Hannam Restaurants with Unique Vibes

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The hip district and restaurants in Hannam that Koreans love next to Itaewon

Hannam-dong is a central place of Seoul where both locals and foreigners gather sits by Itaewon. It is located one subway stop away from Itaewon, so you can walk to and from it. As the number of Hannam dong restaurants has increased, never find it difficult to find great places. It is a road that follows a few hills, but it is not difficult at all. If you have time after stopping by Itaewon, I recommend visiting Hannam-dong, which has a different atmosphere.

Various gourmet experiences in Hannam-dong

With many restaurants and unique cafes

While Itaewon is a more traditional district as a multicultural tourist destination, Hannam-dong, centered on Hangangjin Station, is a place where Koreans go when they need a more sensual and hip place. It is said to be the residence of artists so that has many interesting select shops around. Although prices in restaurants and cafes are slightly higher than in Itaewon, I still prefer Hannam-dong rather than Itaewon.

But behind the scenes, I also found the pandemic’s aftermath. To be honest, the Hannam-dong restaurant list below feels incomplete as some of my favorites have gone out of business during those tough times. The reason for the closure and the circumstances of each person will be different, but it is a place where my memories remain. I feel a little sad but well, still grateful.

Recommended Hannam-dong restaurants

Sensitive Seoul
La Sand Dog Osteria
Byeokdol-Happy Food
211 Table (Lee Wonil)
Dominic

Restaurant

Sensitive Seoul

1. 센시티브 서울 | Italian Restaurant: Romantic Italian cuisine place that I visited 3 times

As the title suggests, it is one of my favorite restaurants in Hannam-dong, Seoul, which I visited 3 times a year. As I was writing the blog, I found out that the restaurant has moved and has been transformed into a larger space and a place to have a glass of wine. (with amazing new dinner menus) On one hand, I miss it as the pizza I had before (Korean beef carpaccio, avocado pizza) was really impressive and super delicious. However, since it is a restaurant that has already been certified by many regulars, it seems that the new menu is also loved. I’ll have to go there next time! Please have a look at the restaurant’s whereabouts and the vibes through their Instagram.

Sensitive Seoul

Address: Google Maps (49 2f Daesagwan-ro 11-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)
Hours: Tues-Sun 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30–8 PM
Monday closed
Website: Instagram
Call: 070-4036-9098

Restaurant

La Sand Dog Osteria

2. 라샌독 오스테리아 | Fusion Restaurant: Atmospheric dinner with two adorable puppies

A place that specializes in pasta, has a good atmosphere, and super cute puppies roam around, making you feel good at the same time! When you enter, it feels like the entire house has been renovated. Therefore, it really feels like you are in a house as if it was divided into a living room and rooms. Also, since it is a pet-friendly restaurant, we were able to see customers’ cats and dogs from time to time. Lucky us!

Truffle scallops with asparagus and Pasta

Firstly, the grilled truffle scallops feature the harmony of the fragrant truffle scent, the very soft texture, and the asparagus supporting it was superb. I also ordered the white ragu pasta because I somehow desired to feel the meat texture of the ragu on that day. The food overall was palatable and had a rich taste. I wish I had eaten one more scallop!

On the other hand, many reviewers say that the pasta named Casio e Pepe is also really satisfactory too. Apparently, it is the pasta that can show their philosophy faithful to authentic Italian food. It is introduced as a pasta representing Rome and central Italy with only Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Reserve your seat or call before visiting!

Before visiting, please note that reservations are made by phone! They recommend that you make a reservation before visiting. Also, when I made a reservation, I put a deposit on the schedule and went.

La Sand Dog Osteria

Address: Google Maps (62-9 Itaewon-ro 54-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)
Hours: Tues-Sun 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30–8 PM
Monday closed
Website: Instagram
Call: 070-4036-9098

Restaurant

Byeokdol Happy Food

3. 벽돌 해피 푸드 | Chinese Restaurant: Delicious Chinese restaurant surrounded by a retro atmosphere

I’m not sure if this restaurant operates in a fusion style with many adaptations of Chinese recipes, but if here’s style is an authentic recipe, I am undoubtedly the one who likes Chinese food the most. Because I saw some pictures of the expected taste before visiting, but I felt a different taste than I expected, for the better!

I visited on a Friday lunch with my brother and got in without a wait. But you might be in a long queue at a busy time on weekends. However, the turnover rate seems to be faster, and there are a lot of seats.

The entrance is on the alley side, not on the main road

If there is anything confusing about the restaurant, you might be a bit confused about the way to the entrance. Because although the building is attached to the main road, you have to go down the stairs outside, not on the main road. Then approach it from the other side. It’s not difficult, just someone misreading the map like me.

Sichuan Fried Pork and Mara Xiangguo

The lunch and dinner menus are different, and I ordered according to the recommendation of my brother who had been there once or twice. The Sichuan-style fried pork with peanuts and red pepper was heavenly. The portion was plentiful, and the peanuts in chili oil sauce left over from the meat were really my style. It’s stimulating and releases all the stress!

hannam-restaurants-happyfood-chinese Large

Byeokdol-Happy Food

Address: Google Maps (683-134 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5 PM–12 AM
- Fri 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5 PM–3 AM
- Sunday closed
Website: Instagram
Call: 0507-1481-8586

Restaurant

211 Table

4. 이원일 식탁 | Korean Restaurant: A unique, high-end Korean menu with a different menu for each season

Next, I would like to introduce a Korean restaurant operated under the name of a famous chef who often appears in various broadcastings. Lee Won-il(이원일)

Season 12: 群鷄一鶴(군계일학)

Like a fashion brand, it is operated by season, and the main menu changes every season. Other menu items can be ordered at any time. In the season I visited with a friend, ‘Gun-Gye-Il-Hak/(群鷄一鶴)’ was the representative menu. The term means ‘a crane in the midst of a flock of chickens’, and it is an acronym for an outstanding person among ordinary people. Maybe it means that it is the best stand out among other numerous dishes?

Interesting food that reminded me of Samgyetang, but also served as a side dish with alcohol was served. It came out cooked and was placed on the fire, so we could have it without getting cold. Also, it looks so healthy from the first impression! The main dish is sous vide chicken breast tenderloin and various vegetables. Also contains soft tofu. This amazing Korean food was served in a special pot in very generous quantities.

211 Table (Lee-won-il Table)

Address: Google Maps (Itaewon-ro 54-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 2–10 PM
- Sat, Sun 1–9 PM
- Wednesday closed
Website: Instagram
Call: 010-7411-8211

Restaurant

Dominic

5. 도미니크 | Western-cuisine dining bar: A romantic dining bar in the basement

First of all, Dominic Itaewon operated mainly with Italian menus until last year and has been operating as a wine supermarket concept for about a year now. It is said that until December 10th, this unique market will operate, after which it will return to the restaurant. It is one of my beloved restaurants in Hannam-dong that I accidentally found while walking down the street from Hangangjin Station toward Itaewon. I remember eating the spinach base cream pasta really delicious. The price is also reasonable compared to nearby restaurants.