Bukchon Son Mandu is a korean restaurant in Bukchon And Samcheong, Seoul.
Editorially verified May 29, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Signature dishes: Steamed mandu, Mandu guk
Must order: Steamed mandu (dumplings) with kimchi and pork filling, thin pleated skin.
Tip: The mandu guk (dumpling soup) is only slightly more expensive and adds a clear anchovy broth that makes it a meal.
Address: 84-1 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hongik Sutbul Galbi runs a charcoal-grill galbi room a block from Hongik University's main gate, with thick-cut marinated short rib and pork belly cooked.
Signature: Charcoal-grilled marinated galbi, Samgyeopsal
Order: Charcoal-grilled yangnyeom galbi (marinated short rib).
Tip: Ask for both yangnyeom (marinated) and saeng (fresh-cut) galbi to taste the marinade contrast; the kitchen sets the grill to the right charcoal heat.
Near Dongdaemun Fashion Market, Bonga cooks its seolleongtang in a traditional gamasot (iron cauldron) from ten beef cuts for 24 hours straight.
Signature: Seolleongtang
Order: Gamasot seolleongtang: broth from ten different beef cuts.
Tip: The 24-hour schedule means this is Seoul's best post-midnight beef broth bowl.
Plant Cafe and Kitchen in Itaewon is one of Seoul's most established fully vegan restaurants, running a menu of American-leaning comfort food alongside.
Signature: Vegan burgers, Salad bowls
Order: Plant burger with house-made patty, fresh aioli and seasonal greens.
Tip: The Yeonnam branch at 87 World Cup buk-ro 4-gil, Mapo-gu is closer to Hongdae.
Vegan Insa in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village serves fully plant-based Korean food in a traditional courtyard house, including vegan bibimbap and banchan spreads.
Signature: Vegan bibimbap, Korean banchan
Order: Vegan bibimbap: the full Korean banchan spread reimagined without animal products.
Tip: The outdoor courtyard seats fill quickly on warm evenings; weekday lunch is the quietest window.
ByTOFU is a vegan cafe and bakery in Yongsan serving Western-style pastries and cafe food without any animal products, rated among Seoul's top vegan spots.
Signature: Vegan pastries, Plant-based cafe menu
Order: Seasonal plant-based baked goods.
Tip: Popular on weekends; arrive mid-morning for the full pastry range before sellout.
Legume is Asia's first Michelin-starred vegan restaurant, chef Sung Si-woo's one-star room in Gangnam delivering a plant-based tasting menu built.
Signature: Vegan tasting menu
Order: Seasonal vegan tasting menu: the only fully vegan restaurant in Korea to receive a Michelin star.
Tip: Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead; the room is small and evening reservations fill within hours of opening.
