Quiet side streets where Seoul locals eat well without the weekend crowds.
Why YONGRIDANGIL, why now
Yongnidan-gil, the stretch near Sinyongsan and Samgakji stations, has been consistently cited in 2026 Seoul lifestyle coverage as one of the city's most actively growing cafe-and-restaurant corridors. Viral bakery cafes like 서울앵무새 용산점 and Teddy Beurre House anchored the area, and newer openings continue to fill the blocks.
1. Teddy Beurre House
- Seoul, Yongsan District, Hangang-daero 40ga-gil, 42 1층
- 4.8 · 1708 reviews · 디저트
Teddy Beurre House opens the route mid-afternoon, when the line thins and the tables stay longer. It anchors the newer wave of independent spots that moved into the neighborhood, the kind of bakery cafe that gives this strip its SNS traction but still keeps a residential rhythm. Start here before the evening bookings tighten up.
Crew's note
용리단길 afternoons. Less visitors, more neighbors.
What visitors say
Such a cute cafe! There are sooo many pastries to choose from, both savoury and sweet. The interior and setting of the cafe was just so cute…
Beautiful cozy and cute cafe with delicious pastries and coffee. The place is so adorable with cute corners and cuddly teddy bears. The staf…
2. Shabu in Seoul Shinyongsan
- 61 Hangang-daero 62-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
- 4.8 · 438 reviews · 맛집
Shabu in Seoul Shinyongsan closes the course because dinner here stretches the way a slow shabu broth should. The route needs a sit-down end after the cafe start, and this spot holds the weekday-local energy the strip is known for. Plan to arrive before the 6pm turn, and let the meal dictate the rest of the night.
Crew's note
I already picked the broth. You'll see why in a minute.
What visitors say
[Order through Tablet] Easy to order but you need to order 2 portions per person and yet the amount is the same (?) it was a bit confusing ,…
The food was delicious! Great variety of vegetables and great service. Very nice price compared to the U.S. as well. The sauces were very un…
The walk between
The blocks between the two stops carry the mix Seoul city media flags: old Yongsan neighborhood texture with new storefronts filling in. You'll pass the kind of indie openings that keep the corridor cited in 2026 lifestyle roundups, but the foot traffic stays neighbor-paced.
- The cafe works better as your opener if you land before 4pm. The shabu spot runs tablet ordering, so two portions per person is the baseline.
- Weekday afternoons hold the rhythm this route was planned for. Weekend foot traffic changes the timing on both stops.
FAQ
- Does the shabu restaurant take reservations, or is it walk-in only?
- The reviews don't confirm a booking system, so treat it as walk-in and factor wait time if you're aiming for prime dinner slots. If you're targeting the dinner crowd, landing closer to opening helps dodge the longest queues.
- How does the cafe's selection skew: more savory or more sweet?
- Visitor accounts mention both categories well-represented, so you're not locked into one type. The selection is broad enough that a group can split preferences without narrowing options.
Ask Jiny
Seoul
