Traditional Samcheongdong sujebi in a pot

Samcheongdong Sujebi, A Warm and Hearty Meal in Seoul

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I mentioned before that Samcheong-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village are neighborhoods I frequent. Samcheong-dong has many great restaurants and cafes. For example, there’s a place called Samcheongdong Sujebi. Samcheong-dong is located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insa-dong, making it easily accessible for foreign tourists. It used to be one of the hottest spots, so it was always bustling with visitors every day. These days, though, with so many other hotspots popping up in Seoul, the crowds have dispersed, and it’s not as busy as it used to be. If you’re traveling in Seoul and want to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee in a quiet place while taking your time, this is the perfect spot for you.

Directions to Samcheongdong Sujebi

Samcheongdong Sujebi is located deep within Samcheong-dong. So, if you’re taking the subway, you’ll have to walk a bit. If you’re taking the subway, exit through Exit 1 at Anguk Station (Line 3) and walk toward Jeongdok Library, the Samcheong-dong Police Station, and the Samcheong-dong Community Service Center.

Samcheongdong Sujebi restaurant enterence in Seoul

Another way is to walk along the right-hand wall from Gyeongbokgung Palace until you reach the Samcheong-dong Police Station, then walk a little further up from there.

Please refer to Google Maps for the exact location.

My Personal Transportation Tips

I take the bus whenever I go to Samcheong-dong for sujebi. Here are my three personal tips! If you’re curious about how to save money when transferring between the subway and bus, check out Vivid Review of the Seoul Climate Card (Actual User Review).

  • City Hall Station (Line 1): Take Exit 4 and walk straight ahead a short distance to find a bus stop in front of the Korea Press Center. Take the Jongno 11 bus from there. Get off at the Samcheong-dong Community Service Center, and Samcheongdong Sujebi will be right across the street.
  • Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5): Take Exit 2, and you’ll see the KT building. There is a bus stop in front of the KT building; take the Jongno 11 bus from there as well. The stop where you get off is the same as above.
  • Sungnyemun/Namdaemun Market: There are two ways to get there. If you walk from Sungnyemun toward City Hall, you’ll see the Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul Hotel. There is a bus stop right in front of it; take the Jongno 11 bus from there. Another option is to exit through Gate 8 of Namdaemun Market; there is a bus stop on your left. From there, take Bus No. 01A. This bus passes by the Blue House and heads toward Samcheong-dong. Get off at the Chunchumun stop. From there, walk a short distance, and you’ll find Samcheongdong Sujebi.

Menu and How to Eat

This restaurant specializes in sujebi. It’s already well-known among international travelers, so you may have to wait for a table on weekday evenings or weekends. It was featured in the Michelin Guide again this year and has been featured on numerous TV shows. Upon entering, a staff member will guide you to your table.

Korean dough soup served in a traditional pot

The signature dish is, of course, sujebi (10,000 KRW). Other options include potato pancakes (12,000 KRW), green onion pancakes (17,000 KRW), mung bean pancakes (17,000 KRW), and Dongdongju (5,000 KRW). Whenever I visit, I always order the sujebi. When I visited with a friend a few months ago, we ordered two servings of sujebi.

If you’re in the mood for Korean-style pizza, I recommend ordering the potato pancake and green onion pancake. Also, while I don’t drink alcohol myself, I highly recommend pairing your meal with some Dongdongju if you do enjoy a drink.

A bowl of warm Samcheongdong sujebi with potatoes

After placing your order, you’ll be given an empty bowl. Simply take some kimchi from the kimchi jars provided at each table. It’s a well-known rule to eat sujebi with raw kimchi we call this “Baechugeotjeori(Fresh Cabbage Kimchi).” There are two types available Baechu-kimchi(napa cabbage kimchi) and Yeolmu-kimchi(young radish kimchi) so I highly recommend trying both. They aren’t spicy!

Fresh cabbage kimchi and young radish kimchi

After a short wait, a staff member will bring out a large earthenware pot. That’s right a signature feature here is that the sujebi is served in a large pot. You and your friends can simply scoop out a ladleful each and serve it into your own bowls. Be careful, as it’s very hot.

The sujebi is a clear broth stew containing potatoes, onions, green onions, clams, and seaweed. I recommend it because it’s perfect even for foreign visitors who can’t handle spicy food. Don’t be afraid give it a try.

Once you’ve had a hearty meal at Samcheongdong Sujebi, check out Bukchon Hanok Village, a prime spot for the perfect photo in Seoul, to enjoy exploring the surrounding area.

Eating Tip

I highly recommend eating it with kimchi. That’s the only way to truly experience the authentic flavor of sujebi.

Samcheong-dong is a truly quiet and serene neighborhood. With fewer people around these days, it’s an even better place for a peaceful stroll and exploring. I highly recommend the itinerary that takes you from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Samcheong-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Anguk Station, and Insa-dong. It’s a beautiful place to take photos, and there are plenty of delicious restaurants and cafes. If you’re visiting Seoul, I highly recommend experiencing this itinerary.

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