Jamsil Restaurants Guide: What to Eat Near Lotte World & Seokchon Lake – Korean Food
In this post, I’m sharing some of the must-try restaurants around Lotte World Mall and Seokchon Lake in Jamsil. If you’re staying at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul (which I reviewed earlier!), you’ll be glad to know that most of these places are within walking distance.
Even beyond my picks, there’s an entire alleyway packed with local eateries just across the street from Sofitel called Bang-i Food Alley (방이 먹자골목). It’s where real local office workers eat, so if you’re craving an authentic Korean dining experience, this is the spot. A few of the restaurants I’m recommending today are actually in that alley too—so keep reading and bookmark this post!
Byeolmi Gopchang (별미곱창)
Did you know grilled gopchang (beef intestines) is just as beloved by Koreans as BBQ? If you want to try something other than the classic Korean BBQ, I highly recommend this.
Byeolmi Gopchang is a local favorite—if you come at dinnertime, expect a line! Your gopchang is grilled with generous amounts of garlic chives and veggies, soaking up the rich flavor of the fat. It’s seriously addictive. And like any proper Korean grilled meal, don’t forget the ultimate finale: fried rice made in the same pan.
📍 Address: 11 Ogeum-ro 11-gil, Songpa District, Seoul (Google Map, Naver Map) > in Bang-i Food Alley!
🕘 Hours: Everyday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
⭐️ Tip: If it’s too crowded, check out their 2nd location or 3rd location nearby
Eulmildae (을밀대)
If you’re visiting Korea in the summer, don’t miss naengmyeon (cold noodles)—especially the Pyeongyang-style naengmyeon, which has become a trendy favorite.
This traditional North Korean dish is made with buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth, often topped with sliced meat, pear, cucumber, radish, and half a boiled egg. The broth is light and subtle—some say it’s an acquired taste, but I love it. Add a splash of vinegar or mustard to suit your palate. It’s refreshing, especially on hot days, and totally worth the try.
📍 Address: 7-13 Ogeum-ro 15-gil, Songpa District, Seoul (Google Map, Naver Map) > in Bang-i Food Alley!
🕘 Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday : 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order: 8:30 PM, Break: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
❗️Monday Closed
Ilwol Gogi (일월고기)
You can’t come to Korea without experiencing Korean BBQ, right? Ilwol Gogi, tucked inside Bang-i Food Alley, was recommended to me by a local friend—and it didn’t disappoint.
Their meat quality is fantastic, and the staff will grill it for you to perfection. One fun highlight: the grill has edges where you can cook veggies, eggs, and kimchi. It’s interactive, flavorful, and a little different from your usual K-BBQ experience.
📍 Address: 7-16, Ogeum-ro 15-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Google Map, Naver Map)
🕘 Hours:
Mon – Wed: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thu – Sun: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Modern Shabu House (모던샤브하우스)
Craving meat but want something on the healthier side? Try shabu-shabu, Korean-style hot pot. Modern Shabu House, a premium chain, is located inside the building connected to Sofitel—super convenient!
At ₩58,000+ per person, you get unlimited refills of high-quality meats and fresh vegetables. Veggies are self-serve, and you can order meat through a tablet, brought to your table by staff. They even offer 9 different broth options, and your dessert changes depending on the broth. I recommend the mushroom broth, which comes with a mushroom risotto to finish!
📍 Address: 209, Jamsil-ro, 2nd Floor, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Google Map, Naver Map)
🕘 Hours:
Everyday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last order: 9:00 PM)
Bonga Jinmi Ganjang ejang (본가 진미 간장게장)
Ever tried soy-marinated raw crab (ganjang gejang)? It’s crab marinated in soy sauce without cooking—sounds intense, but trust me, at the right place, it’s heavenly. This spot in Jamsil nails it.
It’s perfect with a warm bowl of rice and will blow your mind if you’re into sashimi or sushi. Their signature menu includes a combo platter (soy-marinated female crab, shrimp, abalone, salmon, sea snail), but I recommend going all-in with the large soy-marinated female crab set. Pure umami bliss.
📍 Address: 420, Baekjegobun-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Google Map, Naver Map)
🕘 Hours:
Everyday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last order: 9:00 PM)
Myeongbul Heojeon Original Golbangi (명불허전 원조 골뱅이)
This spot is famous for its golbaengi-tang, a sea snail soup. In Korea, it’s common to go out for “rounds”—dinner is just round one. This place is perfect for your second or third stop – it closes at 5 am 🤗 The soup is warm, clean-tasting, and a perfect drinking snack. Expect a true local vibe—this place is usually packed with Koreans unwinding after work.
📍 Address: 23, Olympic-ro 32-gil, Songpa-gu (Google Map, Naver Map)
🕘 Hours:
Everyday: 5:00 PM – 5:00 AM
Whether you’re staying in Jamsil or just passing through, these spots offer a real taste of local Korean flavors—some beloved by office workers, others by foodies in the know. From sizzling gopchang to refreshing naengmyeon, there’s something here for every craving.
Hope you get to try a few (or all!) during your trip. Let me know which one was your favorite! 😋✨
Happy eating, and see you in the next post! 🍽️✈️
