Local Lunch in Seoul: Real Spots in Gwanghwamun & Jonggak (RM's Pick)

When you travel to Seoul, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of fancy restaurants in Myeongdong or the trendy cafes of Seongsu. But if you want to find the best local lunch in Seoul and know what truly fuels this city, you have to follow the office workers during the frantic lunch hour. In the heart of the city—Gwanghwamun and Jonggak—there are two places I recently visited that represent the pinnacle of “Korean Soul Food.”

As a Seoul native, I’m always on the hunt for those hidden gems where you can see the real daily lives of locals. In March, I visited a legendary spot in Gwanghwamun that’s been a staple for office workers for years. Then, just this April, I found myself in a cozy alley in Jonggak at a Budae-jjigae place that recently gained even more fame.

These aren’t your typical tourist traps; they are authentic local restaurants where the flavors are bold and the portions are generous. One is a legendary spot featured on a major TV show, and the other just got a surprise visit from a global superstar. Let me take you through my personal journey to these two incredible local spots where the heart of Seoul truly beats.

Oyang Sik-gwan: The Heart of Gwanghwamun’s “Jeyuk” Culture

Located in a quiet alley between Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 6) and City Hall Station (Exit 3), Oyang Sik-gwan is a sanctuary for nearby office workers looking for a local lunch in Seoul. It’s the kind of place that was recently featured in the popular Korean TV show Jeon Hyun-moo Kye-hoek because of its authentic, no-nonsense approach to Korean home-style cooking.

The Go-To “Oyang Set”

If you’re visiting with a friend, don’t even look at the other menus—just order the Oyang Set (오양정식). For 26,000 KRW (2-person minimum), you get a trifecta of Korean comfort food: Kimchi Duru-jjigae (stew), Jeyuk Jikhwa (fire-grilled spicy pork), and Gyeran-mari (rolled omelet).

The Kimchi Duru-jjigae is exactly what you’d expect from a Korean mother’s kitchen—sharp, savory, and deeply satisfying. I highly recommend adding a Ramyeon Sari (noodles) for 1,000 KRW. Let the noodles soak up that spicy broth; it’s a game-changer.

The Jeyuk Jikhwa is the star for those who love a smoky “fire” flavor. Unlike some places that make it too spicy, the seasoning here is perfectly balanced—sweet, savory, and mild enough for anyone to enjoy. And then there’s the Gyeran-mari. It comes generously drizzled with ketchup, which is the “unwritten rule” of how we eat it here in Korea. If you want to dive deeper into these unique table manners, check out my guide on [Korean Dining Etiquette] to eat like a true local.

The Magic of the Infinite Rice Cooker

The best part? You don’t have to worry about staying hungry while enjoying a local lunch in Seoul. While the basic side dishes are served to your table, there is a self-service bar where you can refill them as much as you like. Right next to it stands a large commercial rice cooker. At Oyang Sik-gwan, rice is free and unlimited. You can grab a bowl and scoop as much as you want. By the way, this place is very welcoming to solo travelers. For more tips on eating alone in the city, see my [Seoul Solo Dining Survival Guide].

Pro Tip from a Seoul Native: Scoop a big spoonful of rice, drench it in the Kimchi stew, top it with a piece of smoky pork, and finish it with a bite of the egg roll. This “Holy Trinity” bite is the ultimate way to experience this meal.

Oyang Sik-gwan Google Maps

Uijeongbu Budae-jjigae & Tonkatsu: RM’s Recent Choice in Jonggak

Entrance of Jonggak Budae-jjigae restaurant

Just a short walk away near Jonggak Station (Exit 2), heading towards Jogyesa Temple, you’ll find a hidden gem for a local lunch in Seoul tucked in a left-side alley: Uijeongbu Budae-jjigae & Tonkatsu. Finding these hidden alley gems can be tricky with just Google Maps. I recommend using these [4 Essential Seoul Travel Apps] for pinpoint accuracy.

The BTS Connection

I visited on April 8th and was shocked to see a fresh signature on the wall. RM from BTS had just visited a few days prior! If a global icon chooses this humble alley spot for a meal, you know the flavors are legit.

Army Stew and the “Hidden” Giant Tonkatsu

The representative menu is Budae-jjigae (Army Stew) at 12,000 KRW per person, a perfect choice for a local lunch in Seoul. What I love about this place is the generosity. When I ordered two portions, it already came with one Ramyeon sari included. The broth is spicy and refreshing, packed with premium sausages and ham—the heart of any good Budae-jjigae. It’s not overly spicy, making it a great choice for families traveling with children.

While I focused on the stew, I couldn’t help but notice the Donkatsu (Korean-style pork cutlet) on the next table. It was massive and thick, looking incredibly crispy. The contrast between the hot, spicy stew and the crunchy, savory pork cutlet is a combination many locals swear by.

Warm Hospitality

Unlike the self-serve style of Oyang, the staff here are incredibly attentive, making it a wonderful spot for a local lunch in Seoul. If your rice bowl is empty or you’ve finished your side dishes—like the delicious stir-fried fish cakes (Eomuk) or the complimentary fried egg—just ask. They’ll bring more with a smile, embodying the warm hospitality (In-sim) of old-school Korean restaurants.

Uijeongbu Budae-jjigae Jonggak Google Maps

Final Recommendation

Whether you are exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, or just wandering the streets of Jongno, these two spots offer a real taste of Korea. If you’re planning to visit the palace before or after your meal, don’t miss my [Ultimate Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide] for the best photo spots.

Go to Oyang Sik-gwan if you want to feel the bustling energy of Gwanghwamun workers and want an unlimited supply of rice to pair with smoky pork.
Go to Uijeongbu Budae-jjigae if you want to follow in RM’s footsteps and enjoy a hearty, comforting stew in a cozy Jonggak alley.

Both places offer a window into the daily lives of Seoulites and the best local lunch in Seoul. Don’t be afraid of the small alleys—that’s where the real flavor is hidden.

Local Lunch in Seoul: Real Spots in Gwanghwamun & Jonggak (RM’s Pick)