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Soups & stews · Jongno, Seoul

Seorin Nakji

서린낙지

Locals' pickSince 1959On TVBlue RibbonBetter with a group ⓘ

Korea time, from recent reviews. Hours may differ on holidays.

A Jonggak institution for fiery stir-fried octopus since 1959. The classic order is red-hot nakji-bokkeum with a plate of grilled bacon and sausage to cool your mouth. It's loud and crowded with Korean office workers and Sung Si-kyung fans, and very spicy.

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How it works here

🥢 How Korean restaurants usually work

Waiting

30-60 min wait
Just join the line

Weekday lunch and weekend evenings can mean a long line. Arriving before the 11:30 opening helps.· 5 reviews

What to order

  • Nakji-bokkeum (spicy stir-fried octopus)낙지볶음

    Very spicy, with a smoky wok flavor.

  • Bacon and sausage grill베이컨소시지구이

    The famous pairing, to calm the heat.

  • Jogae-tang (clam soup)조개탕
  • Gyeran-mari (rolled omelet)계란말이

How much to order

  • 👤 1Not ideal alone: the dishes are made for sharing.
  • 👤 2One nakji-bokkeum and one bacon and sausage grill, with rice.
  • 👤 3–4Two nakji-bokkeum, a bacon and sausage grill, and a clam soup or rolled omelet.

How to eat it

  1. 1Mix the octopus with the bean sprouts served on the side, and sip the bean-sprout soup to tame the heat.· 3 reviews

Insider tips

  • Order the bacon and sausage alongside the octopus. Regulars treat it as non-negotiable.· 3 reviews

Why it's famous

Started in Mugyo-dong in 1959 and moved to its current building in Jongno in 2009, now in its third generation.· 2 reviews

  • On TVFeatured on singer Sung Si-kyung's food series Meogeul Tende.· 4 reviews
  • Blue RibbonListed in the Blue Ribbon guide.· 3 reviews

Good to know

  • Daily 11:30 to 21:30, with a break from 15:00 to 17:00. Closed on the first and third Monday of each month.· 2 reviews
  • Second floor of Le Meilleur Jongno Town, about 5 minutes from Jonggak Station exit 1.· 3 reviews

More locals' picks nearby

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Where this comes from (25 reviews)

Summarized in our own words from Korean diners' blog reviews; each fact is backed by at least two reviews. Last checked 2026-11-09.