A Hidden Gem in Hongdae: Suul Gwan, Where Korean Dining Meets Elegance

/ Seoul / By

When I found myself in Hongdae over the weekend, I decided to seize the chance to check out a hot spot I’d been hearing about. A quick scroll through the CatchTable app revealed a highly-rated restaurant that also boasted a stellar 5.0 on Naver. 

With little information to go on, I went in with modest expectations—and came out absolutely blown away by Suul Gwan, a modern Korean dining bar that’ll leave you raving for days.

📍 2.5F, 19 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Finding Suul Gwan (수을관)

Tucked away in an alley, Suul Gwan isn’t the easiest to spot. Despite using Naver Maps, I had to call for directions when I got close (tip: look for the ROOF HIP sign and a massive chandelier on the 2nd floor). Their unique 2.5-floor setup is quirky but fitting for the ambiance that awaits inside.

Once you climb the stairs, you’ll notice a small frame with the restaurant’s name by the entrance. The interior is sleek yet warm, with a giant chandelier taking center stage. The seating includes three tables by the window and a long, stylish bar—perfect for an intimate dinner or a quiet night out.

The Experience

Suul Gwan’s serene atmosphere is ideal for conversation, and the staff? Absolutely top-notch. They guided us through the menu with genuine care and attention to detail.

The menu is divided into Small Plates, Medium Plates, and Large Plates, which makes sharing an easy option. We ordered:

Small Plate: Autumn Mushrooms (₩15,000)
Medium Plate: Samgye Chicken (₩19,000)
Large Plate: Mackerel Pasta (seasonal).

To complement the food, we chose a bottle of Jangseongmanri, a rare Korean traditional liquor that instantly elevated our dining experience.

Autumn Mushrooms

Let me just say this: if you visit Suul Gwan, this dish is a must. I wasn’t expecting much, but from the first bite, it had me raising my “truthful frown” (you know, the one that comes out when something’s really good). 

Sautéed mushrooms paired with a soft egg custard puree and topped with crispy rice flakes? Absolute magic. It was so good, I’m already planning my next visit just for this.

Mackerel Pasta

Suul Gwan’s seasonal fish offering was mackerel pasta, and the recommendation did not disappoint. The perfectly grilled mackerel, paired with al dente pasta, created a rich, refined flavor. If you’re worried about fishiness, don’t be—this dish is pure, creamy perfection.

Samgye Chicken

Think roasted chicken meets samgyetang vibes. Served with a homemade rice cake that resembled yakbap, this dish was both tender and aromatic, with a comforting herbal flavor. It’s no wonder everyone raves about it—it’s a solid crowd-pleaser for any Korean food lover.

Sesame Oil Ice Cream

For dessert, we tried the sesame oil ice cream. Imagine creamy vanilla ice cream infused with nutty sesame oil and topped with crispy rice flakes. It was unexpected, delightful, and the perfect way to end the meal.

The Verdict

Suul Gwan isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience that fuses tradition with modern flair. From its innovative take on Korean dishes to the refined pairing of traditional liquor, everything about it feels sophisticated yet approachable.

Looking for a chic date spot or a unique dining bar in Yeonnam-dong? Suul Gwan is the place to be. Trust me, you’ll leave with a full belly and a full heart. 💕