The Best Seoul Restaurants With Over 50 Years of History

As one of Seoul’s oldest Chinese restaurants, Andongjang has been operating in Euljiro since 1948. For over 70 years, it has drawn customers by maintaining the same classic, traditional flavors from its founding. According to the official Seoul tourism guide, its long-standing reputation is built on its signature guljjamppong (spicy noodle soup with oysters).

For more than 50 years, Hyesung Kalguksu has been a beloved nopo (old, long-running restaurant) in the Dongdaemun area. It has built a loyal following by focusing on its specialty, kalguksu (noodle soup). Its multi-decade reputation is specifically for its rich and hearty 닭 칼국수 (chicken kalguksu).

With a history spanning over 80 years and three generations of a single family, Hadongkwan is an institution in Myeongdong. It has built its reputation on a single, focused specialty: premium gomtangu (beef bone soup) made from 100% Korean beef. This long-standing restaurant proudly maintains traditions by serving its soup in traditional brass bowls and closing for the day as soon as its prepared stock runs out.

With "Since 1967" proudly displayed on its signboard, Eomeoni Daeseongjip has been a mainstay in its alley for over half a century. Its entire reputation is built on perfecting haejangguk (hangover soup). This long history has established it as a legendary destination for those seeking a robust, restorative meal, solidifying its status as a local institution.

Daewonjip has been operating in an Euljiro alley since 1968, preserving a "country village" atmosphere that has charmed customers for decades. Its long-standing specialty is its cheolpan jeyuk-bokkeum (spicy pork served on a hot plate). For decades, it has been famous among local workers for its generous portions and the tradition of offering free makgeolli (rice wine) during lunch.

With a legacy dating to 1939, Wooraeoak is recognized by official sources like the Michelin Guide as one of Seoul's premier Pyeongyang naengmyeon (cold noodle) restaurants. It has upheld its decades-long reputation by consistently serving a clean, savory broth made by boiling hanwoo (Korean beef). This unwavering commitment to its traditional naengmyeon and bulgogi has made it a beloved destination for generations.

This restaurant's history is famously tied to its origins as the most popular "taxi drivers' restaurant" (기사 식당) in Seoul during the 1970s. It is considered a living relic of that "taxi golden age," having served its signature dish for over 50 years. Its standout feature remains its traditional dwaejigalbi (pork ribs) grilled over an old-style briquette hearth, a recipe passed down from the founder's mother.

This restaurant is officially recognized as the oldest sundaeguk (blood sausage soup) spot in Seoul, having served the dish since 1959. Its long history earned it a "Long-lasting Small Business" designation from the government. For over 60 years, its standout feature has been its consistent, generous portions and cost-effectiveness, cementing its status as a beloved institution for its regulars.

This restaurant's history began in 1958 as the very first establishment on what is now Eungam-dong's famous "Potato Soup Street." Its founder purposefully named the dish gamjaguk (soup) instead of the more common gamjatang (stew) to "encourage humility," a motto that has defined it for over 60 years. Its long-standing ties to the community are evident in its 24-hour operation, which has served early-morning regulars for decades.

As the oldest operating restaurant in Seoul, Imun Seolnongtang has been in business for over a century. Officially designated as a Seoul Future Heritage site, its name "Imun" comes from the old name of the neighborhood it has served for generations. The restaurant's entire legacy is built on its signature seolleongtang (ox bone soup), which it still prepares using the traditional method of simmering bones for over 15 hours.