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Read guide →Bunsik — Korean street-food snacks — evolved as affordable, filling fare for students and workers after the Korean War. Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), sundae (blood sausage), and odeng (fish cake skewers in broth) are the staples. Most bunsik restaurants are fast, casual, and open late, making them a go-to for a quick hot meal at any hour.
Gwangjin-gu's Konkuk University area has a dense concentration of restaurants catering to students — affordable, diverse, and open late. The area is a reliable destination for budget Korean dining: tteokbokki, kimbap, and pork cutlet restaurants line the streets near the university gates.
Deungchon is a value-for-money shabu-shabu noodle restaurant. You can enjoy a course meal of shabu-shabu, kalguksu, and fried rice. The side dishes are generous, and the friendly service is excellent.
I had a pretty good time at this restaurant: the broth was tasty, the potatoes and clams were spot-on. But I was quite disappointed they skipped the promised bokkeumbap at the end, citing a holiday excuse and an extra fee. In short, tasty meal, but a bit of a letdown on that final note.
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