Best Restaurants in Gangnam 2024

As we navigate the culinary labyrinth of Gangnam in 2023, a diverse gastronomic landscape unfolds before us, brimming with both tradition and innovation. This vibrant district in Seoul, South Korea, is home to a plethora of eateries that are as diverse as they are delectable. We’ve meticulously curated a list of the top 15 restaurants, ranging from revered Michelin-rated establishments like Kkubdang and Bongpiyang to local favorites such as Budnamujip and Woegojip Seolleongtang.

Each offering a unique dining experience, these restaurants have been selected for their exceptional cuisine, quality service, and the unforgettable dining journeys they offer. Whether you’re in the mood for the smoky allure of a barbecue joint or the quiet elegance of a fine dining venue, Gangnam’s gastronomic scene promises to satiate your palate. But what makes these restaurants the best in Gangnam? Allow us to guide you through their enchanting culinary narratives.

Yeongdonggeujip (영동그집)

Nestled in the bustling district of Gangnam, Yeongdonggeujip stands as a testament to authentic Korean BBQ, winning over the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its fresh, high-quality ingredients and classic grilling setup. Known for its healthy grilling options, you can savor succulent cuts of meat, grilled to perfection right at your table.

Fresh vegetables add a crunchy contrast to tender, juicy meats. An adventurous foodie should not miss the Seafood BBQ, an enticing array of marine delights grilled to perfection, tantalizing the senses with their smoky aroma and unique flavors. This culinary gem is truly a gastronomical adventure through the vibrant and flavorful world of Korean cuisine, making it a must-visit destination when in Gangnam.

• Address: 42-8, Bongeunsa-ro 1-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Opening times: 4:30 p.m. -11:00 pm. (Open at 12:00 pm on weekends)
• Prices: $4 – $26 (5,000 – 34,000 won). 

Kkubdang (꿉당)

An epitome of elegance and culinary excellence, Kkubdang, listed in the Michelin Guide Seoul 2023, offers an immersive dining experience in the heart of Gangnam with its minimalist modern design and high-quality dishes. Kkubdang’s charm lies not just in its sleek, minimalist design but also in the outstanding quality of its offerings.

Primarily known for its pork neck, the meat is carefully aged for 15 days, resulting in an exceptionally succulent and tender dish that melts in your mouth. The meticulous preparation process, along with the simplicity of the restaurant’s design, creates an atmosphere that highlights the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients. Kkubdang is a must-visit for any food enthusiast seeking a Michelin-starred experience in Gangnam.

• Address: 615 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 1st floor
• Opening times: 7 days a week, 15:00 – 22:50 p.m.
• Prices: $5 – $15 (6,000 – 19,000 won).

Junganghaejang (중앙해장)

In the heart of Gangnam, a culinary gem renowned for its Korean-style beef soup, Junganghaejang, invites the adventurous to savor its rich, simmered flavors. Traditional versus modern styles of Korean beef soup collide here as the restaurant expertly blends time-honored recipes with contemporary culinary techniques.

The result is a beef soup of unparalleled depth, a testament to Korea’s rich food heritage. But the gastronomic adventure doesn’t stop there. In Gangnam, one is faced with the delightful quandary of ‘Seafood vs. Meat’. While Junganghaejang exemplifies the robust meat options, the district teems with seafood offerings for those craving a taste of the ocean. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a meat enthusiast, Gangnam’s vibrant food scene promises an unforgettable culinary journey.

• Address: Yukin Building, 17, Yeongdong-daero 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Opening times: Monday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm. Tuesday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm. 
• Prices: $9 – $75 (12,000 – 98,000 won).

Meongteongguri Kkomjangeo (멍텅구리 꼼장어)

Having savored the rich flavors of traditional Korean soups, our next culinary excursion leads us to the shores of Gangnam’s seafood scene, specifically to a highly regarded restaurant – Meongteongguri Kkomjangeo. This eatery is a seafood lover’s delight, particularly known for its grilled eel dishes and seafood hotpot, that transport you to the ocean’s depths with each bite.

The unique seafood dishes with a Korean twist are fusion flavors at their best, blending the bounty of the sea with the distinct culinary richness of Korea. The juicy, tender eel, grilled to perfection, and the simmering hotpot, brimming with a variety of seafood, create a symphony of flavors that invigorate the palate and highlight the restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation.

• Address: 1F, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Opening times: 4:30 pm – 2:00 am, closed on Sundays. 
• Prices: $7- 33 (9,000 – 42,800 won). 

Golbaengi Sinsa (골뱅이 신사)

As we delve deeper into Gangnam’s seafood scene, we stumble upon Golbaengi Sinsa, a culinary gem renowned for its fresh and tantalizing seafood dishes. This hotspot offers a plethora of seafood specialties, each more delicious than the last. The grilled eel delicacy, tender and bursting with flavor, is a must-try.

Each dish at Golbaengi Sinsa is a testament to the richness of the sea, prepared with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and quality. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the aromatic allure of the seafood, creates a truly immersive dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or new to these ocean delights, Golbaengi Sinsa promises a seafood adventure that tickles the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression.

• Address: 32, Gangnam-daero 156-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Opening Times: Tuesday- Sunday 16:30- 4:30 a.m., Monday 16:30- 1 a.m.
• Prices: $14 – $53 (19,000 – 69,000 won).

Jinmi Pyeongyang Naengmyeon(진미 평양 냉면)

In the heart of Gangnam, Jinmi Pyeongyang Naengmyeon stands out as a Michelin-rated haven for those seeking to savor the unique and refreshing flavors of traditional Korean Naengmyeon. A famous Korean dish, Pyeongyang Naengmyeon, or top rated cold noodles, is served in a style that captures the soul of Korean culinary tradition. Jinmi Pyeongyang Naengmyeon’s rendition of this traditional Korean noodle dish, recommended by the Michelin guide, is an adventure for your taste buds.

The icy broth, the chewy noodles, and the well-balanced flavors make it a must-try for any food enthusiast. This Michelin Guide Naengmyeon is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to preserving authenticity while delivering a memorable culinary experience. It’s a noodle escapade not to be missed.

• Address: 305-3 Hakdong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Opening times: Every day 11:00 am – 9:30 pm.
• Prices: $10 – $69 (14,000 – 90,000 won).

Bongpiyang (봉피양)

While Jinmi Pyeongyang Naengmyeon offers a chilling noodle adventure, Bongpiyang, another Michelin-recognized eatery in Gangnam, introduces a different culinary voyage with its own distinctive Korean specialties. The Bongpiyang dining experience is one that is exclusive and memorable, with its emphasis on traditional Korean flavors and innovative cooking techniques.

This popular spot, loved by both locals and tourists alike, specializes in the Hanwoo beef. Renowned for its succulent texture and rich flavor, the beef is slow-cooked to perfection, offering an unrivaled gastronomic delight. The restaurant’s comfortable, warmly lit interior adds to the overall charm, making Bongpiyang a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore the Korean culinary landscape in the heart of Gangnam.

• Address: 283, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Opening times: 11:30 am – 9:50 pm. 
• Prices: $11 – $46 (15,000 – 60,000 won). 

As we draw the curtains on our gastronomic exploration of Gangnam’s finest restaurants in 2024, it’s time to step back and savor the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences we’ve encountered. Gangnam, a district that pulsates with life and luxury, has once again proven why it stands at the forefront of Seoul’s culinary scene. From the innovative dishes of avant-garde chefs to the comforting embrace of traditional Korean flavors, every restaurant we visited offered a unique window into the soul of this vibrant neighborhood.

Our journey through Gangnam’s best restaurants in 2024 was more than a simple quest for good food; it was an odyssey of sensory delight and cultural discovery. We’ve seen how classic Korean cuisine has been reimagined in the hands of creative culinary artists, and we’ve experienced the fusion of global flavors that only Gangnam can offer with such elegance and sophistication.

As you reflect on the experiences shared in this article, remember that each restaurant in Gangnam tells its own story. They are not just places to eat; they are destinations where memories are made, where every meal is an event, and where the essence of Korean hospitality is embodied in every gesture.

Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or a traveler seeking culinary adventures, Gangnam’s dining scene in 2024 has something to surprise and delight everyone. As this year continues to unfold, the district’s restaurants will undoubtedly keep evolving, offering new tastes and experiences that push the boundaries of culinary artistry.

Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey through Gangnam’s best restaurants. May your future dining experiences be as enriching and delightful as the ones we’ve explored together. Until we meet again at another table in the heart of Gangnam, keep exploring, keep tasting, and keep celebrating the joy of great food!