Hi there! Welcome to my blog. If you’re searching for hidden gems in Korean restaurants in Hongdae, you’re in the right place. As a Korean office worker who spends five days a week in the Hongdae area, I’ve noticed something interesting: many restaurants popular among tourists aren’t necessarily where locals go. It makes me wonder—how did these places become so famous?
If you’re looking to discover hidden gems in Korean restaurants in Hongdae, you’re in the right place. This guide will introduce you to my top 5 picks that only locals truly know and love.
This Hongdae hidden restaurant guide includes directions, opening hours, ordering tips, and insider info. Let’s dive into the best Korean food spots only locals know!
1. Sherwood — A Hidden Gem in Korean Restaurants in Hongdae
Address: 2F, 11, Wausan-ro 37-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Last Order 10:30 PM)
Phone: 0507-1490-2011
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E2oq7gAULBocWAMx7
Let’s start with something familiar! Located beside Gyeongui Line Forest Park, Sherwood(셔우드) is a hidden gem among Korean restaurants in Hongdae. Known for its Italian-style pizza with a Korean twist, this place is loved by locals. You can reach it with a quick 5-minute walk from Hongik University Station (AREX exit 6 ).
The restaurant offers stunning views, particularly in spring when cherry blossoms line the park.
While every pizza here shines, the Arugula & Ricotta and Bacon Jalapeño are standouts. They offer takeout service too. Here’s an insider tip: try dipping your pizza crust in their signature white sauce—it’s their unique take on ranch dressing and elevates the entire experience.
2. Musoe Kimchi Samgyeop — A Local Favorite Korean Restaurant in Hongdae
Address: 1F, 20-5, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Phone: 02-332-2290
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6WjRbDwm43bGZwBN8
If you’ve watched Korean dramas, you’re probably familiar with samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly). Musoe Kimchi Samgyeop elevates this classic dish with a distinctly Korean twist.
A true hidden gem in Korean food, this spot grills samgyeopsal on cast iron with crispy kimchi. The water parsley (minari) adds a refreshing touch.
Using a traditional cast iron pan, they grill the meat while cooking kimchi in the rendered pork fat until it becomes deliciously crispy and rich. Choose between the classic version or — my recommendation — try it with fresh Korean water parsley (minari).
Here’s the best part: the staff grills everything for you, ensuring perfect results every time. And make sure to save room for their signature fried rice — it’s the perfect way to end your meal.
3. Ddobogetji Tteokbokki — A Hidden Gem Among Korean Restaurants in Hongdae
Address: 28-12, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
(Break: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM / Last order: 8:00 PM)
Phone: 0507-1394-8645
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GMXaoSxwHUmKW7wdA
Next up is tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)—a dish especially beloved by Korean women! This local-favorite tteokbokki joint is a must-visit hidden gem in Hongdae. Try their butter garlic fries alongside the spicy rice cakes. Ddobogetji has become Hongdae’s go-to tteokbokki spot, with several branches throughout the area. The location I’ve marked is just a 5-minute walk from Hongik University Station Exit 9.
Must-try side dish: Butter Garlic Fries. Their sweet-salty buttery goodness perfectly complements the spicy rice cakes.
How to order:
You’ll find a waiting list by the entrance. Simply write down your name, party size, desired portion size (2/3/4), and fries flavor (go for butter garlic—you won’t regret it!). Once you’re seated, the food arrives quickly.
| 성함 | 인원수 | 2인분/3인분/4인분 | 감자튀김(버갈/잔치/달매) |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | party size | desired portion size (2/3/4) | fries flavor(recommand butter galric) |
4. Sodamchon — Hidden Shabu-Shabu Buffet in Hongdae
Address: 1F, 12, World Cup Buk-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Last order: 8:30 PM)
Phone: 02-332-3008
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CUf2kmsCBPXzSTaa8
Shabu buffets are all the rage in Korea right now, and Sodamchon is a local hidden spot worth checking out in the hongdae/Yeonnam-dong area.
The weekday lunch special (11 AM – 3 PM) offers excellent value. You can enjoy unlimited vegetables and noodles, with prices varying based on your choice of meat.
One of the reasons why I love this place—
The experience goes beyond traditional shabu-shabu. They provide fresh ingredients for Vietnamese spring rolls. and two broth options—mild and spicy. Make sure to save room for the fried rice finale! Best of all, your meal includes access to their adjacent café, where you can enjoy complimentary coffee, drinks, and soft-serve ice cream. Among all the hidden gems in Korean restaurants in Hongdae, these five truly stand out for their authenticity and local flavor.
Address: 4-3, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: Mon–Sat 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Phone: 02-336-2918
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AmPTjVjWqMV5nn1W7
While chicken soup might seem simple, it’s the ultimate Korean comfort food. Daraktoo serves soul-warming Korean chicken soup dishes that many tourists overlook. Located directly across from Hongik University, Daraktoo specializes in just two dishes: Dakgomtang (닭곰탕-chicken soup with rice) and Dakkalguksu (닭칼국수-chicken noodle soup).
Each bowl comes topped with a dollop of spicy sauce—you can request it on the side if you prefer milder flavors. The soup itself is pristine, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully warming—perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something nourishing yet light.
What do you think?
Are these places new to you, or have you visited them before? When locals spot you at these hongdae restaurants, they’ll know you’ve done your homework about authentic Korean dining.
While tourist hotspots can be exciting, there’s something special about discovering local favorites. If you want to avoid the tourist traps and enjoy genuine local cuisine, follow this list of hidden gems in Korean restaurants in Hongdae. Bookmark this 2025 Hongdae restaurant guide so you don’t miss out on the flavors locals love.
Got questions? Drop a comment or send me an email—I’m always happy to help! 💌
