On a particularly chilly day, I found myself craving a bowl of hot, spicy ramen soup. So, I dedicated a full day to a “ramen pilgrimage,” seeking out the most unique and delicious ramen spots hidden across Seoul.
From a legendary, old-school joint featured on the hit show Pungja’s Always-Go-There Restaurant to a solo-diner’s paradise and a futuristic unmanned shop that brings back Han River memories, this is my 100% honest, self-funded review. Let’s get started!
1. Anguk | Gyeongchunja’s Ramyeon Ttaenggineunnal (As Seen on TV)
I was strolling near Anguk Station when the exterior of this place screamed “authentic.” I walked in on a whim, only to later find out it’s a super famous spot, featured on shows like Baek Jong-won’s Top 3 Chef King and Pungja’s Always-Go-There.
Getting There & The Reality of the Wait
You can find it a short walk from Anguk Station towards the Constitutional Court. The layout is quite unique: solo diners are directed to a very narrow bar-style seating area on the street, while groups of two or more are sent down an alley to a traditional hanok house.
I arrived around lunchtime on a weekend and was shocked to see a long line snaking through the hanok courtyard. It seemed like everyone but me had come here with a purpose. I waited about 15 minutes; they take your order in line, so the food comes out almost as soon as you sit down, making for a quick turnover.
Honest Review: Spicy Seafood & Cheese Ramen
Almost every table had ordered the Spicy Seafood Ramen (₩5,500 ≈ $4.15), so I followed suit with a ‘less spicy’ version. I also ordered a Cheese Ramen (₩5,000 ≈ $3.75) to balance the heat, plus a side of rice.
The verdict? The Spicy Seafood Ramen is seriously spicy. Even the ‘less spicy’ version had me sweating. The broth has a refreshing seafood base with squid, so I understand why it’s famous as a hangover cure. However, the flavor itself wasn’t special enough to make me think, “I have to come back for this.” It was a familiar, tasty flavor, but not a game-changer.
The real star of the show was the Cheese Ramen. Taking a bite of the fiery seafood ramen and then soothing my palate with the savory, creamy cheese broth was the perfect combination. If you can’t handle much heat, I highly recommend ordering both like I did.
2. Hongdae | Teumsae Ramen (The Original Spicy Legend)
You can’t talk about spicy ramen without mentioning the OG, Teumsae Ramen. I stopped by before an escape room game in the Hongdae district to warm up my stomach—and my brain.
A Solo Diner’s Haven
Located near Hongik University Station (Exit 9), the shop is cozy and perfectly set up for solo diners, making it a comfortable spot to eat alone. I visited around 7 PM on a weekday and thankfully, it was quiet enough to be seated immediately.
The entire process is self-service: you order from a kiosk, and get your own water, pickled radish, and return your tray. True to the Hongdae vibe, it’s open until 6 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, making it the perfect final stop for a night out before catching the first subway home.
Ppalgyetteok & The Disappointing Rice Balls
I ordered the signature Ppalgyetteok (₩6,000 ≈ $4.50) at a medium spice level and the “Ugly” Rice Balls (₩4,000 ≈ $3.00). The Ppalgyetteok lived up to its legendary reputation! The broth, filled with egg, rice cakes, and bean sprouts, was incredibly refreshing and fiery. The combination of heat and spice made it too intense to slurp the noodles gracefully, so I ended up eating it in a hurry.
What let me down, however, were the rice balls. I chose a version with mayonnaise to cut the spiciness, but the teriyaki sauce was overpowering and had a slightly artificial taste that I didn’t enjoy. Still, the ramen itself is a can’t-miss classic, so the visit was worthwhile.
3. Seongsu | Ramyeon Panda (24/7 Unmanned Ramen Shop)
Walking from Seongsu to Ttukseom Station, I stumbled upon something truly fascinating: Ramyeon Panda, a 24/7 unmanned ramen shop. I’d seen unmanned cafes, but never a ramen place, so my curiosity pulled me right in.
Your Indoor Han River Ramen Experience
The interior was spotless and primarily set up for individual diners. You choose and pay for your desired instant ramen at a kiosk, which then dispenses the packet and a foil bowl—just like the ones at convenience stores along the Han River. You place it on the self-cooking machine, press a button, and it automatically dispenses the perfect amount of water and cooks it for about 4 minutes.
I chose a pack of Mupama Ramyeon (₩3,800 ≈ $2.85). The price was great, and you could even add toppings like cheese or fish cakes. The best part? Being able to enjoy a bowl of ramen in complete peace without any pressure.
Surprisingly Delicious and Convenient
Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations for a machine-cooked ramen, but it was far more delicious than I anticipated! The water-to-ramen ratio was perfect, making the broth rich and the noodles cooked to an ideal texture. I’d eaten a burger just before, and the spicy Mupama broth was exactly what I needed to cut through the grease.
Since you use disposable bowls and utensils, there’s no cleanup. There’s also a convenience store right next door, so you can easily grab a drink or some gimbap to go with your meal. I can see myself coming back often whenever I get a sudden ramen craving or need a quick, solo meal.
4. Sinyongsan | Ttukbaegi Ramen (An Old-School Hangover Cure)
Next up is Ttukbaegi Ramen, a 20-year-old institution near Sinyongsan Station that’s a go-to hangover spot for local office workers. I heard the grandmother who runs it serves up amazing ramen made with a special broth and delicious homemade-style gimbap.
A Space Filled with History
The restaurant is tiny and worn, but the walls, covered in scribbles from countless customers, speak to its deep history. The space is small, so most patrons are solo diners. It’s a fully self-service, no-frills spot with a charming, rustic atmosphere.
The secret here is their homemade ramen broth, which is said to give it a unique umami flavor you can’t find elsewhere.
Mushroom Ramen and Homemade Gimbap: A Perfect Pairing
I’d read that the mushroom ramen was especially good for hangovers, so I ordered the Mushroom Ramen (₩4,500 ≈ $3.40), Tuna Gimbap (₩4,000 ≈ $3.00), and Spicy Dried Squid Gimbap (₩4,500 ≈ $3.40).
The Mushroom Ramen had a deep shiitake aroma, and the broth was incredibly refreshing. It was slightly spicier than Shin Ramyun, making it perfect for breaking a sweat. The noodles were cooked perfectly al dente, a testament to 20 years of experience.
The gimbap wasn’t fancy, but it tasted just like something your mom would make, with a wonderful toasted sesame oil fragrance. Dipping a slice of gimbap into the ramen broth was pure bliss. I instantly understood why this is everyone’s favorite hangover spot.
5. Hyochang Park | Ramyeon Jeonmunjeom (As seen on Hangout with Yoo)
The name of this place is simply “Ramen Specialty Shop.” Featured on popular shows like Hangout with Yoo and A Walk Around the Neighborhood, it’s a place where you can taste old-fashioned ramen lovingly prepared by an elderly grandmother.
Grandma’s Charm and the Magic of Cold Rice
Located at the entrance of the Gyeongui Line Forest Park near Hyochang Park Station, the shop is tiny—it can barely fit 8 people. The walls are charmingly decorated with photos of the owner’s favorite trot singer, Jeong Dong-won.
The menu is as simple as it gets: Shin Ramyun, Jin Ramen (Spicy/Mild), or Jjapagetti (each ₩5,000 ≈ $3.75). There are no fancy toppings; this place is all about perfecting the basics. But the real hidden gem here is the ‘cold rice’ (shigeunbap). It’s rare to find in restaurants these days, but when you mix it into the hot ramen broth, it cools the soup to the perfect temperature while the grains soak up all the flavor. It’s incredible.
Simple, Yet Profoundly Delicious
My friend and I both ordered the Jin Ramen (Spicy). It arrived looking beautifully simple, topped only with chopped green onions and an egg. But the moment I took a bite, I was blown away. The water-to-noodle ratio was flawless, and the noodles were cooked to perfection. How could something with no special ingredients taste this good?
This bowl of ramen made me reflect on my quest for ever more stimulating and novel flavors. The taste, elevated by the grandmother’s skilled hands and warm presence, was more moving than any fancy ramen I’ve ever had.
6. Seoul Forest | Ttittobunsik
For my final stop, I visited a different style of eatery. Ttittobunsik, located in D-Tower at Seoul Forest, is famous for its chic interior and modern, fusion-style bunsik (Korean snack food).
Great Vibe, But What About the Taste and Price?
The accessibility is fantastic, as it’s directly connected to Seoul Forest Station. Even on a weekday evening, I had to wait for about 20 minutes. The interior is decorated with warm wood tones, giving it the feel of a trendy cafe.
We ordered the Seoul Forest Ttittoset (₩33,500 ≈ $25.15), which includes their best-selling items like Scorched Rice Rabokki, gimbap, and assorted fried snacks.
A Disappointing Rabokki
The dish I was most excited about, the Scorched Rice Rabokki (ramen + tteokbokki), looked amazing. It was topped with crispy scorched rice and filled with ramen noodles, rice cakes, and fish cakes. The taste was a standard sweet and spicy, but because of the ramen noodles, there was almost no sauce left, making the whole dish feel dry and stodgy.
Frankly, while the trendy atmosphere and beautiful plating were nice, the portion size and flavor just didn’t justify the steep price. This spot might be better for those who want to enjoy various snacks in a stylish setting rather than for someone craving a satisfying bowl of ramen.
🌟 Recommendation Rating
This ramen pilgrimage was a fantastic way to experience the diversity of Seoul’s ramen culture. My absolute top picks were the uniquely flavorful Ttukbaegi Ramen in Sinyongsan and the beautifully simple Ramyeon Jeonmunjeom in Hyochang Park, which proved that basics done right are unbeatable.
Individual Ratings:
- Anguk | Gyeongchunja’s Ramyeon Ttaenggineunnal: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) – The flavor was average for its TV fame, but the old-school vibe and hangover-curing broth are legit.
- Hongdae | Teumsae Ramen: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – A reliable classic for spicy ramen lovers. Perfect for solo dining and late-night cravings.
- Seongsu | Ramyeon Panda: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – A fun and convenient unmanned system. Highly recommend for a quick, quiet ramen fix.
- Sinyongsan | Ttukbaegi Ramen: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – The one-of-a-kind broth and perfect gimbap pairing made this my #1 pick. An absolute must-try.
- Hyochang Park | Ramyeon Jeonmunjeom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Proved that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. A heartwarming and unforgettable meal.
- Seoul Forest | Ttittobunsik: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) – Great atmosphere, but honestly, it felt overpriced for the quality and quantity of the food.