Soondam Siraegi Myeongdong: Hearty Korean Home-style Meals in Seoul

Experience Hearty Korean Comfort Food in Myeongdong

If you’re exploring Seoul’s bustling Myeongdong district and craving a wholesome Korean meal, Soondam Siraegi Myeongdong (순남시래기 명동점) offers a comforting taste of traditional home-style cuisine. Located just a few minutes’ walk from Myeongdong Station, this restaurant is well-known for its siraegi guk (dried radish greens soup), a dish often praised for its rich, nutty broth and tender texture.

Menu Highlights and Dining Experience

Many visitors mention the 3대 시래기국 (3rd generation siraegi soup) as a signature dish, featuring a savory, slightly thickened broth made with perilla powder and anchovy base. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, the siraegi gopchang ttukbaegi (spicy siraegi and beef tripe stew) is a popular choice, especially during colder seasons.

The menu also includes hearty set meals like the domasu-yuk jeongsik (boiled pork set) and so bulgogi jeongsik (beef bulgogi set), both offering generous portions and balanced flavors. Side dishes such as japchae (glass noodles), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and dotori-muk (acorn jelly) are available at a self-serve bar, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of traditional Korean banchan to their heart’s content.

Reviewers often highlight the self-serve banchan bar as a major attraction, noting the freshness and home-cooked quality of the side dishes. The inclusion of tteokbokki and japchae is especially appreciated by both locals and tourists alike.

Atmosphere and Service

Situated on the basement floor, Soondam Siraegi Myeongdong features a clean and spacious interior with ample table spacing, fostering a calm dining atmosphere. The clientele is a mix of local office workers and regulars, with a noticeable number of foreign visitors who appreciate the authentic Korean flavors.

Ordering is done via table kiosks, which helps keep the service efficient. While English menus and signage are limited, staff members are known to be friendly and helpful, assisting guests when needed.

Practical Tips

• Parking is not available, so using public transportation is recommended.
• Rice and soup refills are free with each main dish ordered, allowing for a filling meal at reasonable prices.
• The restaurant is popular during lunch hours, especially with office workers, but turnover is quick, minimizing wait times.
• After the meal, guests can enjoy complimentary bokbunja tea (Korean raspberry tea) and take traditional snacks on their way out.

Location & How to Access

Soondam Siraegi Myeongdong is located at 서울특별시 중구 명동10길 35-20, basement level 1 (지하1층), in the heart of Myeongdong. It is a 3 to 5-minute walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 8. The restaurant operates daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with last orders at 8:20 PM.

Recent Local References (as of June 2026)

• Google reviews consistently rate the restaurant around 4.2 stars from over 400 ratings, praising its hearty meals and generous self-serve side dishes.
• Local blogs confirm the restaurant’s reputation for affordable, healthy Korean meals with a home-cooked feel.
• Visitors mention the variety of menu options, including the hidden gem gopchang siraegi stew and cockle bibimbap.
• The self-serve bar and free refills are repeatedly noted as excellent value, especially in the busy Myeongdong area.

Note: Please check the latest information before visiting as details may change.