Seochon Village in Seoul is located to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. To the east of Gyeongbokgung, there is the well-preserved Hanok Village known as Bukchon Hanok Village, while to the west lies Seochon Village.
While Bukchon Hanok Village is renowned as a representative tourist spot in Seoul due to its well-preserved traditional houses, Seochon Village has a relatively ordinary residential feel, lacking the same preserved Hanok architecture.
“A Simple Feeling in Seochon Village”
Though you can find Hanok houses in Seochon as well, they differ from those in Bukchon Hanok Village. They are relatively smaller in scale, with some Hanok buildings that were restored later, and are surrounded by Western-style buildings like villas. This makes it less of a deliberately sought-after tourist destination. Nevertheless, it retains a sense of simplicity, preserving the atmosphere of the modern era.
“Yeonghwaru, a Chinese Restaurant in Seochon Village”
There is a well-known Chinese restaurant in Seochon Village called Yeonghwaru. It has been operating for over 50 years under this name. While I’m not sure exactly when it first opened, a restaurant with a history of over 50 years is quite valuable.
When you visit Yeonghwaru, you can sense a nostalgic atmosphere. Even just by looking at the building, you can see the traces of time. The building has two floors, but since we dined on the first floor, we didn’t get to go upstairs. The second floor also exudes a vintage vibe, giving off a feeling akin to having a meal in Hong Kong.
“Famous for Spicy Jajangmyeon”
Yeonghwaru has a particularly famous dish: the Spicy Jajangmyeon. This menu adds peppers to the traditional black bean paste noodles, giving it a spicier kick and balancing out the richness of the Jajangmyeon.
Personally, I enjoy spicy Jajangmyeon, so I wanted to give it a try. However, I was a bit hesitant, worried it might be too spicy and upset my stomach, so I ended up ordering the regular Jajangmyeon.
Next time, when I have the chance, I’d like to visit again and challenge myself with the Spicy Jajangmyeon.
“Menu at Yeonghwaru”
At Yeonghwaru, you can find Korean-style Chinese dishes commonly found in Chinese restaurants in Korea. They offer menu items like Jajangmyeon, Jjamppong, Gan Jajang, Fried Rice, and more.
“Noodle Dishes”
- Jajangmyeon: KRW 8,000
- Udon: KRW 9,000
- Jjamppong: KRW 9,000
- Gan Jajang: KRW 9,000
- Spicy Jajangmyeon: KRW 11,000
- Jaengban Jajang: KRW 11,000
- Samsun Jajang: KRW 12,000
- Samsun Jaengban Jajang: KRW 12,000
- Samsun Uulmyeon: KRW 12,000
- Samsun Udon: KRW 12,000
- Samsun Jjamppong: KRW 12,000
- Spicy Jjamppong: KRW 11,000
“Seasonal Dishes”
- Kongguksu (Soy Milk Cold Noodles): KRW 9,000
- Chinese-style Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles): KRW 12,000
“Rice Dishes”
- Fried Rice: KRW 9,000
- Jajang Rice: KRW 9,000
- Jjamppong Rice: KRW 10,000
- Japchae Rice: KRW 11,000
- Gochu Deopbap (Pepper Rice): KRW 12,000
- Yeonghwa Special Rice: KRW 11,000
- Songi Deopbap (Mushroom Rice): KRW 11,000
- Spicy Jajang Rice: KRW 12,000
- Spicy Jjamppong Rice: KRW 12,000
- Shrimp Fried Rice: KRW 11,000
- Samsun Jjamppong Rice: KRW 13,000
- Yusansul Rice: KRW 17,000
- Japtang Rice: KRW 18,000
- Mapadubu Rice: KRW 11,000
“Side Dishes”
- Tteokbokki with Deep-fried Dumplings: KRW 6,000
- Water Dumplings: KRW 6,000
- Fried Dumplings: KRW 6,000
- Rice: KRW 1,000
“Dishes”
- Tangsuyuk (Sweet and Sour Pork): (Small) KRW 22,000, (Medium) KRW 28,000, (Large) KRW 35,000
- Spicy Tangsuyuk: (Small) KRW 24,000, (Medium) KRW 30,000, (Large) KRW 38,000
- Gan Pung Gi (Sweet and Spicy Chicken): KRW 35,000
- La Jo Gi (Laziji): KRW 35,000
- La Jo Yuk (Laziji with Pork): KRW 35,000
- Gan Pung Yuk (Sweet and Spicy Pork): KRW 35,000
- Gochu Japchae (Stir-fried Glass Noodles with Peppers): KRW 40,000
- Yusansul (Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce): KRW 42,000
- Palbochae (Eight Treasure Tofu): KRW 42,000
- Kansho Shrimp: KRW 42,000
- Ganpung Shrimp: KRW 42,000
- Cream Shrimp: KRW 42,000
- Cream Chicken: KRW 35,000
- Yurin Chicken: KRW 35,000
- Yangjangpi (Stir-fried Tripe): KRW 40,000
- Mapadubu (Mapo Tofu): KRW 26,000
- Eohyanggaji (Stir-fried Mixed Vegetables): KRW 26,000
- Samsun Sulguksu (Three Delicacy Noodles): KRW 25,000
- Samsun Nurungjitang (Three Delicacy Soup with Crispy Rice): KRW 42,000
“Spicy Gan Jajang: KRW 9,000”
For this visit to Yeonghwaru, I ordered the “Spicy Gan Jajang.” The black bean sauce comes separately from the noodles. After mixing the sauce with the noodles, it certainly tasted like the flavor I remember from the past. It carries the taste that has been preserved over the years.
“Many Celebrities Have Visited the Restaurant”
Being a restaurant with a long history, many celebrities have visited. Thanks to that, you can find autographs of famous individuals posted around the restaurant. Looking at the names, you can spot actors and actresses who were once in the limelight in dramas and movies.
As a place that has preserved its history over the years, it can be considered a space that leaves memories for many people. It would be wonderful if it continues to be a place that creates memories for many more.
“Seoul Seochon Village Chinese Restaurant, Yeonghwaru”
- Address: 65 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone Number: 02-738-1218
- Business Hours: (Everyday) 11:00 – 21:00