https://bh.trip.com/moments/detail/seongbuk-gu-2016472-132386410?locale=en-BH
Prince of PusanUnited States
vipIconPotential creator
levelIconExpert traveler

“Yeonnal Junggukjip: A Taste of Old Seoul’s Chinatown”

📍Address - 42, Dongsoomun-ro 34-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 🏖Ambiance/Facilities - Old-school & Local 💡Highlights - Very Good Sweet & Sour Pork 💵Avg. Price per Person - 20 USD ⭐️Rating - 3/4 Located in one of the oldest parts of Seoul, Yeonnal Junggukjip (Old Chinese House) is a real neighborhood joint that’s beloved by locals and steeped in decades of tradition. There’s nothing fancy about it—just a no-frills, no-nonsense spot that has stood the test of time. The decor is straight out of the 1970s, complete with an old wall fan, worn-down tables, and a collection of awards on the walls that speak to the restaurant’s storied history. The menu is simple and straightforward, plastered on the wall and offering around 20 dishes in total—far fewer than even the most basic Chinese restaurants. But that’s part of the charm: a tight focus on a handful of beloved dishes that have earned their loyal following. Despite the small menu, everyone seems to order the same few standbys: jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), or fried rice. However, every table also seems to have the tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), and for good reason. This version is unique: the batter is thick and crunchy, almost like American fried chicken, but it’s not greasy or heavy. The pork is juicy and well cut, while the sweet and sour sauce has a subtle smoky aroma that sets it apart from other versions. It’s served with a cabbage salad in a ketchup-based dressing, a nostalgic touch that harks back to old Korean diners. Besides the tangsuyuk, we ordered the jjamppong, jajangmyeon, and fried rice. While simple, each dish was well executed. The black bean sauce for the jjajangmyeon was loaded with onions, giving it a natural sweetness; the jjamppong was packed with seafood, and the broth was spicy with al dente noodles; and the fried rice was flavorful, hot, and crispy. This might not be my go-to Chinese restaurant in Seoul, but it’s a place I’d revisit whenever I’m in the area. There’s something comforting and honest about its straightforward cooking—proof that sometimes, the simplest meals leave the strongest impressions. #travel #localfood #seoulfoodie #koreanchinese
Posted: May 25, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Yesnal Junggugjib (Old Chinese House)
Restaurant

Yesnal Junggugjib (Old Chinese House)

Seoul | 8 Seongbuk-ro 8-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
View
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Yesnal Junggugjib (Old Chinese House)

Old Chinese Restaurant near Hansung University Station

워니라이프
poi-tag-icon
Seongbuk-gu

Seongbuk-gu famous restaurant Haekbap Seongshin Women's University branch

Gany030
poi-tag-icon
Seongbuk-gu

Fusion of Korean and Western cuisine in a unique culinary tour in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

TourdeMonde
poi-tag-icon
Seongbuk-gu

A Private Hanok Hotel Where Music Meets Architecture

응쥬
poi-tag-icon
Seongbuk-gu

Warm and cozy hideaway café Muah near Bomun Station

매일여행만
poi-tag-icon
Seongbuk-gu

🫧 BoMun Station's cozy cafe, Mu-A.

매일여행만
Hansung University Entrance (Hyehwa) May

Aiko Cafe near Hansung University Station in Seoul

희희헤헤호호
Bolisu

Eco-friendly emotional cafe Borisoo🌱

리옹
poi-tag-icon
Seongbuk-gu

💚Sukimdang, a Hanok cafe recommended in Seongbuk

매일여행만
Bolisu

Seongbuk-gu's cozy and comfortable cafe, Borisoo🌿

리옹
poi-tag-icon
Seongbuk-gu

🇰🇷 A poke specialty store where you can enjoy nutritionally balanced meals

park song
Sandwich House

Sandwich House, a famous sandwich restaurant near Seongbuk-gu, Seoul/Sungshin Women's University

희희헤헤호호