Samseong-dong, home to the COEX and the World Trade Center, is a representative business hub in Seoul and a major transportation node where countless people pass through daily. Amidst the forest of modern skyscrapers, there are innumerable dining establishments ranging from long-standing traditional shops to sophisticated modern dining spots. However, due to the sheer number of options, it is often a region where deciding where to eat can be surprisingly difficult.
I would like to ease the burden of choice for those visiting Samseong-dong for business meetings, family gatherings, or simply a delicious meal during a trip. This list focuses on restaurants that have proven their stability in taste, service, and space over a long period of time. I hope this guide, organized based on direct experiences, will be helpful in your selection.
1. Gombawi (Main Branch) 곰바위
Signature Menu Special Tripe (Teukyang), Large Intestine (Daechang), Tripe Hot Pot
Description This is a place that has boasted a long history near Bongeunsa Station in the Samseong-dong area. Although it specializes in grilled tripe and intestines, it possesses a luxurious and neat atmosphere that differentiates it from typical barbecue joints. Upon visiting, one can consistently feel that the ingredient preparation is excellent; in particular, the texture of the special tripe and large intestine is tender rather than tough. The staff grills the meat for you, allowing you to focus comfortably on conversation, and the space is pleasant, divided into a main building and a new wing. It is a place lacking nothing for treating important guests or having a quiet meal with family.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
2. The Round (Samseong Branch)더라운드 삼성점
Signature Menu Peking Duck, Lunch Course, Dim Sum
Description Located near the Kyunggi High School intersection, this is a modern Chinese restaurant. It features a sophisticated and contemporary sense of space rather than the heavy atmosphere of a traditional Chinese restaurant. The menu item that catches the eye most often here is undoubtedly the Peking Duck; the harmony between the crispy skin and the meat is excellent, and it is common to see it ordered at every table. It is an optimized restaurant for enjoying Chinese cuisine with wine in the Samseong-dong area, and it is also popular among wine lovers due to its relatively reasonable corkage policy. Thanks to the neat course meals, it is also perfect as a business lunch venue.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
3. Joongang Haejang 중앙해장
Signature Menu Spicy Beef Tripe Hot Pot (Gopchang-jeongol), Yang (Tripe) and Seonji Hangover Soup
Description This restaurant holds a unique position for hangover soup and hot pot among office workers and gourmets around Samseong Station. You get a strong impression that they use top-quality ingredients generously; specifically, the quality of the tripe in the hot pot and the plentiful portions make anyone who has experienced it nod in agreement. The broth offers a deep and rich flavor rather than being overly stimulating, making it excellent not only for a meal but also for accompanying drinks. Although it is always bustling with many customers, a major advantage is that the turnover rate is fast thanks to a systematic system, and the taste of the food is maintained without fluctuation.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
4. Kyung Cheon Aein 2237 경천애인2237
Signature Menu Aged Hanwoo Sirloin, Tenderloin
Description This is a place where you can enjoy top-quality aged Hanwoo beef in a pleasant environment where the smell of meat barely permeates your clothes. It is one of the first options that come to mind when you want to taste high-quality beef in the heart of the city. The meat here boasts a tender texture and rich meaty aroma through its own low-temperature aging process. The fact that corkage is free, even though they do not sell alcohol, is a huge attraction for visitors who bring their own wine or whiskey. Thanks to the modern interior and polite service, it is a suitable space to utilize for formal gatherings or company dinners.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
5. Malta Tuna (Molta Chamchi) 몰타 참치
Signature Menu Tuna Sashimi Course (Lunch/Dinner)
Description This is a landmark of Samseong-dong, evaluated as having elevated the standard of tuna sashimi in Korea. Here, you can experience a texture that tastes like fresh tuna thanks to their excellent thawing technology and aging know-how for frozen tuna. The chef serves carefully selected cuts in a course format, and satisfaction is very high as even the refilled tuna maintains excellent quality. Most of the seats are composed of private rooms, making it suitable for meet-and-greets or important business meetings where private conversation is necessary. The reason for the many long-time regulars can be found in the completeness of the food and the attentive hospitality.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
6. Cornerstone 코너스톤
Signature Menu Breakfast/Lunch Buffet, Pasta, Steak
Description This is an Italian restaurant located on the 2nd floor of Park Hyatt Seoul. The natural light coming through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows combines with the vibrant view of the Samseong-dong city center to provide a sense of openness. As expected of hotel dining, it aims for cooking methods that highlight the natural taste of ingredients, and the homemade-style pasta and meat dishes grilled in a wood-fired oven stand out. The delicacy of the service goes without saying, and you can enjoy a comfortable yet luxurious atmosphere when visiting for a weekend brunch or anniversary dinner. It becomes a fail-safe choice when you want stable taste and ambiance.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
7. Sushi Sanwon 스시산원
Signature Menu Lunch Omakase, Dinner Omakase
Description This is a sushi omakase specialty store settled in a quiet alley near Seonneung Park. It is a place that presents sushi faithful to the basics rather than flashy techniques, and it has gained the trust of sushi enthusiasts for a long time. The seasoning and temperature of the Shari (rice) blend harmoniously with the Neta (fish), and the composition of the course also has a clear narrative flow, leaving no room for boredom throughout the meal. The experience of dining while communicating with the chef at the counter seat provides a neat and calm gastronomic pleasure. It is a stable option where you can experience high-end hospitality and taste at a reasonable price range.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
8. Pyeonggaok (Samseong Branch) 평가옥
Signature Menu Pyeongyang Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles), Eobok Jaengban (Boiled Meat Platter), Dumplings
Description As a Pyeongyang cuisine specialty store spanning three generations, this is a place where the mild yet savory taste of the broth is excellent. The Pyeongyang Naengmyeon here has a strong meat scent yet is clean, making it a flavor that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to maniacs. In particular, if several people visit together, the Eobok Jaengban, filled with plentiful meat and vegetables, is worth recommending. It is consistently loved as a lunch spot for office workers around Samseong-dong as well as a venue for evening dinners. You can feel the unique blandness and heartiness of North Korean food at the same time, making it a good restaurant to visit throughout the four seasons regardless of the weather.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
9. Butcher’s Cut (Samseong Branch) 부처스컷
Signature Menu New York Strip, Tenderloin Steak, Cobb Salad
Description This is a place that advocates an authentic American-style steakhouse. The classic atmosphere created by dim lighting and heavy interiors makes you focus entirely on the steak and wine. Steaks completed with their own aging technology are seared well—crispy on the outside and moist on the inside—allowing you to enjoy the rich juices. Not only the steak but also the signature Cobb Salad and various side dishes have a high level of perfection, adding to the satisfaction of the meal. It is a suitable space when you want to create an exotic and luxurious atmosphere in the heart of the city.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
10. Tim Ho Wan Samsung 팀호완 삼성점
Signature Menu Baked BBQ Pork Buns, Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)
Description This place faithfully recreates the taste of a famous Hong Kong dim sum restaurant, offering high-quality dim sum at reasonable prices. The signature menu item, Baked BBQ Pork Buns, features savory pork inside a crispy and sweet bun, perfectly showcasing the appeal of the “sweet and salty” combination. The dim sum, steamed immediately upon ordering, has thin wrappers and full fillings, satisfying both texture and taste.
Thanks to its location close to Samseong Station, accessibility is good, and the casual, bright atmosphere makes it great for a light meal. There is fun in ordering various menu items little by little and sharing them among several people. It is recommended when you miss the taste of Hong Kong or want to enjoy delicious Chinese food without burden.
- Map Link: [Google Maps Link]
Samseong-dong is a region where exceptionally many restaurants open and close following trends, given its large floating population. However, even within that, there are certainly places that catch the footsteps of many by steadfastly protecting their taste. I have organized this list based on places where the essence of the food and the attitude towards customers are stable, rather than flashy advertisements or temporary trends. I hope this guide will be of small help in resolving your dining dilemmas in the Samseong-dong area.
*All images are from Naver Place
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