Sindangdong Hot Places: Cafes, Restaurants, Pubs 신당동

📍 서울 중구 퇴계로 | Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
🚆 Sindang Station (line 2, line 6 / exit 1) 2 minutes walk.
🕒 10:00 – 02:00
₩ –
🌐 –
✍🏻 Close to the Sindang Jungang traditional market and Tteokbokki town.

Sindangdong is a true microcosm of Seoul’s diverse and dynamic culture, offering a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a memorable night out, Sindangdong has something to offer every traveler seeking to experience the city’s pulse. In this article, we’ll guide you to Sindangdong hot places, including cafes, restaurants, and pubs, so you can build a perfect plan for your upcoming trip. Let’s begin!

How to get to Sindangdong

Address: 서울 중구 퇴계로 | Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

By Subway

• From Sindang Station (line 2, line 6): From Exit 1 or Exit 12 of Sindang Station, go straight and enter the first alley, Togye-ro 81-gil, where you can see the trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars of Sindang-dong.
• From Cheonggu Station (line 5, line 6): Exiting from Exit 2 of Cheonggu Station and going straight, you can see the famous Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town on the left. If you continue straight and cross the street at the intersection, you will reach the trendy area of Sindang-dong. It’s about a 700-meter walk, which takes around 10 minutes on foot.

By Bus

If you are using the bus, get off at the ‘Sindang Station, Jungang Market’ bus stop. Buses numbered 147, 202, 421, 463, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 6211 stop there. Once you get off at the bus stop, you can arrive just by crossing the street.

By Car

Input ‘Sindang Station Public Parking Lot’ 신당역공영주차장 or the address ‘140-29 Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul’ into your navigation system. The parking fee is 1,500 KRW for 30 minutes and 3,000 KRW for 1 hour.

Tips

• Sindang Jungang Market, offering a variety of Korean street food and a fresh seafood center, is right next to this trendy area. It’s a delightful place and adds to the charm of the visit. If you’re looking to experience an authentic Korean traditional market, it is highly recommended to pay a visit.
• Sindang-dong is also famous for its Tteokbokki Town, which is definitely a must-visit spot when in the area. If you want to try instant Tteokbokki 즉석떡볶이, which includes rice cakes with additions like ramen, fish cakes, and vegetables, make sure to visit this place.

Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기

IVisitKorea(@ivisitkorea)님의 공유 게시물

If you know the Korean alphabet, you can search “신당역” on Naver Map, and it will show you the best way to get there from where you are.

Check more information about public transportation in Seoul 👇🏻

• 18 Best Apps for Korea Travel: Easy & Convenient
• Can I Use Google Maps in Korea? Which Navigation Apps in Korea are best?
• Seoul Subway and Bus, Public Transportation in Seoul
• All about T-money Card in Korea – How & Where To Use It
• Luggage Storage Lockers & Services in Seoul: Travel Guide

Sindangdong Trendiest Places: Restaurant, Bar, Cafe, Stores

Zoo Sindang, Most Popular Bar in Sindangdong

• Address: 411 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Operating Hours: 6:00 pm – 2:00 am weekdays; 5:00 pm – 1:00 am weekends
• Phone: +82 2-2231-1806
• Instagram: zoosindang
• Price range: 13,000 – 22,000 won (9.8 – 16.7 USD)
• How to get there: Take Sindang Station Subway Line 2 or 6 and then get off at exit 12. Turn right at Woori Bank, and Zoo Sindang will be on your left. 

This is probably the most famous spot in Sindangdong. Zoo Sindang is a unique zodiac bar where you can vividly sense Eastern culture. The outside of the bar is designed like a temple and is so inconspicuous that most passersby have no idea it’s a cool Zodiac-themed bar. Finding the entrance will also take time if you haven’t researched it. To get inside, find the secret door guarded by a massive cat statue and push it.

Inside, you’ll enter a “forest of souls” with trees and colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The bar’s specialty includes 12 cocktails named after the 12 zodiac signs. They also serve Korean meat skewers, pancakes, American-style pasta, and pizza.  Thanks to its lovely decor and tasty drinks, Zoo Sindang is a great choice for a date night or a fun evening with friends.

Brick Lane Burger, Authentic Sindangdong Hamburgers

• Address: Seoul, Jung-gu, Heungin-dong, 31번지 1층
• Open hours: 11:30 – 21:00 daily
• Phone: +82 50-71401-0328
• Instagram: bricklaneburger

Don’t miss Brick Lane Burger if you’re in the mood for handcrafted burgers. They’re famous for their extra-thick beef patties, creating a delicious combination of fresh veggies and unique sauces.

The must-try is their signature Brick Lane burger, but if you prefer a meat-centric taste, go for the cheeseburger. The size of their beef patties doubles other fast food restaurants. And there’s also a hidden gem you should consider – the garlic fries with their special and tasty sauce. You can tell a lot about a hamburger restaurant by the taste of their fries. It’s an excellent spot for burger lovers!

HAOKAO STAN BBQ Bar, New Sindangdong BBQ bar

Even though it only opened in September 2023, Haokao has swiftly gained popularity and joined a lineup of hip cafés and eateries in the Sindang neighborhood. This Chinese BBQ restaurant stands out with its unique dome-shaped entrance and interior, adding a fresh and distinctive touch to the dining scene.

The restaurant specializes in barbecue, where guests can grill meat skewers on sturdy bamboo sticks, creating a delightful campfire-like ambiance. Beyond the BBQ offerings, the menu features a variety of dishes, including grilled eggplant with burrata, fried rice cakes, and Mara Ramen Yuringi. They also serve Chinese beers, wines, and various beverages, with Qingdao and Harbin beers being popular.

• Address: 14-34 Heungin-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 16:00 – 02:00 daily
• Instagram: haokaostan.official

Namba Snack Pub in Hipdangdong

• Address: 10-27 Toegye-ro 83-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 16:30 – 00:30 daily
• Phone: +82 50-71309-5225
• Price range: 7,000 – 23,000 won (5 – 17.5 USD)
• Instagram: namba_snack

You will see why Sindangdong is called Hipdangdong at this Japanese-style pub with budget-friendly Japanese dishes in a simple, authentic setting. The place is decorated with Suntory whiskey bottles, Japanese magazines, and posters and exudes a genuine Japanese vibe.

The menu here is quite diverse. The two signature dishes are nanban chicken and Neapolitan. Chicken nanban is a large piece of chicken drizzled with lots of tartar sauce and served with cabbage. Neapolitan is a spaghetti dish with two long Vienna sausages sprinkled with grana padano cheese on top. In addition, they also serve beer, soju, and other drinks such as 7up, Coke, and more.

Mail Room Cafe, a Unique Cafe in Sindangdong

• Address: 10-7 Toegye-ro 83-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 10:00 – 21:30 daily
• Phone: +82 10-2675-1682
• Instagram: mailroom_sindang

This charming cafe will give you a unique experience like no other. At first glance, it may seem like a small, cozy cafe with limited seating. However, the surprise comes when you notice that the wall of mailboxes is a door leading to stairs, revealing two floors inside.

When you place your order, you are assigned a numbered mailbox and receive a key to open your designated mailbox to get your drink. This unique way of delivering coffee adds a pleasant and intriguing touch to the overall experience. The cafe’s menu is diverse, focusing on coffee, espresso, and espresso cocktails, ensuring a delightful array of choices for you.

Zisus Pub, Sindangdong Hip Hangout Restaurant

• Address: 321st floor, Toegye-ro 85-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 4 p.m.- 12 a.m. daily (biweekly off on Mondays)
• Phone: 010-5716-8687
• Instagram: 지져스(@zisus_sindang) • Instagram 사진 및 동영상

Looking for a cool, modern, and hip place to grab a beer? Zisus is where to try handmade tteok galbi (juicy beef patty) and spicy sauce tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes with sauce). The restaurant’s atmosphere is clean, with red as the primary point color, adding to the hipness. All menus pair well with the alcohol or sodas; the best part is that all menus can be taken out.

Come in early usually; the tteok galbi sells out quickly. The juicy texture pairs well with the teriyaki-like sauce and green onions, and the price is reasonable. Not only do we recommend the tteok galbi and tteokbokki, but also the Korean-style potato pancake. It’s a hearty and savory dish that will make you want to take one home.

Micooksik Burger House, American-style burgers in Sindangdong

• Address: 239-11 Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 11:30 – 15 and 17:30 – 20:30 daily | closed on Mondays
• Phone: +82 70-8899-2715
• Instagram: micooksik_sindang

This eatery exudes a classic American diner ambiance, accentuated by the tunes of American radio playing in the background. The menu keeps it simple, featuring the renowned “Bust Burger” and Tater Tots (round fried potatoes) as a side dish. They also serve beverages such as Coke, Sprite, glass wine, and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

The highlight is the “Bust Burger,” with a generous amount of tender and medium-cooked steak. The bread is crispy, and the burger pairs perfectly with the truffle mayo sauce. It’s a nice place to go if you’re in the mood for a burger. 

Pung New Bar, a Modern Korean bar in Sindangdong

• Address: 10-3 Toegye-ro 70-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 12 pm – 11 pm Weekends with the break time from 3 pm – 5 pm | 13:30 – 12 am on weekdays
• Phone: 02.6404.7772
• Instagram: pung_new

Pung New, a Korean dining bar that opened in June 2023, has quickly become a go-to spot among local and foreign tourists. Its standout feature is the unique blend of modern and traditional hanok elements in its exterior and interior, creating a cozy ambiance and visual backdrop for photography.

Once you go inside, you’ll spot the central table featuring a flowing river. This is a sought-after spot, so you better come early to experience that seat. About the menu, Pung New puts a fresh spin on classic Korean dishes, with highlights like Buckwheat Noodles with Beef Brisket and the flavor-packed Kimchi Pancake topped with Beef Brisket. The drink menu offers a diverse selection of traditional Korean soju and fruit-flavored varieties, perfectly matching the food. 

Hani Kalguksu (Spicy Noodle Soup)

• Address: 38 Heungin-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 10:30 – 15:00 and 17:00 – 22:00 on weekdays | 10:30 – 17:00 on weekends
• Phone: +82 2-3298-6909
• Instagram: hani._.noodle

As its name suggests, Hani Kkalguksu is an eatery focused on Kalguksu, a Korean hand-cut noodle soup. With generous portions, a relaxed vibe, and a vintage feel, it’s no wonder there’s always a queue.

Their best-seller, Algoni Kkalguksu, comes with fish roe, cod milt, and water parsley. You can also add boiled meat slices or enjoy some briquette-grilled pork ribs. Top it off with a cup of beer or soju for a perfect meal.

Phyps Mart, a Hip Fashion Shopping store in Sindangdong

• Address: 417 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 12:00 – 21:00 daily
• Phone: +82 70-8830-0074
• Instagram: phyps_department

Phyps Mart is an emerging select shop located in the Sindang neighborhood and serves as the first offline store for the fashion brand Physical Education Dept. Designed with a supermarket concept, this shop blends well with other shops.

And the fun thing is they sell lifestyle goods such as fruits, magazines, cheese, pet products, and spices inside the store. Another exciting thing is you might stumble upon clothing or hats in unexpected places, like the shop’s refrigerators and fruit baskets. It’s a quirky mix that makes Phyps Mart feel super fresh and charming – a must-visit in Sindang! 

Cecile Cedric Shop, a Charming Store in Sindangdong

• Address: 8 Toegye-ro 81-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 12:00 – 19:00 weekdays / 12:00 – 20:00 weekends / Closed on Wednesdays
• Phone: +82 10-9528-8108
• Instagram: cecile.n.cedric

Cecile & Cedric is a boutique that sells vintage home decor and garden tools. The store’s theme and items are inspired by the love story of Cecile and Cedric, who are both antique collectors and artists.

You’ll discover an indoor garden as you step through the mint-colored door. Despite its seemingly small size, this two-story shop offers diverse items, including herbal bags, cups, fabric items like blankets and rugs, and vintage European-style pieces. It’s a charming destination for antique and art enthusiasts.

Pic Dot, Self Photo Booth in Sindangdong

• Address: 1st floor of Toegye-ro 417 (Inside Road) in Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 24 hours
• Phone: 0507-1416-5118
• Instagram: 픽닷 (pic dot.)(@picdot_official) • Instagram 사진 및 동영상

Pic Dot is popular for its high-quality photos and images. They have recently released the airport bathroom plane ticket high-angle booth. The high-angle self-photo booth makes you look taller, leaner, and hipper with the added touch of your airplane destination. The airplane high-angle booth will be in Sindang soon, but still, check out the place to get high-quality and trendy keepsakes.

Download the Map of Sindangdong Hot Places

Download the map of the Sindangdong hot places here 👉🏻 https://bit.ly/3sWNE36

About Sindangdong

Sindangdong, also known as Hipdangdong, is an older, slightly gritty neighborhood of Seoul that offers a distinct atmosphere from Gangnam’s flashy lights and Hongdae’s trendy atmosphere. 

In the ’60s, it was all about being the “Rice Warehouse of Seoul,” with its streets full of rice grain shops and factories built with bricks and stone. What’s cool is how most places keep that old-school look on the outside, giving off this vintage vibe. But step inside, and it’s a whole different story – they’ve totally revamped it, making it super Instagram-worthy. That mix of old and new, the “newtro” charm, keeps the locals hooked. Wander around, and you’ll stumble upon chic cocktail bars, cool cafes, bakeries, and unique little specialty shops amid those retro-looking factory buildings.

Nearby Attractions

Sindangdong Tteokbokki Town 신당동 떡볶이 타운

• Address: 304-684 Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: Varies from 09:00 – 22:00 to 24 hours
• How to get there: 235m from Sindang station exit 8. 3minutes walking distance.

In the heart of Seoul lies the bustling Sindangdong Tteokbokki Town, a destination I am thrilled to share. Renowned as the original hub of Korea’s beloved Tteokbokki, this area is a true embodiment of the country’s vibrant street food scene. The streets here resonate with the enticing scents of rich, spicy sauces and freshly cooked treats. Each stand in the town offers its own unique take on this iconic dish, blending spicy, sweet, and savory in perfectly chewy rice cakes. Varieties abound, with additions like ramen noodles, eggs, and various vegetables enhancing the flavor profile.

The lively atmosphere, buzzing with the sounds of locals and the enthusiasm of tourists, adds to the authenticity of the experience. Sindangdong Tteokbokki Town isn’t just about indulging in food; it’s a dive into the heart of Korean culture and culinary heritage, leaving an unforgettable impression and a longing to return.

To sum up, Sindang-dong is an unusual spot that seamlessly combines the old and the new, giving a unique charm with its antique stores, various delicious restaurants, and charming cafés. Check out the trendy spots listed above the next time you’re here; you won’t be disappointed.

Read also:

• Ultimate Guide to Namdaemun Market
• Top Things To See & Visit Places in Seongsu-dong
• Yeonnam-dong Guide: From how to get there and things to do