

      The food is usually what people miss the most when they leave, and I’m sure I’ll be no different. The city has changed a lot since you were here…I liked it almost immediately, despite the challenges, and liked it more and more every year. It’s just in the last few, since Naia was born, that the pace has been wearing me down a bit…

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  • February 20, 2018

    This will be great for when I finally visit the Homeland in Sept!

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    • February 20, 2018

      Oh nice! Is it your first trip to Korea? Are you staying nearby Jamsil Saenae? It’s a massive city, so where you stay really makes a difference to how much time you spend just traveling (and where you end up eating most of the time). 🙂

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      • February 21, 2018

        Yes, it will be the first time (that I will remember). I am not exactly sure where we will be staying. We will probably look into Airbnbs when the date is a little closer.

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        • February 21, 2018

          I always recommend that people book 2 different places when visiting – 1 south of the river in Gangnam/Yeoksam/Coex area, and one north of the river somewhere around Insadong/Bukchon or Hongdae. Like I said, it’s a HUGE city, and there’s stuff to see/do on BOTH sides of the river. It’s the best way to minimize travel time while still getting a taste of everything the city has to offer. 🙂

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  • February 20, 2018

    Great tips – myself is getting hungry just by looking at the pictures 🙂

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    • February 20, 2018

      There’s never any shortage of places to eat in Korea. You could spend your whole life just eating and going to cafes in Seoul (and a lot of people do haha).

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  • February 19, 2018

    I have always wondered about south Kore and fried chicken. Here in Australia every Korean restaurant I’ve been too offers KFC, spicy and non-spicy and the chicken is always coasted with a generous serving of crispy 😀 To me it resembles very much like Western fried chicken…but of the Korean fried chicken I have tried, there’s something unique about it. Not sure what, but it tastes in a league of its own.

    That last bit and photo about sweet treats remind me how so many of these sweet treat places are popping up everywhere! It’s like eating sweets is now a dining experience in itself and a common thing to do – not just like eating cake on your birthdays and during celebratory events.

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    • February 20, 2018

      Haha, they even have K-FC in Australia?? :p I think K-FC is different because of the spicy sauce which is uniquely Korean, but also because the coating is crispier and lighter than usual. Soooo delicious! There are so many different chains and independent shops here to get a fix, you really have to be careful how much you eat. Ya know I never used to have sweets for breakfast, but then I married Agri, who eats pastries for breakfast pretty much everyday (like Italians do), and now I kinda crave breakfast that way too… maybe not so good. 😉

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      • February 20, 2018

        Yeah. Some Korean restaurants serve up KFC. It isn’t everywhere but not hard to find if you are looking for it. I haven’t tried it because all along I thought it is like your normal Western KFC, and perhaps also just as bad. Maybe you have a better idea 🙂

        Lol, Agri is really special. Eat sweets for breakfast all the time and still has a sporty bod. For me I need to start my mornings savoury or else the sugar will cause me to crash soon after.

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