Top 5 Tteokbokki Restaurants in Seoul You Must Try for Authentic Korean Flavor

Experience the Best Tteokbokki in Seoul

When it comes to Korean street food, nothing beats a warm plate of tteokbokki — chewy rice cakes drenched in sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. In Seoul, you’ll find countless spots serving their own twist on this beloved dish. Whether you prefer the classic retro flavor or a modern spicy version, here are five tteokbokki restaurants in Seoul worth visiting.

1. Cheolgil Tteokbokki – Chungjeongno

Cheolgil Tteokbokki (철길떡볶이) in Chungjeongno is one of Seoul’s most nostalgic spots for tteokbokki lovers. As its name suggests (“railway tteokbokki”), it’s located near the train tracks and subway station, making it a convenient stop for both locals and travelers. The spicy yet slightly sweet sauce captures the true essence of traditional Seoul-style tteokbokki.

📍 Location:

Near Chungjeongno Station, Jung-gu, Seoul

⭐ Highlight:

Retro flavors, nostalgic vibe, and easy access from the subway

2. Byun Gang-soe Tteokbokki – Apgujeong

Byun Gang-soe Tteokbokki (변강쇠떡볶이) in Apgujeong is a celebrity favorite. Known as one of Seoul’s iconic “old-school” tteokbokki joints, it offers bold, spicy flavors that blend sweetness and heat perfectly. Even Korean entertainers have been spotted here, making it a famous spot among locals and visitors alike.

📍 Location:

Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

⭐ Highlight:

Celebrity-approved flavor and nostalgic Seoul-style sauce

3. Mapo Original Tteokbokki – Dohwa-dong

Mapo Original Tteokbokki (마포원조떡볶이) is a legendary tteokbokki house located at 3 Dohwa 2-gil, Mapo-gu. It operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., serving rich and flavorful tteokbokki that hasn’t changed for decades. Be sure not to confuse it with similarly named stores — this is the authentic one cherished by locals.

📍 Location:

3 Dohwa 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

⭐ Highlight:

Authentic Mapo flavor, long history, and consistent taste

4. Pungnyeon Ssal Nongsan – Samcheong-dong

Pungnyeon Ssal Nongsan (풍년쌀농산) in Samcheong-dong stands out for its unique take on rice-based tteokbokki. Using fresh rice cakes made from premium grains, the texture is softer and lighter than typical street tteokbokki. It’s a great spot for those who want to enjoy a more delicate and refined version of this Korean classic.

📍 Location:

Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

⭐ Highlight:

Unique rice-based tteokbokki and traditional Korean atmosphere

5. Apple House – Isu Station

Apple House (애플하우스) near Isu Station is one of Seoul’s top three legendary tteokbokki spots. It’s famously known as actor Jo In-sung’s go-to snack place. The combination of spicy-sweet tteokbokki, fried snacks, and the warm, cozy atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring Seoul’s comfort food scene.

📍 Location:

Near Isu Station, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

⭐ Highlight:

Celebrity favorite, one of Seoul’s top 3 tteokbokki spots, near the subway

Final Thoughts

Each of these five spots offers a different take on Seoul’s favorite comfort food. From nostalgic flavors to modern spicy kicks, tteokbokki in Seoul is more than just a snack — it’s a piece of local history. Whether you’re a foodie or a casual traveler, make sure to add these restaurants to your must-try list.