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Today, I want to introduce a highly recommended Thai restaurant located inside Haebangchon's Sinheung Market. If you are a foodie exploring Seoul, this place is an absolute must-visit!
1. Authentic Thai Taste by Local Chefs
What makes this place truly special is that it is entirely run and served by local Thai staff.
The moment you step inside, the exotic scent of local spices fills the air, making you feel like you've teleported straight to Thailand.To top it off, the owner-chef working the wok in the kitchen actually appeared on the globally trending Netflix show, Culinary Class Wars (흑백요리사)!
2. Highly Recommended Menu
The menu here perfectly captures the authentic flavors you would find while backpacking in Thailand.
Pad Kaprao: This is their signature dish and my absolute favorite. When you pop the egg yolk and mix it with the savory meat and rice, it tastes exactly like the authentic local food in Thailand.- Pad Thai: You simply cannot skip this classic! It comes with thick, plump shrimp. Once you mix it all together, the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors is so addictive that you will scrape your plate completely clean.
3. Pro-Tip: How to Beat the Line!
- Operating Hours: The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a break time from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- The Strategy: If you arrive during the break time (like we did at 3:00 PM), put your name on the waiting list at 4:30 PM. This way, you can enter immediately when the dinner service begins at 5:00 PM.
4. How to Get There (Public Transit Guide)
- Address: 2nd Floor, Sinheung Market, 97-6 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
- Public Transit: Haebangchon is notorious for its steep hills, so walking all the way up from the subway is not recommended. Instead, take Subway Line 6 to Noksapyeong Station and use Exit 2. From there, take the small green village bus "Yongsan 02" (용산02) and get off at the "Haebangchon Ogeori" (해방촌 오거리) stop. The market is just a short, flat walk from there!
- Parking: If you drive, you must use a nearby public parking lot.
5. Recommended Post-Meal Course in Haebangchon
Make the most out of your trip with these nearby spots!
- Sinheung Market Cafes: Right after your meal, explore the vintage alleys of Sinheung Market. It is packed with trendy, hidden cafes perfect for a cup of coffee and some Instagram-worthy photos.
- Namsan Seoul Tower Walk: Haebangchon is located right below Namsan Mountain. Take a leisurely walk up the Sowol-ro path to digest your meal while enjoying the sunset and panoramic night views of Seoul.
📌 Editor's Note for Foodies in Seoul
If you are exploring the vintage alleys of Haebangchon's Sinheung Market, visiting Pad Kaprao is an absolute must. Run by a local Thai chef who starred in the hit Netflix show Culinary Class Wars (흑백요리사), this hidden gem serves the most authentic Pad Kaprao and Pad Thai in Seoul. Check out our easy public transit guide using the Yongsan 02 village bus to beat the steep hills and enjoy a perfect Namsan Seoul Tower walking course afterward!
