Hello, travelers! Welcome back to Korea Travel Diary! As a Korean local, I’m excited to introduce a true hidden gem: Lim Hyeonsuk Ihwa Kimchi Jjigae. This restaurant is beloved by locals but often overlooked by tourists. If you’re craving authentic Korean comfort food, this cozy spot in Seoul is a must-visit.
- The Star: Kimchi Jjigae with a Twist
- The Ramyeon Secret
- Why Locals Love It
- Price Point
- Another Must-Try: Sizzling Samgyeopsal
- What Makes It Special
- Getting There: Easy and Affordable
- Practical Tips for Your Visit
Their signature dish, a spicy and hearty kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) filled with generous chunks of pork, is truly soul-warming—especially when you add ramyeon (ramen noodles) for an extra kick. Another crowd favorite is their sizzling samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), served on a hot stone plate at a price that won’t break your budget.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore what makes this place special, how to get there, and why it deserves a spot on your Seoul itiner
The Star: Kimchi Jjigae with a Twist
At Lim Hyeonsuk Ihwa Kimchi Jjigae, the main highlight is, of course, their kimchi jjigae—a beloved staple in Korean cuisine.
So, what makes it different from anywhere else? It’s the generous, tender chunks of pork that elevate the dish. Combined with well-fermented kimchi, the stew delivers a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and umami flavors. Ingredients like tofu, green onions, and chili peppers enrich the broth, creating a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.
The Ramyeon Secret
Locals know the real magic happens when you add ramyeon sari (ramen noodles) to the stew. The chewy noodles soak up the spicy broth, making every bite irresistible. It’s a simple but game-changing upgrade—and one I highly recommend ordering.
Why Locals Love It
The kimchi jjigae here is bold yet balanced, with just the right level of spice for most palates. It feels like a home-cooked meal, perfected through years of expertise.
Price Point
A bowl of kimchi jjigae usually costs 12,000 KRW (around \$8–9 USD). Adding ramyeon costs an extra 1,000–2,000 KRW. Affordable, filling, and unforgettable—whether you’re a first-timer or a long-time kimchi jjigae fan, this dish will leave you satisfied and craving more.
Another Must-Try: Sizzling Samgyeopsal
While the kimchi jjigae often steals the show, the samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) is another dish that keeps locals coming back. Served on a sizzling dolpan (hot stone plate), the pork belly arrives juicy, caramelized, and ready for you to grill to your liking.
What Makes It Special
The pork is fresh, thick-cut, and high-quality. Wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves with garlic, mushrooms, and ssamjang (savory dipping sauce) for a classic Korean flavor explosion. The hot stone keeps the meat warm and adds a smoky finish that’s hard to beat.
Affordable and Shareable
A portion of samgyeopsal costs 17,000 KRW (about \$12–13USD). It’s perfect for sharing, making it ideal for groups of friends or family dinners.
Local Vibe
This is where you’ll see Seoulites unwind after work—grilling meat, clinking soju glasses, and chatting away. It’s the quintessential Korean dining experience, both delicious and interactive.
The Atmosphere: Cozy and Authentic
Lim Hyeonsuk Ihwa Kimchi Jjigae offers the kind of warm, welcoming vibe that feels like dining at a friend’s home.
The restaurant is tucked away in a quieter part of Seoul, away from tourist-heavy areas, which adds to its charm. Inside, you’ll find wooden tables, a simple setup, and a cozy atmosphere where the food takes center stage.
- Local Crowd: A mix of office workers and families—rarely tourists, which makes it feel even more authentic.
- Service: Staff are friendly and helpful. While fluent English isn’t common, don’t worry—the menu is simple, and pointing or using apps like Naver Papago works perfectly.
- Pro Tip: Just say “kimchi jjigae with ramyeon” or “samgyeopsal,” and you’ll be all set.
This is the kind of restaurant where you can relax, enjoy hearty food, and immerse yourself in everyday Seoul life.
Getting There: Easy and Affordable
One of the best things about Lim Hyeonsuk Ihwa Kimchi Jjigae is how easy it is to reach.
- Location: Near Jungwha Station (Line 7), Exit 3.
- Walk about 6 minutes straight from Exit 3, then turn left at the first major intersection.
- Cost: 1,400 KRW (around \$1 USD) with a T-money card.
- Look for buses like Blue 401 or Green 7017.
- Get off at “Jungwha-dong” or “Ihwa-dong,” then walk 5–7 minutes.
- Cost: 1,200–1,500 KRW with T-money.
- A short 5–10 minute ride from Jungwha Station or central Seoul.
- Fare: 5,000–8,000 KRW (\$4–6 USD).
- Show this address: 서울 중구 이화동 (Seoul, Jung-gu, Ihwa-dong).
Start: Jungwha Station (Subway Line 7), Exit 3
Route:
- Exit through Exit 3 at Jungwha Station.
- Walk straight west along the main road.
- Keep walking for about 6 minutes (approx. 500m).
- You will cross under the overpass near the river.
Destination:
- Lim Hyeonsuk Ihwa Kimchi Jjigae
- Address: Near Jungwha 2-dong Sports Park
- Landmark: Located just across from the riverside.
- Total Time: ~6 minutes on foot
Why Visit Lim Hyeonsuk Ihwa Kimchi Jjigae?
This restaurant is the perfect example of why local spots matter. It’s not just about the food—though the dishes are phenomenal—it’s about the experience of real Seoul life.
- Authentic Flavors: Recipes perfected by locals, not for tourists.
- Local Vibe: Dine alongside everyday Seoulites.
- Budget-Friendly: High-quality food under 20,000 KRW.
- Hidden Gem: Tucked in artsy Ihwa-dong, close to the famous Ihwa Mural Village.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Hours: Usually 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (check Naver Map to confirm).
- Reservations: Rarely needed, but groups of 5+ should call ahead.
- Language: Simple menu, pointing works fine.
- Banchan (Side Dishes): Free refills—don’t be shy!
- Dining Etiquette: Spoon for rice and soup, chopsticks for sides, wait for the eldest to start
Explore Ihwa-dong After Your Meal
After eating, take a short stroll to the Ihwa Mural Village to admire colorful street art and cozy cafés. You’re also close to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), famous for its futuristic design and exhibitions.
As a Korean local, I highly recommend Lim Hyeonsuk Ihwa Kimchi Jjigae.
Here, you’ll not only enjoy the best of Korean comfort food—like spicy, pork-filled kimchi jjigae with ramyeon and sizzling samgyeopsal—but also soak up the warmth of authentic Seoul culture. Affordable, easy to reach, and unforgettable—this spot is perfect for any traveler looking to taste the heart of Korea.
Have you tried kimchi jjigae or samgyeopsal before? Planning to visit this hidden gem? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let me know if you need more Seoul food tips!
Stay tuned for more local food recommendations here at Korea Travel Diary. Happy eating!
Today’s post gave you a quick introduction to Lim Hyeonsuk Ihwa Kimchi Jjigae. I’ll be sharing my personal visit review with photos in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!
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