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Hey there, fellow wanderers! I'm the Traveling Designer Traveler, your friendly Seoul-based blogger here on 'Korea Travel Diary'. As a designer who loves blending creativity with culture, I can’t resist uncovering places that truly capture Korea’s soul—where history, flavor, and design all come together.
Today, I’m taking you to Woonsan (운산), a serene hanjeongsik restaurant nestled in the heart of Yeouido.
If you’re craving an elegant yet approachable Korean dining experience that looks straight out of a drama scene, this is your spot. Expect beautifully plated dishes, private dining rooms for intimate gatherings, and warm, family-like hospitality.
Whether you’re planning a special celebration or just want to treat yourself to a refined Korean meal, Woonsan delivers luxury without the hefty price tag. Let’s dive in—I'll guide you from easy public transport routes to every flavorful detail.
- Why Woonsan?
- Getting There
- The Menu
- My Story
- Ambiance, Tips, and Nearby Must-Sees
- Insider Tips
Why Woonsan?
Korean Elegance Amid Yeouido’s Modern Rush
Yeouido may be Seoul’s business hub with glass towers and river views, but tucked within it are timeless gems like Woonsan.
Located at 101 Yeouigongwon-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (B1 floor, C.C.M.M. Building), Woonsan specializes in royal court-style hanjeongsik using seasonal, beautifully presented ingredients.
The charm isn’t just in the food but the atmosphere—a seamless blend of tradition and modern design. Its private rooms (for 4–10 guests) provide comfort and privacy, while the main dining hall offers a relaxed setting for solo diners or couples.
As a great value-for-money pick, Woonsan is perfect for visitors exploring hanjeongsik without the intimidating prices of luxury restaurants. A full meal ranges from 20,000–50,000 KRW per person, balancing quality and accessibility.
Adding to the charm, it’s been featured in several Korean dramas, known for its graceful ambiance and cinematic lighting. Personally, Woonsan holds a special memory for me—it’s where I had my 'sanggyeon-rye' (상견례, the pre-wedding family meeting). I’ll tell you why that day was unforgettable later!
Getting There:
Stress-Free Directions for First-Time Visitors
Getting to Woonsan is surprisingly easy—no car needed! Public transit in Seoul is efficient, clean, and English-friendly. Grab a T-money card at any convenience store (~3,000 KRW), and you’re good to go.
- AREX to Seoul Station: About 43 minutes (5,000 KRW), with comfy seats and Wi-Fi.
- Transfer to Subway Line 5: Take Line 5 (brown line) toward Banghwa and ride 12 stops to Yeouinaru Station (Exit 1 or 2).
- Walk: Exit and stroll 5–7 minutes along Yeouigongwon-ro. You’ll see the glass-walled C.C.M.M. Building on your right. Total: ~1 hour 15 minutes.
- Subway: From Myeongdong (Line 4), transfer at Gongdeok to Line 5 → Yeouinaru (~20 minutes).
- From Hongdae, transfer at Dangsan to Line 9, then to Line 5.
- Bus (Scenic Route): Bus 461 from Jonggak to Yeouido Park stop (~30 minutes).
Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM). Exit 1 of Yeouinaru Station leads to Yeouido Park—a great pre-meal stroll spot. Parking’s available with valet (~5,000 KRW), but public transit is easier and greener.
The Menu: Refined, Balanced, and Seasonally Inspired
Woonsan’s hanjeongsik showcases Korea’s culinary philosophy—balance, beauty, and freshness. Every meal comes with 8–12 small plates of *banchan* (side dishes), thoughtfully arranged like edible art. Servings are generous but never overwhelming. Below are a few highlights (as of 2025)
| Menu Name (Korean) | Price (per person, KRW) | Availability / Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haejeongsik (해정식) | 25,000 | Weekday/Weekend Hall Only | A great basic introduction to Hanjeongsik. Perfect for a simple, casual meal. |
| Daljeongsik (달정식) | 43,000 | Weekday Lunch | A practical course for business lunches or a satisfying weekday meal. |
| Sujeongsik (수정식) | 43,000 | Weekday Dinner | The starting dinner course for a light evening meal. |
| Sanjeongsik (산정식) | 52,000 | Weekday Lunch / Weekend & Holidays | A richer course than Daljeongsik, suitable for elevated midday dining. |
| Unjeongsik (운정식) | 52,000 | Weekday Dinner | Ideal for business entertaining or small evening gatherings. |
| Haengbok Jeongsik (행복정식) | 66,000 | Weekend & Holidays | A well-rounded course to enjoy a relaxed, holiday dining experience. |
| Yongjeongsik (용정식) | 66,000 | Weekday Dinner / Vegetarian | A varied dinner course with diverse dishes. (Includes the Vegetarian Course at the same price.) |
| Wonang Jeongsik (원앙정식) | 73,000 | Formal Meeting Course | Specifically designed for a formal meeting between families (e.g., 상견례). |
| Jooansang (주안상) | 82,000 | Weekday Dinner | Dishes specially selected to accompany alcoholic beverages. (Songjeongsik - 송정식 - is available for weekday lunch at this price.) |
| Mirinae Jeongsik (미리내 정식) | 94,000 | Weekday/Weekend Dinner & Holidays / Formal Meeting (Bonghwang) | One of Woonsan's signature special courses, often chosen for important events. (Includes Bonghwang Jeongsik - 봉황정식). |
| Hakjeongsik (학정식) | 110,000 | Weekday/Weekend Lunch & Dinner | A premium course featuring higher-end ingredients and main dishes. |
| Maru Jeongsik (마루 정식) | 140,000 | Weekday/Weekend Lunch & Dinner | The highest-priced course, offering the most luxurious and comprehensive Hanjeongsik experience. |
| Menu Name (Korean) | Price (per plate, KRW) |
|---|---|
| Royal Galbijjim (Braised Short Ribs) (궁중 갈비찜) | 52,000 |
| Tteokgalbi (Grilled Short Rib Patties) (떡갈비 구이) | 42,000 |
| Seasonal Assorted Jeon (Korean Pan-fried Delicacies) (계절별 모듬전) | 39,000 |
| Freshwater Eel Gui (민물장어구이) | 99,000 |
| Hamheung Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles - Water/Spicy) (함흥냉면) | 12,000 |
| Royal Galbitang (Short Rib Soup) (궁중 갈비탕) | 18,000 |
*All prices include VAT. Please note that the menu items may change seasonally due to the use of fresh ingredients.
*Vegetarian-friendly options are available—just request in advance. Pair your meal with house 'soju' or 'omija' tea.
Diners often praise the clean, balanced flavors and the harmony between textures and temperature.
My personal favorite? The crispy 'jeon' pancakes and warm 'galbitang' soup. It’s easy to picture a K-drama family dinner scene right here.
My Story:
A Memory That Blends Taste and Tradition
My first 'sanggyeon-rye' took place at Woonsan, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. For Koreans, it’s a symbolic pre-wedding meeting between two families—a mix of tradition and subtle nerves.
Woonsan’s private room created the perfect mood: calm, refined, and intimate.
The meal started with lotus root salad and delicate eggplant dishes, then came the main course—'galbitang' simmered to perfection.
By the time dessert (yuzu sorbet) arrived, laughter had replaced tension. The experience was pure Korean grace—simple, sincere, and beautifully orchestrated.
Ambiance, Tips, and Nearby Must-Sees
The interior is calm and modern with warm wood accents and soft lighting. It’s family-run, and the staff offer kind, English-friendly service.
- Hours: 11:30 AM–10 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Reservations: Call +82-2-780-6333 or visit (http://woonsanigs.com)
Insider Tips
- Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Dress smart-casual for the best photos.
- Expect ~30,000 KRW per person including drinks.
- Mention allergies—they’re flexible.
After dining, explore Yeouido Park just outside or shop at IFC Mall nearby. If you’re lucky, catch a Han River sunset—it’s unforgettable.
Woonsan isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a window into Korean warmth and artistry. Affordable elegance, heartfelt service, and flavors that linger like a favorite K-drama ending. Have you tried hanjeongsik before? Share your story below, and let’s keep designing your Korean adventure together.
Today’s post was a quick introduction to “Woonsan Hanjeongsik in Yeouido.” I’ll be sharing my own photos and full dining experience soon, so stay tuned!
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