There’s a restaurant I often visit when I’m craving comfort food, and another place I go to when I want to experience something trendy. Usually, I head straight home after work in Myeong-dong, but every now and then, I get a craving for Chungmuro grilled fish or stir-fried pork. When that happens, I head straight to Chungmuro Station.
One of the ways I unwind after a long day is to go there with a close friend and enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner. Eating a warm meal in a clean, cozy space, then going for coffee or taking a leisurely stroll, is an essential part of my daily routine. I’d like to share my personal recommended food & walking route with you. I’ll guide you through a route where you can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine and soak up the atmosphere of Chungmuro and Hipjiro while strolling through Seoul’s trendiest alleyways.
1. Mother’s Grilled Fish: A Clean and Honest Meal in Chungmuro
Don’t let the name “Mother’s Grilled Fish” (어머니가 구워주신 생선구이) make you imagine a smoky, cramped, and shabby restaurant. While the name evokes nostalgia, this is actually the cleanest and tastiest place in Chungmuro. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of authentic Korean cuisine.
Why I Love This Place:
Many traditional grilled fish restaurants in Dongdaemun or Namdaemun Market grill the fish right at the entrance, so the air is thick with the smell of smoke right from the start. Unlike those places, this restaurant grills the fish inside the kitchen, so you don’t have to worry about smoke or odors. The interior is bright and clean, providing a very comfortable atmosphere for foreign travelers as well.
As far as I know, there are many hotels around Chungmuro Station, and I understand that many foreigners stay here. I have seen them doing just as I passed by. If you happen to be staying at a hotel nearby and come across this post, I highly recommend visiting this place to taste authentic Korean-style grilled fish.
Whenever I visit, I usually order one grilled fish dish and one regular dish to share with a friend. I suppose that could be considered a tip. The grilled fish options include mackerel and Spanish mackerel, while for the regular menu, I recommend the spicy pork stir-fry and the squid stir-fry. Since neither is too spicy, I think even foreigners would enjoy them. There is a wide variety of side dishes, and if you need more, just ask the owner, and they will give you more for free.
- Location & Map:
It is located just a 3-minute walk from Exit 6 of Chungmuro Station (Line 3/Line 4), making it very accessible. First-time visitors might find it a little difficult to locate Chungmuro Grilled Fish. [Click here to open the location of Mother’s Grilled Fish on Google Maps] and follow the GPS to easily find your way from Chungmuro Station.
- Opening Hours:
Open from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM (Last order at 9:00 PM). Closed on Sundays.
Since the time between 12 PM and 1 PM is crowded with office workers, visiting around 1:30 PM or 5:30 PM will allow you to enjoy your meal more leisurely.
- Pricing:
Most grilled fish set menus range from 11,000 to 14,000 KRW. Considering the generous portions and excellent side dishes, it offers truly great value for money.
2. Walking to Hipjiro
If you have enjoyed a delicious grilled fish meal in Chungmuro, it is now time to savor Seoul’s “hipness.” Walk north from Chungmuro Station toward Euljiro 3-ga Station. As you walk, you will see the scenery shift from modern office buildings to narrow alleyways lined with printing shops and hardware stores.
How the Neighborhood Changed
This area is famous for the name “Hipjiro,” a combination of “Hip” and “Euljiro.” In the past, this area was an industrial zone filled with printing shops and factories, but recently, it has emerged as a hot spot among the MZ generation. The area is undergoing a transformation where old factories and buildings are preserved on the exterior while the interiors are decorated in the latest trendy styles. Therefore, first-time visitors might be disappointed by the exterior, but the real experience begins once you step inside.
Every time I visit with a friend, I feel a sense of true hipness and trendiness. You can fully enjoy the atmosphere that used to be found in Hongdae or Itaewon, right here in Euljiro, the heart of Seoul.
Let me tell you about two places I frequently visit with my friends when I come here.
Nogari Alley: The essence of Hipjiro. I believe this alley symbolizes Hipjiro. I highly recommend visiting it. You can see countless people sitting at plastic tables and chairs, enjoying beer and simple snacks. If you fell in love with the vibrant outdoor energy here, you'll also adore the bustling atmosphere of [Namdaemun Market, the best market in Korea that I experienced firsthand].
Dalmaji Gwangjang BBQ(달맞이 광장 바베큐): This is a rising hot spot these days. It is gaining immense popularity among the MZ generation. To visit, you must make a reservation in advance via Catchtable, but even that is incredibly difficult. It is that popular, and even I haven't been able to visit many times. It is the perfect place to sit at an outdoor table on a nice day and enjoy barbecue and beer. It is the ideal spot to chat with friends or your partner while savoring the unique and trendy atmosphere of 'Hipjiro'.
Seoul is a place that captures truly diverse nightscapes. Today, I introduced you to the best grilled fish restaurants you can find in Seoul and the best alleyways where you can experience a trendy vibe. While traveling to famous tourist attractions like Myeongdong or Gyeongbokgung Palace is great, I believe that stepping away from them for a while to experience new cultures and flavors is also a wonderful way to travel. I hope you will experience the vibe and atmosphere of Hipjiro at least once.
Exploring Seoul’s night scenery is a highlight of any trip. For more nighttime inspiration, read our [Why shouldn’t you walk along Deoksugung Stone Wall Street with your lover?].
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