MY JOURNAL : @jojokalguksu
Exploring Seongsu-dong - Seoul's Trendy Neighborhood!
Here is our part 1: LUNCH at SEONGSU - A Food Adventur with us.
For my first visit to Seongsu, I spent about 3 hours starting from 1pm, taking a leisurely route around the area as shown on the map above. Before heading out, I marked interesting spots on NAVER MAP (which is great apps for finding the latest locations and addresses in Korea!) and checked nearby shops. For lunch, we visited "JOJO Kalguksu" Seongsu branch.
Note: Operating hours and closure days may change, so be sure to check in advance :)
Despite arriving during lunch hours with a line extending outside, we got in surprisingly quickly - less than 10 minutes wait. While waiting, the Japanese-speaking staff kindly explained everything and provided menus in Japanese!
The menu is beautifully simple with just three items:
Dongjuk Clam Kalguksu
Octopus and Seafood Green Onion Pajeon
Dongjuk Clam Soup
The menu indicated that one pajeon serves one person, and one bowl of kalguksu serves one person. So for two people, we ordered one "Seafood-rich Pajeon" and one "Clam-filled Kalguksu". When asked about spiciness, we requested "Choguman" (just a little).
The pajeon arrived quickly! The seafood pajeon came topped with octopus and was loaded with ingredients, yet remained thin, crispy, and crunchy. They provide large scissors and tongs so you can cut it into bite-sized pieces yourself. It's quite different from the chewy pajeon we eat in Japan - this crispy new texture was absolutely addictive. Yummmy...
The kalguksu came with dongjuk clams, crown daisy, and Korean pumpkin. The noodles are thick and chewy, making for a satisfying meal! The soup had a gentle, comforting flavor. Even though we asked for "just a little" spice, the chili pepper dissolved into the soup making it quite spicy, but still delicious. Even after we finished, there was still a line outside, and the restaurant was bustling with groups of men and women who seemed to be local workers. When traveling, I like to try various foods, so the portions were perfect - not too much, just right to finish and feel satisfied. It was so delicious that I definitely want to eat here again when I return to Korea!
"JOJO Kalguksu Seongsu Branch"
Address: 서울 성동구 성수일로8길 55 1층
Travel Tip:
To use translation apps, map apps, and Uber smoothly throughout the trip, I purchased an SK Telecom official eSIM card in Japan with unlimited high-speed data and a phone number (receive-only). Last time having trouble with a different SIM card before, soI researched and chose this option.
First, I registered the eSIM on my iPhone using a QR code before departure.
Then after arriving in Korea, I connected to airport Wi-Fi and switched the primary line in "Mobile Data" settings to complete the setup!
The instructions were clear enough that even someone like me who isn't tech-savvy could use it easily. I highly recommend it (honestly)! It's not ad! I chose the option with a phone number thinking it might be useful for restaurant reservations, but I didn't end up using it.
Next time I go to Korea, I'll opt for the SK Telecom plan without a phone number.
Next journal, we'll be crossing the station to visit, walk around from the DIOR Seongsu store!
Bye~ :)