Konbu in Jung-gu — An Izakaya-Style Japanese Ramen Spot

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After a weekend of exploring Seoul with a friend, we ended the day with a casual dinner at Konbu, a popular queue-worthy ramen spot near Euljiro 3-ga Station.

Located just 157m from Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 11, it's tucked inside an alley that's not immediately easy to find. Look for the Chungmu Kalguksu building (with Chopchop on the 2nd floor) — Konbu is across from "Euljiro Golmok Sikdang" in the alley between them. The signage is tiny, so keep your eyes peeled!

Open weekdays 11:00-22:00 (break 14:30-17:00) and weekends 11:00-22:00 with no break time. Catch Table reservations are available, which is helpful since this place consistently draws queues.

The space is very small — bar-style seating with everyone squeezed close together. It's izakaya-style, so while tight, it has that cozy, intimate Japanese pub atmosphere. Despite the central AC unit, it was still hot on our 30-degree day — we kept our portable fans running throughout.

We ordered a Jim Beam Highball, Fresh Lemon Sour, Beef Croquette, and Vongole Soy Ramen. The drinks felt slightly small in portion — the lemon sour was maybe 350ml — but the quality was decent. The lemon sour's frozen lemon slices ...