The Best of Namdaemun — My Picks From What I've Reviewed

Seoul · Namdaemun

Namdaemun is a neighborhood built around the old-school restaurants of Namdaemun Market. Naengmyeon, braised hairtail, and sashimi sets are scattered through the market's alleys — unlike Myeongdong's main streets, a lot of these spots mean actually walking into the market itself. Here's a pick from what I've reviewed, matched to the market's own layout.

For a route: start with braised hairtail (Honam Sikdang) or old-school Pyongyang-style naengmyeon on the second floor (Buwon Myeonok) for an early meal, then time a weekday visit around lunch for the sashimi set at Maknae Hoejip. Heading out toward Sejong-daero at the market's edge, Szimpatikus — a Western spot built on Korean ingredients — makes for a light finish.

Maknae Hoejip only serves its set during weekday lunch, so check the day and time before you go. The market alleys can be hard to navigate by signage alone, so it helps to pin the restaurant name on a map before you head in.

1 Buwon Myeonok Old-school Pyongyang-style naengmyeon, upstairs in Namdaemun Market. 2 Honam Sikdang One spot in Namdaemun's braised-hairtail alley. 3 Maknae Hoejip A ₩14,000 sashimi set, weekday lunch only. 4 Szimpatikus Seoul Station Chadol-bagi and bracken fern pasta — Western food made with Korean ingredients.

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