Discovering Sea Bream Ramen at Irie Ramen (์ด๋ฆฌ์๋ผ๋ฉ) in Hapjeong
If you’re exploring Hapjeong (ํฉ์ ) and craving something different from the usual pork or chicken ramen, Irie Ramen offers a distinctive take with its specialty in sea bream (๋๋ฏธ) broth ramen. This unique focus on sea bream broth sets it apart as one of the few places in Korea dedicated to this style.
Visitors often mention the rich yet clean flavor of the sea bream broth, which comes in two main varieties: a clear (๋ง์ ๋๋ฏธ์์ค๋ผ๋ฉ) and a rich (์งํ ๋๋ฏธ์์ค๋ผ๋ฉ) version. Both are praised for their deep umami and absence of fishy odors, delivering a sophisticated and comforting bowl of ramen.
The noodles are of medium thickness with an al dente texture that harmonizes well with the broth. Toppings include tender chashu pork, though some find it a bit chewy, and a perfectly cooked ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg). Fried burdock chips add a delightful crunch and unique flavor, especially notable in the rich broth version.
Side dishes like wasabi rice and chili oil rice are highly recommended to complement the ramen, with wasabi rice especially popular for mixing with the broth to create an ochazuke-style finish. The crispy and light chicken karaage pairs well with beer, making it a favored side for many visitors.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
Irie Ramen is located in a quiet alley near Hapjeong Station, offering a calm and intimate setting with a clean white and wood-toned interior that evokes a Japanese izakaya feel. The seating is mainly bar-style with a ‘ใท’ shaped counter, suitable for solo diners or pairs, but less convenient for groups larger than three or four.
Due to its popularity, especially on weekends, expect waits of 30 minutes or more. The restaurant uses a catch-table system for on-site waiting, and early arrival on weekdays is advised to avoid long queues. Despite the wait, the turnover is relatively quick, and the staff provides thoughtful touches such as hair ties, candy, and storage baskets for belongings.
Recent Local References (as of 11 May 2026)
- Google reviews highlight Irie Ramen as the leading sea bream ramen specialist in Korea, with many praising the broth’s clean, savory profile and recommending the wasabi rice side dish.
- Local bloggers consistently mention the broth’s balance of richness and clarity, the al dente noodles, and the crispy burdock chips as memorable elements.
- Multiple sources note the long wait times, especially on weekends, but agree the quality justifies the patience.
- Visitors appreciate the careful seasoning that avoids fishiness and the overall comforting, detoxifying feeling after the meal.
Location & How to Access
Irie Ramen is located at 18 Seongji 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, just a 2 to 5-minute walk from Hapjeong Station (ํฉ์ ์ญ) Exit 7. The restaurant occupies a small space on the first floor in a quiet alley, making it a peaceful spot away from the bustling main streets.
Note that there is no parking available on-site, but paid parking lots are nearby. The restaurant operates daily from 11:00 to 21:00 with a break time from 15:00 to 17:00. Last orders are taken at 14:30 and 20:30.
Before visiting, please check the latest opening hours and reservation policies as they may change.
