Quick Info

• Location: Donghaeru (동해루)
• Area: Jongno 3-ga / Sewoon Arcade, Seoul
• Signature Menus: Jajangmyeon / Ganjjajang / Tangsuyuk
• Price Range: ₩7,000–₩20,000 (≈ $5–$15)
• Nearest Station: Jongno 3-ga Station Exit 12
• Distance: About 316m from Exit 12 (4–5 min walk)
• Solo Dining: Available
• Atmosphere: Hidden retro Korean-Chinese restaurant
• Waiting: Usually short, but busy during lunch hours

✔ Google Maps Location:

👉 View Donghaeru Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps

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Introduction – 종로 짜장면 동해루

If you want to experience a real old-school Korean Chinese restaurant in Seoul, Donghaeru is one of the hidden local spots many office workers and longtime Seoul locals still visit.

Located near Sewoon Arcade in Jongno 3-ga, this restaurant still keeps the atmosphere of older Korean-Chinese restaurants from decades ago. The narrow staircase entrance, old menu boards, and retro alley location make the place feel nostalgic and very local.

The restaurant is hidden inside older alleyways, so it can be difficult to find at first. Even so, many people still visit regularly because of the taste and affordable prices.

Donghaeru is especially famous for its Ganjjajang and crispy Tangsuyuk.

The food originally came from China, but over time it changed to match Korean tastes and eating styles.

Today, Korean-Chinese food has become its own unique food culture in Korea. Dishes like Jajangmyeon, Ganjjajang, and Tangsuyuk are very different from traditional Chinese versions and are now considered classic comfort foods by many Koreans.

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What Makes Ganjjajang Different from Regular Jajangmyeon?

Many foreign visitors think Jajangmyeon and Ganjjajang are the same dish, but there is actually a noticeable difference.

Jajangmyeon

• Softer and smoother sauce texture
• Sauce poured directly over the noodles
• Easier and lighter style meal

Ganjjajang

• Sauce stir-fried longer with less water
• Richer and deeper black bean flavor
• Noodles and sauce often served separately
• Crunchier onions and ingredients

At Donghaeru, the Ganjjajang has a cleaner and stronger black bean taste compared to regular Jajangmyeon. The onions remain slightly crunchy, and the sauce feels less oily than many modern Korean-Chinese restaurants.

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Signature Menu

Ganjjajang (간짜장)

• Price: Around ₩7,000 (≈ $5)
• Rich black bean sauce with onions and pork
• Sauce served separately from the noodles
• Deep wok aroma and old-school Korean-Chinese flavor

When you first receive the Ganjjajang, make sure to mix the noodles and sauce well before eating.

For many first-time visitors, the flavor can feel surprisingly addictive. The rich black bean sauce, chewy noodles, and crunchy onions create a different experience compared to typical Chinese noodles found in other countries.

The noodles feel simple and clean, while the sauce has the deep old-school Korean-Chinese restaurant flavor many locals still love today.

Jajangmyeon (짜장면)

• Softer and smoother sauce texture
• Easy and affordable local comfort food
• Popular quick lunch meal in Korea

Compared to Ganjjajang, regular Jajangmyeon feels lighter and easier to eat casually.

In Korea, people usually eat Jajangmyeon together with pickled radish (danmuji) and raw onion. The crunchy side dishes help balance the richness of the black bean sauce and make the noodles feel less greasy.

Tangsuyuk (탕수육)

• Price: Around ₩20,000 (≈ $15)
• Korean-style sweet and sour pork
• Crispy outside with juicy pork inside
• Served with glossy sweet and sour sauce

Tangsuyuk is one of the best dishes to eat together with Jajangmyeon or Ganjjajang.

At Donghaeru, the pork stays crispy on the outside while remaining soft and moist inside. The sauce is served separately, so you can choose your own style.

In Korea, people often debate two different ways to eat Tangsuyuk.

• Pouring the sauce over the pork (부먹)
• Dipping each piece into the sauce (찍먹)

If you dip the pork into the sauce, the crispy texture stays stronger for longer. If you pour the sauce over it, the pork absorbs more flavor and becomes softer. Most locals simply choose depending on personal preference.

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Atmosphere & Experience

Donghaeru feels like a hidden Seoul restaurant frozen in time.

The entrance sits inside a narrow alley near Sewoon Arcade, and the staircase leading to the second floor adds to the retro atmosphere. Inside, the restaurant has old menu boards, simple tables, and vintage decorations that make the place feel authentic rather than trendy.

This is not a luxury restaurant. It is the type of place where locals stop by for a quick lunch or casual dinner after work.

Another nice thing about Korean-Chinese restaurants is that many of them are comfortable for solo dining. Even if you visit alone, ordering Jajangmyeon or Ganjjajang feels completely natural and easy.

Donghaeru has been operating for many years, and because of that, the restaurant delivers the kind of reliable old-school flavor many locals still look for today. The taste here is easily above average, especially considering the affordable prices.

Compared to many newer Korean-Chinese restaurants in Seoul, Donghaeru feels more traditional, more affordable, and surprisingly flavorful for the price. It feels like discovering a hidden local restaurant protected from heavy tourist crowds.

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Final Thoughts

If you are searching for a real local Korean-Chinese restaurant experience in Jongno, Donghaeru is absolutely worth trying.

The restaurant may be hidden inside older alleyways near Sewoon Arcade, but many people still go out of their way to visit because of the strong flavors, nostalgic atmosphere, and affordable prices.

For travelers visiting Seoul for the first time, this is also a great place to understand the difference between regular Jajangmyeon and Ganjjajang while experiencing an older side of Seoul that still feels authentic and local.

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More Places to Eat in Jongno

1️⃣ Visit Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurants in Jongno
Affordable all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with pork belly and grilled meat popular with locals and students

$15 Korean BBQ Buffet in Jongno Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – All-You-Can-Eat

2️⃣ Visit Ikseon-dong Korean Pork Belly Restaurants
Try crispy samgyeopsal and retro Korean BBQ alleys near Jongno 3-ga Station

Best Korean BBQ in Jongno – 3 Must-Try Pork Belly Spots in Ikseon-dong Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

3️⃣ Visit Jongno 3-ga Pocha Street
Experience Korean late-night food, outdoor drinking culture, and nostalgic Seoul alley vibes

3 Must-Try Pocha Street Spots in Jongno 3-ga – Food, Drinks & Nightlife

4️⃣ Visit Jinokhwa Halmae Dakhanmari Near Dongdaemun
Must-try Korean chicken hot pot loved by locals and first-time visitors to Seoul

Best Dakhanmari in Jongno – 3 Must-Try Korean Chicken Soup Spots

5️⃣ Visit Coyaco Near Hyehwa Station
Popular Korean instant tteokbokki restaurant with cheese toppings and beer near Daehangno

Best Korean Food & Beer in Jongno – Must-Try Tteokbokki Near Hyehwa Station

6️⃣ Visit Famous Pizza Restaurants in Gwanghwamun
Try one of the most talked-about pizza spots near Gwanghwamun and Seochon in central Seoul

3 Best Italian Restaurants Near Gwanghwamun – Pasta & Pizza in Seoul

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Nearby Attractions in Jongno

1️⃣ Visit the Jongno 1 Day Walking Course
Explore traditional markets, palaces, local restaurants, and hidden Seoul alleyways in one route

Jongno 1 Day Itinerary – Best Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

2️⃣ Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Watch the royal guard ceremony and experience Korea’s most famous royal palace

Best Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Hidden Spots, Local Food & 1 Day Itinerary

3️⃣ Visit seochon-hanok Village Experiences
Enjoy trendy cafes, Korean desserts, workshops, photo spots, and hidden alley culture in Jongno

Things to Do in Seochon Seoul – Hidden Alleys Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

4️⃣ Visit Changdeokgung Palace
Explore one of Seoul’s most beautiful palaces famous for its Secret Garden and peaceful atmosphere

Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden Walk – Best Hidden Thing to Do in Jongno, Seoul

5️⃣ Visit Insadong Ssamziegil Cultural Experiences
Try Korean crafts, traditional souvenirs, tea culture, and unique hands-on experiences in Insadong

Best Cultural Experiences in Insadong – 8 Traditional Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

6️⃣ Visit Bukchon Hanok Village Photo Spots
Walk through famous traditional Korean house streets with popular Seoul photography locations

Best Things to Do in Seochon Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Hidden Local Area Guide

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Practical Information

✔ Google Maps Location:

👉 View Donghaeru Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps

✔ Address:
18 Jong-ro 26-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

✔ Hours:

• Mon–Fri: 11:00 AM – 7:20 PM
• Break Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:10 PM
• Closed on Sundays

✔ More Photos on Naver Blog
👉 Search “종로 동해루 간짜장” on Naver Blog

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