Soranghozen: A Cozy Restaurant Adventure Near Seoul Forest

/ Seoul / By

🌿 A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Seoul

Who knew you could find a nature-filled escape so close to the bustling city? Located right by Seoul Forest, Soranghozen is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll and some heartwarming food. This charming little restaurant completely won me over, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

소랑호젠 Soranghozen

Address: 58 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Location: 7 meters from Exit 2 of Seoul Forest Station
Hours:
Weekdays/Weekends/Public Holidays: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

🚪 First Impressions

The entrance? Absolutely adorable! It was so low-key I almost walked right past it. If you’re not paying attention, you might think it’s anything but a restaurant. Bonus points for being Insta-worthy though!

📚 What’s in a Name?

Fun fact: the name “Soranghozen” is inspired by Jeju dialect.

Sorang = Love
Hozen = To do

How sweet is that?

🪑 Cozy Vibes, Great Setup

The place is small but oh-so-cozy. We sat at the bar table right in front of the open kitchen, which turned out to be the best seat in the house. Thankfully, I made a reservation, so there was no waiting. The whole vibe was relaxed, with only about four tables occupied during our visit. Perfect for focusing on great food and great company!

☕ Tea, Anyone?

One thing I loved: the bar was lined with a gorgeous variety of teas. As soon as we sat down, they served us a welcome tea. It felt extra fancy sipping tea while admiring the selection on display.

🍽️ What We Ordered

Okay, let’s talk food! I’d already scouted the menu beforehand, so we were ready to dive in. Here’s what we had:

Jeju Black Pork French Rack Steak
Bisque Jeju Rosé

🍝 Bisque Jeju Rosé

I’d seen some reviews saying it was salty, but honestly? Not at all. From the first bite, I was hooked. The rosé sauce was rich and flavorful, with the perfect hint of shrimp. Add some plump, juicy shrimp to the mix, and it’s game over. I’m craving it all over again just writing this!

🥩 Jeju Black Pork French Rack Steak

This dish was the reason I chose Soranghozen in the first place. People rave about it, and now I know why. The pork was tender, juicy, and paired beautifully with the pumpkin sweet potato purée. A dreamy combo of savory and slightly sweet!

🌟 Final Thoughts

Soranghozen isn’t just about the food—it’s about the whole experience. We enjoyed a quiet, satisfying meal, followed by a leisurely walk through Seoul Forest. The nearby café street is also worth exploring if you want to end your day on a sweet note.

If you’re looking for a cozy spot with delicious food and great vibes near Seoul Forest, Soranghozen is a must-visit. Trust me, you’ll leave with a full belly and a happy heart! 😊