Croatian influencer dines at Michelin-recognized Seoul restaurant, reveals surprisingly affordable prices

Croatian travel influencer Nikola Brzak explored Seoul's culinary scene, focusing on the popular Myeongdong Kyoja restaurant. This establishment, a fixture since 1966, is celebrated for its traditional Korean dishes, particularly kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings).

Myeongdong Kyoja, located in the bustling Myeongdong district, holds a Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide, signifying good quality and value rather than a star. The restaurant operates on a simple yet effective model: a limited menu of four items, generous portions, and swift service. This streamlined approach allows for rapid preparation and delivery of food, even during peak hours.

Brzak, who documents his travels on Instagram under "Brzi putopis," visited the restaurant with a companion. He described their experience, noting a wait of about 10-15 minutes on a Tuesday evening. A key aspect of the dining experience is the immediate ordering and payment process before being seated, followed by remarkably fast food delivery. "Literally before you can even settle in," Brzak wrote, highlighting the self-service water stations available.

The restaurant's pricing is also a significant draw. Current estimates place the cost of kalguksu at approximately 12,000 won (about $9 USD), with other dishes in a similar price range. This affordability, combined with the quality and speed of service, contributes to the consistent queues often seen outside the establishment.

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We arrived on Tuesday around 6 p.m. and waited about 10-15 minutes in line, although much longer queues often form here. Before they seat you at the table, you must immediately choose a dish from the menu and pay, and the food arrives incredibly fast. Literally before you can even settle in. Water is free and you can pour as much as you want yourself from pitchers located in the refrigerator.