I recently visited Superstar Tteokbokki, an instant tteokbokki restaurant in Yongsan, a central hub of K-pop and home to the HYBE headquarters. While I was initially drawn to it, thinking it was a place associated with the group BTS, I discovered it held a different kind of significance. This review aims to provide an objective look at Superstar Tteokbokki’s location, menu, and my firsthand dining experience.
The Truth About “BTS Tteokbokki” and Its Unique Concept
Many people might mistakenly believe this is a restaurant frequented by the idol group BTS. I had the same thought before my visit. However, it turns out that “BTS” here stands for “Best Tteokbokki in Seoul.” Although the group has not personally visited, the restaurant remains a special destination for fans for two main reasons.
First is its prime location right next to the HYBE building. Second, the interior is entirely filled with BTS photos and memorabilia, creating a space that any fan would appreciate. It’s no exaggeration to say that over 80% of the decor is dedicated to BTS. This clear concept is an effective strategy for attracting fans.
Location and Store Information
Superstar Tteokbokki is situated between Yongsan and Sinyongsan Stations, making it easily accessible.
I visited around 11:30 AM on a weekday and found the restaurant empty, allowing me to choose a table and dine in comfort. Given the number of offices nearby, it likely gets crowded during lunch hours with local workers looking for a quick tteokbokki meal.
Location Info
- Name: Superstar Tteokbokki
- Type: Restaurant
- Known for: Instant tteokbokki (Jjigseok-tteokbokki) in a BTS-themed setting.
- Address: 1F, 58 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Menu and Order Review
Superstar Tteokbokki specializes in instant tteokbokki and offers BTS-related merchandise with certain menu orders. For my party of two, I ordered the ‘Shusutteok S’ (₩12,900) and added a side of ramyeon noodles.
When it comes to instant tteokbokki in the Sinyongsan and Yongsan station area, ‘Hyunseonine’ is the most famous spot. However, I personally find Hyunseonine’s flavor profile to be overly sweet and its self-service system inconvenient, so I was eager to try somewhere new.
Instant Tteokbokki (Shusutteok)
The tteokbokki itself was unremarkable. It had a standard, predictable flavor that wasn’t particularly impressive or memorable. While it was a faithful rendition of basic instant tteokbokki, it might be underwhelming for those expecting a unique or special taste.
Assorted Fried Goods
The fried items were not a good value for the price. They seemed to be pre-packaged products rather than freshly battered and fried in-house. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the quality didn’t justify the cost.
Fried Rice
The fried rice, which I ordered after finishing the tteokbokki, was a bit too salty. This made for a slightly disappointing end to the meal.
Final Thoughts: A Clear Concept, but Average Flavor
Superstar Tteokbokki has a clear and compelling concept as “the BTS-themed tteokbokki place next to HYBE.” For fans of BTS, the experience of just being surrounded by the decor might be worth the visit.
However, based purely on the taste of the food, the overall experience was average. The tteokbokki was ordinary, while the fried items and fried rice left something to be desired. My search for a truly delicious tteokbokki restaurant near Yongsan Station continues.
If you are a BTS fan and want to experience a uniquely themed instant tteokbokki spot near HYBE, it is worth considering. But if your top priority is genuinely delicious tteokbokki, you may want to manage your expectations.