Yukjeon Gukbap Sinseol-dong Review: A Family Dinner with Buckwheat Noodles and Juicy Meat Patties

On a warm Sunday evening in July, my husband, our toddler, and I stopped by Yukjeon Gukbap (육전국밥) near Sinseol-dong Station for a casual dinner. We were looking for something satisfying, cool enough for the summer heat, and gentle enough for our child to enjoy. Their Makguksu and Wanja (meat patty) set menu, plus an extra bowl of rice, turned out to be the perfect pick for all three of us.

Makguksu with side dishes and meat patties at Yukjeon Gukbap Sinseol-dong

🥢 Why We Chose the Meat Patty Set

While my husband and I were craving something refreshing, our toddler needed something warm, mild, and easy to eat. Cold buckwheat noodles (makguksu) can be a bit intense for young children — the icy broth and spicy sauce aren’t always kid-friendly.

So we ordered the Makguksu Set Menu with Wanja (완자) — a traditional Korean-style meat patty similar to donggeurang ttaeng — and added a bowl of rice. The patties were soft and juicy, served warm, and easy for our son to chew. He enjoyed one whole patty with rice, while we shared the noodles and the rest of the set. A true family-style meal that worked.

When people hear the name “Yukjeon Gukbap”, they usually picture hot bowls of soup and sizzling meat pancakes. And that’s fair — it’s what they’re famous for. But surprisingly, this restaurant also serves makguksu (buckwheat noodles), especially during summer, and it’s not just a side dish. It's a legit meal: cool, tangy, and refreshingly satisfying.

Korean-style meat patties with rice

❄️ Buckwheat Noodles with a Clean, Cool Kick

The makguksu came in a classic brass bowl filled with icy broth, garnished with julienned cucumber, radish, seaweed, and sesame seeds. The broth was light and not overly sweet, with a gentle tang. After mixing in the gochujang-based sauce, it developed just the right amount of heat — enough to balance the chill, but not overpowering.

Makguksu in icy broth with cucumber and sesame seeds

“Cool noodles for the adults, warm patties for the toddler — we all got exactly what we needed.”

🕖 Sunday Evening Vibes (With Tourists!)

The restaurant was relaxed and quiet even during dinner time. It was easy to find a table, and the atmosphere was casual but clean. We noticed a group of foreign visitors dining a few tables away, which made the experience feel even more welcoming. It’s always a good sign when both locals and travelers are enjoying the same place.

📋 What We Ordered (and Paid)

• Makguksu + Wanja Set Menu: ₩16,500
• Makguksu (Large Size): ₩14,000
• Extra rice: ₩1,000
• Total: ₩31,500 (paid by card)

Receipt from Yukjeon Gukbap with full itemized breakdown

📍 Location & Info

• Restaurant: Yukjeon Gukbap (육전국밥 신설동점)
• Address: 1F, 413 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Nearest Subway: Sinseol-dong Station (Line 1 & 2), Exit 10 – 3-minute walk
• Visited: In July, 2025 (Sunday dinner)

 

Interior of Yukjeon Gukbap, clean and quiet dining space

🚶 Bonus: After-Dinner Walk to Cheonggyecheon

One of the nicest surprises? After dinner, we took a short 10-minute walk to Cheonggyecheon Stream. The weather had cooled a bit, and strolling by the water with our child felt like the perfect end to the evening. If you're looking for a simple yet complete Seoul experience — food + fresh air — this route is a great pick.

👨‍👩‍👦 Final Thoughts

As a family, we value meals that are both satisfying and practical — and this was exactly that. The wanja patties were toddler-approved, the makguksu cooled us down, and the price was more than fair for the generous portions. The restaurant was clean, fast, and family-friendly — no frills, just honest food done right.

If you're visiting the Sinseol-dong or Dongdaemun area with family, this spot is a great choice. Especially in summer, the combination of cold noodles, warm meat, and a nearby stream walk? Just what we needed.

🔗 Want more Korean meals your whole family can enjoy? Check out our post on Korean snowflake desserts here.