Military district, old storefronts, and the Seoul nobody packages.
Why SAMGAKJI, why now
A 2025 Careet survey named Samgakji among nine key neighborhoods Seoul's under-30 crowd now frequents, listed separately from the already-saturated Seongsu to highlight its emerging identity. Independent cafes, natural wine bars, and vintage shops have quietly filled the back alleys at the intersection of Yongsan and Itaewon.
1. Sunjeong Galbi Samgakji
- Seoul, Yongsan District, Hangang-daero 62na-gil, 13 순정갈비 1층
- 4.8 · 51 reviews · 레스토랑
Sunjeong Galbi opens the course because lunch here sets the rhythm for everything after. The crew schedules it first so you eat well before the afternoon stretches into terrace time. It anchors the route in a part of Samgakji that hasn't flipped yet, where the menu is short and the room fills with people who live within ten blocks.
Crew's note
내가 구워줄게. 앉아 있어.
What visitors say
Loved this place and BK made our experience. We just wandered in off the street. They have marinated pork, rice, kimchi, bean soup, and fish…
We stopped because we saw the lunch deal outfront and went in because we were in for a light affordable meal. Although it was not available,…
2. Arch Seoul Yongsan
- Seoul, Yongsan District, Hangang-daero 52-gil, 25-8 201호,202호
- 4.4 · 30 reviews · 브런치
Arch finishes the course because brunch here works better after lunch than before it. The terrace lets the afternoon slow down without requiring a next move, and the timing means you've already eaten the meal that mattered. It closes the route on a note that doesn't ask you to leave right away.
Crew's note
여긴 관광객 안 와. 그냥 숨 좀 쉬자.
What visitors say
We liked all our orders for dinner: - Clam chowder - Ricotta lemon salad - Ricotta cheese shrimp tapas - Ricotta lemon salad - Scallop inspe…
Wonderful ambience at the terrace area, quite great foods, surprisingly. You would hardly find much things to complain about.
The walk between
The stretch between them cuts through the side streets the scout research mentioned, the ones filling up with wine bars and vintage furniture wedged between older restaurants. You'll pass storefronts that opened recently and a few that never changed.
- Start with Sunjeong Galbi around noon or just after, when the lunch deal is visible out front and the room hasn't turned over yet.
- Arch works best in the gap between traditional meal times, mid-afternoon when the terrace catches light and the pace doesn't match the rest of the district.
FAQ
- Does either spot require a reservation for a weekday afternoon?
- Sunjeong Galbi doesn't typically fill on weekdays, and visitors have mentioned walking in off the street without issue. Arch's terrace can get busy on weekends, but weekday afternoons tend to stay open.
- How does the pricing feel across both stops?
- Sunjeong Galbi is described by visitors as very reasonably priced, with a lunch deal often posted outside. Arch sits at a higher price point but remains accessible for a longer sit, especially if you're ordering a few smaller plates to share.
Ask Charles
Busan
