Traditional Gomtang in Seoul’s Trendy Seongsu: Neungdong Minari

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Neungdong Minari: The Ultimate Minari Dish Worth the Wait in Seoul!

If you’re looking for the hottest Korean restaurant in town, Neungdong Minari has to be at the top of your list. Dubbed a “줄슐랭” (Queue Michelin) pick and loved by Instagram foodies everywhere, this spot has become the ultimate foodie pilgrimage. 🍲✨

My Neungdong Minari Adventure

Tuesday night, 8 PM. I waltzed into the Yongsan location of Neungdong Minari… only to find out I was 114th in line. 😱 Shocked, I went home sulking but couldn’t get it out of my mind. So, at 10 PM, I made my way to the Seongsu flagship location, determined to see what the hype was all about.

Why Seongsu is the Way to Go

Thankfully, arriving late meant no crazy wait, and I could actually enjoy the food in peace. Bonus: they take last orders until 2 AM—perfect for night owls!

📍 Address: 42 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
⏰ Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM (Last Order: 2:00 AM)
🚇 Location: A 5-minute walk from Seongsu Station (Exit 4)

First Impressions

The vibe? Retro yet trendy. Think old-school Korean charm meets Instagram-worthy aesthetics. It’s a place where the ambiance alone gets you in the mood for a feast. Even past 10 PM, the place was over half-full, which had me wondering: how does anyone eat here during peak hours?! 🤔

The Food: A Minari Feast

When you’re at Neungdong Minari, ordering something with minari (water parsley) is non-negotiable. We went for:

Neungdong Minari Gomtang (₩15,000)
Minari Pork Belly Hotpot (Small) (₩48,000)

And boy, was that the perfect amount for two.

The Highlights

1) The Basics Done Right

The minari served as a side dish paired with spicy squid jeotgal (fermented squid) was a match made in heaven. Simple, yet so addictively good.

2) The Legendary Hotpot Sauce

Let’s talk about the sauce. Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced—it elevated the hotpot to another level.

3) Kimchi Game Strong

Their crunchy, tangy radish kimchi added a satisfying zing to every bite.

The Stars of the Show

Minari Gomtang
I underestimated this dish. At first glance, the clear broth and abundance of greens didn’t scream flavor. But one sip? I was sold. The broth was light yet packed with depth, complemented by tender pork slices, rice, and fresh minari. 🥩🍲

Minari Pork Belly Hotpot
Juicy, tender pork belly paired with crispy, fragrant minari. Wrap them together and dip in that magical sauce—pure bliss! Oh, and did I mention they include kalguksu noodles for the perfect finish?

Final Verdict

Neungdong Minari blew my mind. From the warm, clean flavors to the stellar vibe, it’s no wonder people are lining up. Sure, the wait can be daunting, but trust me—it’s worth it. If you’re not a fan of queues, try heading to the Seongsu location late at night for a more relaxed experience.

Don’t just take my word for it. Go, taste, and let the minari magic work its charm. 🌿✨