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If you’ve walked through Yongsan Station recently, specifically near I'Park Mall, you’ve likely noticed a massive crowd gathered around a storefront decked in signature red and white checkers.
That is Five Guys, the American burger sensation that has taken Seoul by storm. Despite the spacious interior of the Yongsan branch, it remains packed almost every weekend, proving that the hype is here to stay.
Today, let’s explore why people are lining up for these burgers and how you can master the menu on your first visit.
๐ A Brief History of Five Guys
Five Guys was founded in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia, by Jerry Murrell and his sons. The name literally refers to the "five guys"—the brothers in the family. Their philosophy was simple: "Freshly made burgers and fries cooked in pure peanut oil."
They became a global phenomenon not by fancy marketing, but by word of mouth. They famously refuse to use freezers; every store only has coolers, ensuring that nothing is ever frozen. This commitment to freshness and the "no-frills" approach—serving everything in brown paper bags—created a cult following that eventually reached Korea.
๐ The Yongsan Experience: Always a Crowd!
The Yongsan branch is one of the most popular in the city because of its central location. Even though the store is quite large with plenty of seating, finding a table on a Saturday or Sunday can be a challenge.
- Tip: If you are visiting on a weekend, it is best to use the TableCheck reservation system or arrive early. Even with a queue, the line moves relatively fast as the staff is incredibly efficient.
๐ How to Order Like a Pro
Ordering at Five Guys can be intimidating for first-timers because of the "customization" aspect. Here is the breakdown:
- Pick Your Burger Size:
- Hamburger/Cheeseburger: These come with two beef patties.
- Little Hamburger/Little Cheeseburger: These come with one beef patty. (Don't let the name "Little" fool you; it's a standard-sized burger)
- The Toppings (Free!):
- You can choose from 15 different toppings. The best way to order is to say "All Toppings" (or "All the Way"). This includes the standard eight: Mayo, Lettuce, Pickles, Tomatoes, Grilled Onions, Grilled Mushrooms, Ketchup, and Mustard.
- You can choose from 15 different toppings. The best way to order is to say "All Toppings" (or "All the Way"). This includes the standard eight: Mayo, Lettuce, Pickles, Tomatoes, Grilled Onions, Grilled Mushrooms, Ketchup, and Mustard.
- The Fries: * They are cooked in 100% Peanut Oil. You can choose "Five Guys Style" (Salted) or "Cajun Style" (Spicy).
- Warning: The portions are huge. A "Little" fry is usually enough for two people!
๐ฅ The Famous Peanuts & Fresh Potatoes
One of the most iconic parts of the Five Guys experience is the free roasted peanuts. You can scoop them into small trays and snack on them while you wait for your burger. You’ll also see massive sacks of potatoes stacked around the store (as seen in the photos)—these aren't just for decor! They list exactly where the potatoes were harvested that day.
๐ฅค The Legendary Milkshakes
You cannot visit Five Guys without trying their Milkshake (₩8,900). Much like the burgers, you can mix and match different "mix-ins" for free.
- Popular Combos: Salted Caramel + Bacon (the ultimate sweet and salty mix), or Strawberry + Banana.
- Kovolution Tip: Don't forget that you can add Whipped Cream on top at no extra cost!
๐ Final Verdict
Five Guys Yongsan delivers an authentic American burger experience. It’s greasy, it’s heavy, and it’s incredibly satisfying. While the price point is higher than your average fast-food joint, the quality of the fresh, hand-formed patties and the unlimited customization make it a "must-try" at least once.
- Address: 4F, Yongsan I'Park Mall, 55 Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Google map/Naver map).
- Vibe: Loud, energetic, and classic American.
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