💡 A cozy Taiwanese pork specialty restaurant hidden inside Yeongdong Market near Nonhyun Station. The braised pork rice bowl (soy-seasoned rice + large pork knuckle + bok choy + egg) and the lunch-only pork noodle soup (6-hour broth of chicken + clam stock) are both excellent. Cilantro is optional — just ask to leave it out. Best visited as a couple after dropping kids at school, as the space is not well-suited for young toddlers.
Basic Info
📍 Location: Inside Yeongdong Traditional Market, Nonhyundong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
🚇 Access: 7-min walk from Nonhyun Station Exit 5 / 10-min from Sinnonhyun Station Exit 4
🕐 Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Break: 3:00 – 5:00 PM)
🅿️ Parking: No dedicated lot — use Nonhyun Elementary School public parking (3-min walk)
Atmosphere & Seating
The restaurant hides inside the market alley, so it can feel a bit like discovering a secret spot. The interior features warm wooden tones and cute decorative touches throughout. The open kitchen style lets you see part of the cooking process, adding a sense of transparency and cleanliness.
Tables are fairly close together, making it unsuitable for strollers or large parties. It's an intimate space — perfect for a quiet couple's lunch date on a weekday.
Menu Highlights
Braised Pork Rice Bowl (Signature)
Soy-seasoned rice topped with a large, slow-braised pork knuckle, a marinated soft-boiled egg, bok choy, and optional cilantro. The pork skin is gloriously chewy while the meat underneath is tender — it pairs perfectly with the seasoned rice. The first bite immediately evokes a Taiwanese street food vibe.
Pork Noodle Soup (Lunch Only)
A rich broth made from 6+ hours of slow-cooked chicken and fresh domestic clams, blended together and seasoned with 9 types of spices and fruit vegetables in the Taiwanese tradition. Chili oil made from aromatic herbs and premium Sichuan pepper add depth and heat. Served with handmade egg noodles. Available only during lunch hours (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM).
Bringing Kids?
Honestly, it's not the best environment for very young children. There are no high chairs, tables are close together, and the strong aromatic spices may put toddlers off. Our recommendation: enjoy it as a couple's lunch date after school/daycare drop-off. We visited on a quiet weekday and it felt like a little escape — just the two of us.
Honest Downsides
🅿️ No dedicated parking — finding the public lot nearby took some navigation.
🍽️ Limited seating — expect a wait during peak lunch hour (12:00–1:30 PM).
⏰ Break time 3–5 PM: don't show up in the afternoon without checking the schedule.
👶 No high chairs for young toddlers.
Pre-Visit Checklist
✅ Don't like cilantro? Say so when ordering — the staff will ask first.
✅ Pork noodle soup is lunch-only (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM).
✅ Save 'Nonhyun Elementary School Public Parking' on Naver Maps before you go.
✅ The market has multiple entrances — check the location pin beforehand.
✅ Weekday afternoons after 1:30 PM tend to be less crowded.
FAQ
Q. Can I make a reservation?
A. No reservation system. Arrive at opening (11:30 AM) or after 1:30 PM to avoid the lunch rush.
Q. Is the cilantro mandatory?
A. Not at all. The staff will ask when you order. Just say 'no cilantro' and they'll leave it out.
Q. Is the pork noodle soup available at dinner?
A. No — it's lunch only (until 3:00 PM). For dinner, you can still enjoy the rice bowl options.
Q. Is it okay to bring young children?
A. It's manageable for walking toddlers but not ideal for under 2 years old. There are no high chairs, and the strong herbal aroma may be off-putting for young children. Best as a couple's outing.
Q. Where should I park near Yeongdong Market?
A. Use Nonhyun Elementary School Public Parking — it's a 3-minute walk and the most convenient option. Search for it on Naver Maps before driving.