[Seoul Food Guide] YujaYu: Ultimate Tteokbokki Experience
Hey food lovers! Jay Kim here, your dedicated Seoul Food Guide creator and local storyteller. After exploring Seoul’s food scene for over a decade, I’m excited to introduce you to a true tteokbokki gem: Yuja Yu. This place has grown from a single shop to become one of Seoul’s most beloved tteokbokki chains, and there’s a delicious story behind it all.
Seoul Food Guide: Why YujaYu Stands Out
When friends ask me for Seoul Food Guide recommendations, Yuja Yu always tops my list. Since 1998, they’ve been revolutionizing traditional tteokbokki near Korea University in Anam-dong. What started as a humble street food spot has blossomed into three successful locations across Seoul, each with its own unique charm.
The YujaYu Story
Remember when tteokbokki was just about being spicy? Yuja Yu changed the game by introducing their signature kimchi-based recipe and those uniquely sliced rice cakes. Add their famous yuja drinks to the mix, and you’ve got something special that’s kept people coming back for 25 years.
Seoul Food Guide: Three Locations, One Amazing Taste
Main Branch (본점) – The Original
The one that started it all:
- Address: 48, Goryeo-daero 24-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
- Near Korea University (Anam area)
- Open: 10:30 AM – 03:00 AM
- Best for: Authentic experience and original vibes
Daehangno Branch (대학로점) – Theater District Hub
Perfect for culture lovers:
- Located in Seoul’s vibrant theater district
- Open: 10:30 AM – 22:30 PM
- Distance from station: 3.4km
- Best for: Pre-theater dinner and tourist-friendly atmosphere
Sinchon Branch (신촌점) – Late Night Haven
University students’ favorite:
- In the heart of energetic Sinchon
- Open: 10:30 AM – 02:10 AM
- Distance from station: 9.2km
- Best for: Late-night cravings and young crowd vibes
Pro tip: While all branches serve the same legendary recipes, I recommend the main branch for first-timers – it’s where the magic began!
Seoul Food Guide: The Menu Deep-Dive
Signature Dishes
- Classic Kimchi Tteokbokki (₩13,500)
- Their revolutionary original
- Thin-sliced rice cakes (different from traditional style!)
- Perfect balance of spicy and tangy
- Enough for 2-3 people
- Chicken Pizza Kimchi Tteokbokki (₩25,500)
- Best-seller at all locations
- Crispy chicken + melted cheese + signature sauce
- Perfect for first-timers
- Instagram-worthy presentation
- Pizza Kimchi Tteokbokki (₩21,500)
- Cheese lover’s dream
- Great introduction to Korean fusion
- Popular with international visitors
Must-Try Sides
Every Seoul Food Guide needs complete meal recommendations:
- Crispy Additions
- Squid tempura (my personal favorite!)
- Mixed tempura platter
- Crispy chicken (half or full portion)
- Comfort Sides
- Egg rolls (perfect spice balance)
- Steamed eggs
- Various tempura options
The Famous Yuja Drinks
What makes this Seoul Food Guide special:
- Yuja Soju (7% alcohol)
- Yuja Makgeolli (rice wine)
Both perfectly crafted to complement their spicy dishes!
Seoul Food Guide Pro Tips
How to Order Like a Local
- Choose Your Location
- Main Branch: For the authentic experience
- Daehangno: If you’re exploring the theater district
- Sinchon: For late-night adventures
- Perfect Combinations
- For 2-3 people: Chicken Pizza Kimchi Tteokbokki + Mixed Tempura + Yuja Soju
- For 3-4 people: Add egg rolls and extra rice
- Solo travelers: Regular Kimchi Tteokbokki (still sharable!)
- Spice Level Guide
- Level 1: First-timer friendly
- Level 2: Standard Korean spicy
- Level 3: Spice enthusiasts only!
The Secret “Rice Mix” Finale
Here’s a special Seoul Food Guide secret: save some sauce! When you’re almost finished:
- Order rice (“bap” in Korean)
- Mix with leftover sauce
- Add seaweed flakes
- Experience pure comfort food bliss
Practical Information
What to Expect
- Clean, modern interiors at all locations
- USB charging ports available
- English menu available (just ask!)
- All major credit cards accepted
- No reservations needed (except Sinchon branch)
Best Times to Visit
- Main Branch: Avoid 12-1 PM, 6-7:30 PM
- Daehangno: Before theater shows (5-6 PM best)
- Sinchon: Late evening for best atmosphere
Beyond Tteokbokki: Area Guides
Around Each Location
- Main Branch (Anam): Explore Korea University area
- Daehangno: Theater district, cafes, shopping
- Sinchon: University vibes, shopping streets
Seoul Food Guide: Final Thoughts
Each Yuja Yu location offers something special while maintaining their legendary tteokbokki quality. After countless visits across all three locations, here’s my verdict:
Ratings (Out of 5):
- Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (consistent across all locations)
- Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (each location has its charm)
- Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Essential Information:
- Phone: +82 2-928-7754 (Main Branch)
- Instagram: @yujayutteokbokki
- Payment: Cash, credit cards, mobile payments accepted
Stay tuned for more entries in our Seoul Food Guide series! If you visit any Yuja Yu location, share your experience using #SeoulFoodGuide and tag @seoulsnapshots – I’d love to know which branch you visited and what you thought!
Next up in our Seoul Food Guide series: Traditional Korean Food spots you can’t miss!