The area around Gwanghwamun and City Hall in Seoul is a notable office-dense zone in northern Seoul. Due to the concentration of companies and public institutions, it’s a place where office workers are frequently seen. With Gwanghwamun Square and City Hall Plaza nearby, along with tourist attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung, this area is always bustling with diverse crowds.
Thanks to this, various restaurants are easily found in the vicinity. South of Seoul City Hall Plaza, in a narrow alley, is the restaurant I visited—‘Jeil Hoegwan.’ It’s a place that offers a variety of dishes, and the name itself exudes a welcoming atmosphere. From the exterior to the interior decor, it maintains a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of restaurants visited in the 90s.
“Menu at Jeil Hoegwan”
The menu at Jeil Hoegwan aligns with its warm atmosphere, offering a variety of dishes. Selling various items, sometimes, bloggers note ordering menu items like “Guksu” that may not be explicitly listed on the menu.
“Lunch Menu”
- Pork Gochujang Jjigae (Stew): 9,000 won
- Ramen Noodles: 2,000 won
- Pork Gochujang Jjukkumi (Stir-fry): 10,000 won
- Hanwoo Doenjang Jjigae (Stew): 9,000 won
- Tomato Egg Stir-fry: 13,000 won
- Sausage Stir-fry: 13,000 won
- Buckwheat Makguksu (Noodles): 10,000 won
- Extra Noodles: 4,000 won
“Buckwheat Makguksu: 10,000 won”
On this day, I visited for a quick lunch, so I ordered the “Buckwheat Makguksu,” a dish that can also be described as “Mul Naengmyeon” (Cold Noodles). Even if a menu is not listed, they are willing to prepare it, which can be considered an advantage of this place.
As a restaurant near City Hall exuding an old-fashioned atmosphere, it’s a suitable place to visit for a quick and satisfying meal.
“Seoul City Hall Restaurant, Jeil Hoegwan”
- Address: 2nd floor, Gye-dong Building, 49 Namdaemun-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-318-5609