Best Korean Restaurant Near Dongdaemun – Traditional Jeyuk Ssambap in Seoul

Quick Info

  • Location: Near Dongdaemun Station Exit 10
  • Signature Menu: Jeyuk Ssambap
  • Price: 20,000 KRW for 2 people
  • Minimum Order: 2 servings
  • Best For: Korean Home-Style Food
  • Popular With: Dongdaemun Market Workers and Local Residents

Introduction – 동대문 초당 제육쌈밥

If you are looking for an affordable Korean restaurant near Dongdaemun that serves generous portions and traditional home-style food, Chodang is a great choice.

This local restaurant is especially popular among Dongdaemun market workers and nearby shop owners. Thanks to its large portions, fresh vegetables, and homemade side dishes, many locals have been visiting for years.

The most popular menu is the Jeyuk Ssambap, a Korean meal featuring spicy stir-fried pork served with fresh lettuce wraps, rice, side dishes, and soybean paste stew.

At only 20,000 KRW for two people, the value is surprisingly good.

Entrance of Chodang Korean Restaurant Near Dongdaemun

Location

Chodang is located just a short walk from Dongdaemun Station Exit 10.

✔ Google Maps Location

👉 View Chodang Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps


Menu & Experience

Jeyuk Ssambap

Spicy Jeyuk Bokkeum at Chodang Restaurant Near Dongdaemun Seoul

The signature dish at Chodang is Jeyuk Ssambap.

The meal includes:

  • Large portion of spicy stir-fried pork
  • Fresh lettuce and perilla leaves
  • Rice
  • Soybean paste stew
  • Various Korean side dishes

The amount of pork is surprisingly generous.

Many visitors have the same reaction:

“Is all of this really only 20,000 KRW?”

The pork is well-seasoned and slightly spicy without being overwhelming.

Homemade Side Dishes

Korean Jeyuk Ssambap Set with Side Dishes in Seoul

One of the best parts of eating here is the variety of side dishes.

The meal feels more like eating at a Korean family home than at a restaurant.

Typical side dishes include:

  • Kimchi
  • Bean sprouts
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Seasoned greens
  • Various homemade banchan

Everything pairs well with the spicy pork.

Soybean Paste Stew

The included soybean paste stew is another highlight.

Its rich and savory flavor balances the spicy pork perfectly and completes the meal.


How to Eat Ssambap

 Korean Lettuce Wrap with Spicy Pork at Chodang Seoul

Koreans usually eat ssambap in a simple way.

  1. Take a lettuce leaf or perilla leaf.
  2. Add about half a spoon of rice.
  3. Add one piece of pork.
  4. Wrap everything together.
  5. Eat it in one bite.

Most Koreans avoid making the wrap too large.

Using one piece of pork and half a spoon of rice creates the perfect bite.

The pork may be slightly spicy for some foreign visitors, but wrapping it with lettuce and rice makes the flavor much milder.


How to Order

Ordering is simple.

For two people:

“사장님, 제육쌈밥 2인 주세요.”

Meaning:

“Jeyuk Ssambap for two, please.”

For three people:

“사장님, 제육쌈밥 3인 주세요.”

Meaning:

“Jeyuk Ssambap for three, please.”

The restaurant only accepts orders starting from two servings.

Local Atmosphere

Chodang has a simple local atmosphere.

It is not a fancy restaurant, but that is part of its charm.

Many market workers and local business owners visit regularly because they know they can get a filling and satisfying meal at a reasonable price.

Because the signature menu starts from two servings, solo travelers may find it difficult to order.

This restaurant is best enjoyed with:

  • Friends
  • Couples
  • Family
  • Travel companions


Final Thoughts

Chodang Restaurant Menu Board in Seoul

Chodang is one of the best value-for-money Korean restaurants near Dongdaemun.

For only 20,000 KRW, two people can enjoy a generous serving of spicy pork, fresh lettuce wraps, homemade side dishes, rice, and delicious soybean paste stew.

The restaurant’s local reputation among Dongdaemun market workers speaks for itself.

If you want to experience a traditional Korean home-style meal near Dongdaemun, Chodang is definitely worth visiting.


Practical Information

  • Address: 23-5 Yulgok-ro 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  • Nearest Station: Dongdaemun Station Exit 10 (157m)
  • Phone: +82-2-742-7114

Opening Hours

Mon–Fri: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Break Time:
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Saturday:
11:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Sunday:
Closed

Traditional Korean Restaurant Interior at Chodang Seoul

Important Tips

  • Minimum order is 2 servings.
  • Jeyuk Ssambap costs 20,000 KRW for 2 people.
  • Soybean paste stew is included.
  • Plenty of fresh lettuce wraps are provided.
  • Popular among Dongdaemun market workers.

✔ Google Maps Location

👉 View Chodang Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps


More Places to Eat

1️⃣ Hando Samgyeopsal
A popular Dongdaemun Korean BBQ restaurant known for quality pork and a local dining atmosphere.

Best Korean BBQ in Jongno – Must-Try Pork Belly Restaurant in Ikseondong, Seoul

2️⃣ Jinokhwa Halmae Dakhanmari
The most famous Dakhanmari restaurant in Dongdaemun, serving a traditional Korean chicken hot pot.

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

3️⃣ Dokkaebi Bulgogi
A local favorite for affordable Korean bulgogi served with rice and side dishes.

4️⃣ Dujjim Dongdaemun
Popular Korean braised chicken restaurant known for flavorful soy sauce and spicy jjimdak.

5️⃣ Gwangjang Market Food Alley
One of Seoul’s most famous food markets, offering a wide variety of authentic Korean street food.

Best Food in Gwangjang Market – 5 Must-Try Spots Near Gyeongbokgung


Nearby Attractions

1️⃣ Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Seoul’s iconic landmark known for futuristic architecture, exhibitions, and night photography.

Best Things to Do in Dongdaemun – DDP, Markets and Street Food

2️⃣ Naksan Park
A scenic hilltop park offering panoramic views of Seoul and beautiful sunset walks along the city wall.

Things to Do at Night in Jongno – Naksan Park Night View in Seoul

3️⃣ Gwangjang Market
One of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets, famous for Korean street food and local culture.

Best Food in Gwangjang Market – 5 Must-Try Spots Near Gyeongbokgung

4️⃣ Gyeongbokgung Palace
The largest royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and one of Seoul’s most popular attractions.

Best Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Hidden Food Spots & 1 Day Seoul Itinerary (2026)

5️⃣ Jongmyo Shrine
A UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the royal ancestors of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty.

Watch the Royal Ancestral Ritual Ceremony at Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul Traditional Cultural Performance You Can See Live (2026)


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