[Alley Restaurant]② A Place Filled with Warmth, Gongneung-dong Noodle Street

Recommended Courses from Matjip to Cafe★

Editor's NoteThe power of alleys is truly remarkable. For some, they become places to reminisce memories, while for others, they offer something new. Especially when entering unfamiliar alleys, the restaurants you encounter evoke warmth and simultaneously spark curiosity. There are many eateries that stimulate the senses, such as hidden gems and local favorites known only to residents. We have selected four places with great taste and value as part of our ‘Alley Restaurant’ series. Now, shall we enjoy a unique course you can experience in the ‘alley’?

The second destination for [Alley Restaurants] is Gongneung-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul. Gongneung-dong is home to Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Samyook University, and Seoul Women’s University, so you can find many affordable restaurants catering to students. Additionally, the former Gyeongchun Line train station, now closed, has been transformed into an exhibition-style Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail. For residents, it serves as a park for walking, and visitors should definitely pay a visit at least once. Today, we plan to explore every corner of ‘Gongneung-dong OO Street.’

① Gongneung-dong Noodle Street - Gongneung-dong Anchovy Noodles

Near Exit 1 of Taereungipgu Station on subway lines 6 and 7, there is a 1.3 km-long Noodle Street. This street holds our history. Starting from the industrialization era in the 1980s, anchovy noodles were served to satisfy the hungry stomachs of local factory workers. Later, through word of mouth among delivery drivers, noodle shops gradually increased, creating the current Noodle Street.

When searching for Gongneung-dong Noodle Street, the well-known ‘Famous Anchovy Noodles’ often appears. Asking a friend who was born and raised in Gongneung-dong, the answer was, “They all taste pretty similar!” Nevertheless, with the recommendation, “If you want to enjoy bibim noodles more deliciously, go here!” I headed to Gongneung-dong Anchovy Noodles.

Inside the restaurant, there are two large tables in the center that can seat more than 10 people each. Next to them are floor seating tables, making it comfortable to dine even with children.

Anchovy Noodle Soup 4,500 KRW / Bibim Noodles 6,000 KRW / Gimbap 3,000 KRW

We ordered the main dish, anchovy noodles, along with bibim noodles and one roll of gimbap. What showed the warmth of this place was the generous portions. Compared to typical snack bars, the servings are more than twice as large, making it feel very affordable. When I asked my friend why the bibim noodles here taste better, the answer was, “Because it’s more tangy and stimulating compared to other places.” However, it should be noted that even here, the bibim noodles lack strong sourness. It’s just more tangy compared to famous and representative places... The anchovy noodles have a clear, savory, and deep flavor. Adding the umami-rich soy sauce and a well-fermented piece of kimchi can soothe your chilled stomach. Gimbap is not optional but a must!

Address: 43, Dongil-ro 173ga-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul

② Gongneung-dong Cafe Street - Peach Flavor & Chande Mars Coffee

The second destination is Gongneung-dong Cafe Street, which cannot be missed in the '#CafeTour' hashtag. Among them, the recommended place is Chande Mars Coffee. The cafe spans the 4th, 5th floors, and rooftop. Before entering the cafe, you can stop by the 3rd floor to browse a cute accessory shop. The fact that you can handle everything in one building along the forest trail of the old Gyeongchun Line makes it a great spot to visit in winter.

At the accessory shop Peach Flavor, you can browse and purchase various interior accessories, including stickers, postcards, candles, phone cases, and Bluetooth earphone cases.

View of the 5th floor of Shangde Mars Coffee.

Chande Mars Cafe is characterized by different concepts on each floor. Orders are placed on the 4th floor, where the white interior creates a comfortable atmosphere. Going up to the 5th floor, the rattan decor gives a vacation-like vibe. Outside the window, you can see a swimming pool. In winter, enjoy relaxation with the sunlight instead of water. When the weather warms up, the pool is filled with water, allowing you to enjoy the soothing sight of rippling water. Moreover, the rooftop decorated with pink muhly grass also opens.

Tiramisu 6,500 KRW / Cafe Latte 5,000 KRW / Crumble Cream Latte 6,500 KRW.

After much consideration, we ordered a cafe latte and the signature menu, crumble cream latte. Even though we were full, we had to order dessert, choosing tiramisu. One notable feature is the option to select the coffee beans. The drinks tasted as expected from a typical cafe. However, the tiramisu was disappointing because the espresso syrup lacked moisture, making the cake layers dry.

Besides cakes, there are baked goods and French toast, and an afternoon tea set is available by reservation. Most importantly, since there is a park nearby perfect for a walk, note that pets are allowed.

Address: 23 Gongneung-ro 37-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 3rd floor / 4th, 5th floors, rooftop

③ Three Friends Gopchang

After soothing our stomachs with noodles, browsing the charming accessory shop, and spending time in cafes with different concepts, night had fallen. While considering dinner options between meat and gopchang (beef intestines), we visited Three Friends Gopchang, where you can enjoy vegetable gopchang and chadolbagi (thinly sliced beef brisket) simultaneously.

The basic side dishes include soybean sprout soup, salad, pickled radish wraps, various sauces, garlic, and chili peppers. By the way, if you visit on the 25th of every month, draft beer is unlimited refill, so be sure to visit soon!

Gopchang Hanpan / 29,000 KRW.

The trio of vegetable gopchang, chadolbagi, and water parsley is a fantastic combination. Both types are free from unpleasant odors. Above all, the fragrant water parsley helps neutralize the spiciness, offering a clean and light taste. For those sensitive to spicy food, corn cheese is a great alternative, so don’t hesitate.

Address: 1, Gongneung-ro 43-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul

Enjoying this during the snowy season is also a good choice. This content encourages visiting in winter to warm up with hot anchovy noodles. If you have only visited in winter, we highly recommend coming in summer as well. You can feel the greenery of the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail! Moreover, visiting on a sunny day allows you to take great photos.

If you are curious about the first [Alley Restaurant] tour, click here!

Photo by Yoon Eun-ae