Samcheongdong Sujebi

Local restaurant that has received Michelin recognition for several consecutive years. We arrived around 11 AM and waited in line for about 20 minutes, patiently following the queue system outside the shop. The restaurant does not allow photos of the interior or the cooking process. They didn’t explain the reason, but I assume they are protecting their secret recipes. From what I could observe, their hygiene standards and preparation process are very meticulous, and perhaps sharing too much might affect customer perception. From my point of view, that’s not an issue — we were here simply to verify the restaurant’s Michelin reputation. The handmade noodles were fine, and the broth was good and could be best when cold season. Adding a bit of their vinegar chili on the table gave it an extra kick. The kimchi was well-fermented and you can refill it as much as you like. The seafood scallion pancake was delicious and paired surprisingly well with the kimchi. The prices are on the slightly high side — definitely tourist pricing — but it’s part of the experience. All the staff were very efficient — quick with both serving and clearing the tables.

It is a bit overhyped. We ordered the potato pancake and 2 servings of sujebi. The portion is a bit small especially for the price. You can get a bowl at other restaurants for 5,000 to 6,000 won. They just put the 2 servings into one pot and you scoop it out into a bowl to eat. The 2 servings equal out to around a bowl and a quarter if you were to order this dish elsewhere. I think there are too many potato pieces in the sujebi and not enough of the actual noodles. The taste isn’t that special and it is comparable to other restaurants selling sujebi. We got there at the end of lunch time and it took us around an hour to get in. The line moved quickly and the service was efficient. The food isn’t bad but I wouldn’t go again based on the price and it’s not that unique.

After three years, with the President moving back to the Blue House, 삼청동 feels noticeably calmer and tourist numbers are back to a comfortable level. I had been avoiding the area because of the heavy traffic and crowds, but I finally returned—and for me, this spot is all about one thing: 수제비. I don’t eat 수제비 anywhere else, and this restaurant has been my go-to for decades. Despite the years, it continues to attract loyal customers, which speaks to its consistency and charm. My must-order combination is always the same: the signature 수제비, spicy 쭈꾸미, and a crispy 감자전. Their 김치 and house-made 다데기 pair perfectly with the meal, rounding everything out with just the right balance of spice and flavor. One tip for first-timers: although their posted opening time is 11 a.m., they actually open the doors around 10:40. I arrived at 10:40, and by the time the clock hit 11, the place was already completely full. It’s a true neighborhood classic—comfort food done right, with flavors that keep you coming back no matter how much time has passed.

The sujebi here was very good in terms of the hand pulled dough quality. We didn’t appreciate the soup that much even though it had a good clam flavour with lots of vegetables, the very peppery taste was uncomfortable. The seafood pancake was very good and the mung bean pancake was only so-so. Dong dong ju was very refreshing. We felt the whole experience was great with a letdown by the pepperiness.

We actually came here twice during our trip to Korea, that’s how good we thought it was. First off, if you don’t come first thing in the morning you’re going to have to wait in line. However the line moves fairly quick and we were seated within 30 mins or so. We ordered the pajeon green onion pancake which had pieces of oyster in it and was extremely flavourful, highly recommended. During our second trip we ordered the gamjajeon potato pancake which was a lot more bland in comparison so I’d go with the green onion one if you’re stuck between the two. The sujebi broth is so thick, warm and comforting and with a slight clam flavour while the chewy pieces of the hand torn noodles were honestly addicting. It was so good we devoured the entire thing especially when paired with the sour kimchi (self serve) to balance it out.

Honestly, I didn’t find the food particularly impressive, so I couldn’t quite understand why there was such a long line. The noodles had a bit of a spicy kick, which might be too much for some foreigners. The potato pancake was quite bland—I wouldn’t recommend ordering it. The atmosphere was a bit chaotic, but if you arrive a little before opening time, you can avoid the long wait and get seated fairly quickly. Overall, it didn’t quite live up to the hype.

A huge portion of sujebi with the most comforting broth! This Michelin guide restaurant had amazing sujebi, kimchi, and green onion pancakes. If you’re looking forward a classic Korean meal before exploring the Bukchon Hanoi Village, give this place a visit!

Felt like a warm hug from grandma. We went early thinking there'd be a long queue, but to our surprise, they took us in almost 30 mins before opening time. It was well organised and they had service staff who were able to speak specific languages. The menu is a small one which we loved, the staff shared with us their signature items, and we basically ordered majority of it. Food was delicious - what you'd expect from a restaurant with over 40 years of experience. Highly recommend a visit!