4 Japanese Cuisine Restaurants to Savor in Ssangri-Dangil

No Need to Go to Japan!

Ssangmun-dong holds the memories of many people. Even if you haven't visited in person, you've probably heard of it. This is because many works are set in Ssangmun-dong, from the nostalgic cartoon to the tvN drama , and the Netflix web drama . Recently, the trendy neighborhood has earned the nickname ‘O-ri Dan-gil’ and has become a must-visit spot on social media. Likewise, near Ssangmun Station on Line 4, a variety of shops have sprung up under the name ‘Ssang-ri Dan-gil’, attracting many visitors without pause. For some unknown reason, Ssang-ri Dan-gil features many Japanese restaurants alongside cafes. From sushi to tonkatsu, udon, and mazesoba, the variety is impressive. So, let's head to Ssangmun Station to enjoy some Japanese food!

Best Sushi Spot ▶ Sushihon

Photo by Yoon Eun-ae, Editor

Sushihon is a famous restaurant so well-known that people say ‘Ssangmun Station + Sushi = Sushihon.’ If you live nearby, you've probably heard of it at least once. Also, there is always a long line of people waiting in front of the store, which naturally draws attention. The fresh sashimi at Sushihon, whose name means sushi with soul, is so tender it melts in your mouth. Thanks to the perfectly seasoned rice, you can better appreciate the flavor of the long, thick slices of fish. If you want to try a variety, we recommend the assorted sushi platter. According to the editor’s tasting, the must-try menu items here are the California roll and salmon roll, so make a note.

Best Tonkatsu Spot ▶ Guwolshipil

Photo by Yoon Eun-ae Editor

Guwolshipil is known for carefully selecting premium Jeju pork. The handmade pork loin tonkatsu is as crispy on the outside as it looks, while the inside remains moist and tender. Truly crispy outside, tender inside! The thick meat texture is fully preserved, which is a great point. The handmade cheese tonkatsu captivates you first with the generous layer of cheese on top, and then again with the cheese oozing from inside the cutlet. You might worry, ‘Will it be too greasy because of all the cheese?’ but the more you chew, the nuttier the cheese flavor becomes, enhancing the taste. Adding curry is not optional but a must.

Best Udon Spot ▶ Myeonjang Udon

Photo by myeonjangudong Instagram 'myeonjangudong'

Myeonjang Udon is a place where many have visited once, but few return a second time. The reason is that they offer both warm and cold udon, so you can visit anytime regardless of the season. In winter, we recommend the Kitsune (きつね) udon, which features a warm broth topped with large pieces of fried tofu. The name means ‘fox’ in Japanese, originating from the belief that foxes like fried tofu. When the heat is intense like these days, order the Zaru Udon. This is cold, chewy noodles dipped in soy sauce-based sauce. Also, be sure to try the chikuwa, Japanese fish cake that is fried as is, and tempura.

Best Mazesoba Spot ▶ Futatsu

Photo by Futatsu Instagram 'hutatsu_kor'

Among the restaurants introduced today, Futatsu is the most recently established mazesoba specialty shop in Ssang-ri Dan-gil. Since mazesoba might be a bit unfamiliar, here is a brief explanation: it is a Japanese-style mixed ramen without broth, featuring thick noodles topped with minced meat and various vegetable garnishes. The way to eat it is simple. The Japanese word ‘mazeru’ (まぜる) means ‘to mix,’ so as the name suggests, mix it well and eat about one-third, then add the prepared kelp vinegar to enjoy a more flavorful mazesoba. After finishing the noodles, you must eat the free rice provided to truly say you have eaten mazesoba.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.