Top 5 Must-Try Food Spots in Myeongdong — For K-pop Demon Hunters Fans | Seoul Explorer
Quick overview: Myeongdong is compact, electric and perfect for a short food crawl. If a show like K-pop Demon Hunters made you curious about what the characters grabbed after a gig, this walk covers five easy stops: a classic noodle shop, a friendly K-BBQ, Ssada Gimbap for quick rolls and ramyeon, a popular bingsu spot, and a calm specialty coffee stop. Each entry tells you what to order, the price range, and one photo or timing tip to get the most out of your visit.
How to use this guide
This is a short, practical crawl — not a full travel plan. Read the quick notes, pick two or three stops that fit your schedule, and enjoy. Fans often pair a quick kimbap stop with nearby shopping and then finish with dessert or coffee.
1) Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자) — Comforting Kalguksu & Dumplings
What it is: A long-running local favorite serving simple, satisfying bowls of kalguksu (hand-cut noodles) and steamed dumplings. The flavors are straightforward — warm broth, springy noodles, and a clean finish.
- Order: Kalguksu + a side of mandu if you’re sharing.
- Price: About ₩11,000–₩13,000 per person. Kalguksu: ₩11,000, Dumplings: ₩13,000
- Timing: Eat early for lunch or mid-afternoon to avoid queues.
- Transit: Short walk from Myeongdong Station (Line 4) Exit 8.
2) Wangbijib (왕비집) — Friendly K-BBQ for First-Timers
What it is: A tourist-friendly barbecue spot with clear menus and staff who help with grilling. It’s a relaxed place to experience Korean communal dining without the stress.
- Order: Samgyeopsal (pork belly) or Marinated King Galbi, a mixed set for sharing.
- Price: Roughly ₩19,000–₩56,000 per person depending on choices. Samgyeopsal: ₩19,000, Marinated King Galbi: ₩44,000
- Timing: Early dinner (17:30–18:30) often avoids the worst waits.
- Transit: Walk between Exit 8 and Exit 9 of Myeongdong Station and head to the main dining strip.
3) Ssada Gimbap (싸다김밥 명동역점) — Quick Kimbap Rolls & Ramyeon
What it is: Ssada Gimbap is a popular, budget-friendly bunsik chain with a busy branch close to Myeongdong Station. Expect fresh kimbap rolls, simple ramyeon, and fast counter service — perfect when you want something quick and genuinely Korean.
Why fans visit: In K-pop Demon Hunters, a simple post-show scene where the characters share kimbap grabbed a lot of attention from overseas viewers. That small, everyday moment made many fans curious: “Where can I try the same snack?” Ssada Gimbap doesn’t claim to be a filming site, but the casual vibe — inexpensive rolls, hot noodles, and quick service — reproduces that backstage, post-performance feeling very well. If you want a literal taste of the scene, this is an easy place to do it.
- Order: Tuna or bulgogi kimbap; try a kimbap + ramyeon combo if available.
- Price: Around ₩4,000–₩7,000 per item (affordable street/fast-food prices).
- Timing: Avoid lunch and dinner. There may be waiting.
- Transit: You can find it if you go out exit 8 of Myeongdong Station. It's right downstairs at the Wangbijib
4) Sulbing (설빙) — Shareable Bingsu for Hot Days
What it is: Sulbing’s shaved ice (bingsu) is a popular way to cool down and share dessert. Big portions and seasonal toppings make it great for groups or a late-afternoon treat.
- Order: Mango-cheese bingsu or injeolmi for a traditional twist.
- Price: ₩8,900-₩15,500 for shareable sizes. injeolmi: ₩8,900, Mango-cheese bingsu: ₩12,900
- Timing: Mid-afternoon or early evening; cafes fill up on hot days.
- Transit: Located on the main shopping street. You can go to exit 5 of Euljiro entrance (Line 2).
5) Blue Bottle Coffee — Calm Specialty Coffee Stop
What it is: A tidy specialty-coffee option for a short rest. Good espresso and clean interiors make for relaxed downtime between stops.
- Order: Drip coffee or a simple latte with a pastry.
- Price: ₩5,000–₩8,500 depending on choice.
- Timing: Morning opening or late afternoon for quieter seating.
- Transit: On the main Myeongdong corridors, easy to reach while shopping.
Fans & Food — How the show inspired this crawl
That short, down-to-earth kimbap scene in K-pop Demon Hunters resonated because it felt real — no glamour, just people sharing food after a performance. Fans often want to recreate this small, authentic moment when they visit. This crawl gives you multiple ways to do that in Myeongdong: a quick roll at Ssada Gimbap, a warm bowl of noodles, or a late-night BBQ with friends.
Practical tips
- Payments: Most places take cards; keep small KRW for tiny stalls and some bunsik counters.
- Timing: Street snacks peak 18:00–21:00; noodle houses and cafes are calmer earlier in the day.
- Allergies: Ask about broths and sauces — soy, fish stock, and sesame are common ingredients.
- Safety: Myeongdong is busy but generally safe — watch bags in crowds.
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