Embark on a culinary journey with our list of top 7 dining hotspots around Unseo Station (운서역), a favorite amongst locals and office workers for its rich, diverse selection of seafood, Korean dishes, and Western cuisine. This guide is part of our "Ultimate Guide to Unseo Station: Must-Try Activities and Experiences," designed to make your visit to Airport Town truly unforgettable. By clicking the links to the locations, you can access directions and further details on Naver Maps, simplifying your adventure. All these sought-after dining establishments are within an easy walking distance from Unseo Station, making it a breeze for you to savor a range of flavorsome experiences. Let's dive into the heart of Unseo Station's vibrant food scene and discover what makes it a culinary hotspot.
A word to the wise – the top three restaurants on our list are immensely popular. To enjoy a more relaxed dining experience, we recommend avoiding the weekday lunch peak times from 11:30 to 13:00. Now, let's dive into the heart of Unseo Station's vibrant food scene and discover what makes it a culinary hotspot.
Incheon is known for its fresh and diverse seafood, thanks to the mudflats widely distributed around the west and south coasts of Korea. These tidal flats, created by the accumulation of sediment over a long period of time, are home to 164 plant species and 687 animal species, including plankton. In particular, 47% of the world's endangered waterbirds use it as their main habitat. On July 26, 2021, the 'Korean tidal flat' was unanimously listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage by 21 countries. This rich natural environment allows you to taste various seafood, such as clams and octopus, at affordable prices and in their freshest state.
Tongyeong Seafood Earthen Pot's Unseo Branch is renowned for its delectable seafood hotpot, a treasure trove of abalone, squid, shrimp, and shellfish. This delicious soup is not only a culinary delight but also a perfect antidote for the hangover. Alongside the soup, the branch serves a host of appetizing side dishes that further enhance your dining experience.
Their menu primarily features the Spicy Seafood Hotpot (매운해물뚝배기-maeunhaeulttukbaegi) and the Clear Seafood Hotpot (맑은해물뚝배기-malkeunhaemulttukbaegi), both reasonably priced at 12,000won(around $9).
Each bowl of this seafood pot brims with the freshness and rich flavors of Korean seafood. As you savor it, you'll notice a yellow egg-like powder nestled at the bottom. With the deep flavors of squid and mussels already making their presence felt, this secret ingredient - speculated to be aged sea urchin - is believed to amplify the taste. The exact composition remains a well-guarded secret, adding an intriguing dimension to your meal.
For the best dining experience, follow these steps: Begin by cutting the squid into bite-sized pieces with scissors and separating the shells from the clam meat. Next, dip the bean sprouts and seafood (shellfish or squid) from the earthen pot into mustard sauce or red pepper paste. Before you start on the seafood, sample the soup with a spoon to appreciate the profound flavors of the broth. Finally, mix the rice into the soup for a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to delight your palate.
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Tio Wa Korean Sausage Soup's No.5 Branch is a beloved spot for locals craving for warm, soul-soothing meals. Their signature offering, the piping hot sundae soup (순대국, Sundaeguk), is coupled with stone pot-cooked rice, crunchy cabbage kimchi, and zingy radish kimchi, providing a wholesome and filling dining experience. This hearty dish, priced at 11,000won (around $8), has won the hearts of locals, reinforcing the popularity of Tio Wa, which now boasts five branches in Yeongjong-do alone.
The distinctive feature of this restaurant's sundaeguk is its absence of the typical porky smell. It is believed that the soup is prepared by simmering pork bones with a generous amount of vegetables, which might explain its clean, refreshing flavor and light consistency.
For the optimal dining experience, follow these steps: Once the Sundaeguk is served, enrich its flavor by adding at least a spoonful of perilla seed powder(들깨가루) from the seasoning container. This powder elevates the soup's light taste. If you prefer a spicy kick, add some red pepper paste sauce, and if the soup seems a tad bland, sprinkle some salted shrimp. The meat and sundae in the soup can be enjoyed as is, or you can dip them in a marinade mixed with perilla seed powder, red pepper paste seasoning, and salted shrimp for an added burst of flavor.
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Namdo Loach Soup is a restaurant specializing in Namdo-style chueotang(추어탕), serving an appetizing duo of fish oyster sauce and pork meat as accompaniments. Their star dish, chueotang(추어탕), is a traditional Korean soup prepared from freshwater loach. This nutrient-packed dish, celebrated for its healthful properties and sumptuous flavor, has gained the favor of both locals and tourists alike.
Historically, chueotang was made from loaches caught during the water drainage process post rice farming. It has been revered as a healthy food, sought out in hot summers or when needing a nourishing pick-me-up. Known for its unique taste and energy-boosting properties, chueotang is now available throughout the year. Typically, the loaches are ground to a paste, thus their original form isn't discernible in the soup.
To enjoy this dish to the fullest, consider the following tips: Adjust the flavor with perilla seed powder(들깨가루) and Cheongyang pepper to your preference. I personally enjoy a generous sprinkling of both, but be aware that adding perilla seed powder will intensify the soup's savory depth, making it a bit denser in texture. If you prefer a lighter, clearer broth, it's better to skip the perilla seed powder. For a spicy kick, don't hesitate to add Cheongyang pepper. Before the chueotang is served, you'll be treated to Bossam(보쌈), a delightful appetizer meant to be enjoyed before the soup. To experience the full flavor profile, try the oyster sauce served on the side over white rice; the combination is truly exquisite.
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Yakcho Maeul Youngjongdo Branch is a popular destination for samgyetang and duck soup. Samgyetang is a traditional Korean dish made from a whole young chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, jujubes, and other medicinal herbs, then simmered in a rich broth. This dish is believed to have health benefits and is especially popular during the hot summer months. The restaurant's samgyetang and duck soup are both flavorful and nourishing, making them a hit among locals and tourists alike.
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Myeongpumgwan Grilled Short Ribs is a culinary gem in Yeongjong-do, renowned for its mouth-watering beef ribs, galbitang, and bulgogi. Galbitang, a traditional Korean soup made from beef short ribs, and bulgogi, a dish of thinly sliced, marinated beef that's either grilled or stir-fried, are both deeply flavorful and cherished by Koreans for their succulent and savory appeal. This restaurant delivers an immersive experience of these treasured Korean delicacies, making it an essential stop for food connoisseurs.
Having the same age as the Incheon International Airport, Myeongpumgwan has been serving guests since the airport's inauguration. Thanks to its numerous private rooms, it has attracted numerous celebrities who have passed through the airport. And it's not just the main dishes that shine here; the side dishes are just as noteworthy, impressing with their cleanliness and flavorful taste.
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Ppalgan Geo Jjanggu’s Main Branch is renowned for its signature dish, stir-fried pork with octopus. This distinctive dish is crafted by introducing live octopus to stir-fried pork seasoned generously with red pepper powder. The dish's vibrant red hue, derived from the red pepper powder, lends it its name, "red" (빨간거-Ppalgangeo). The exquisite taste, combined with the spectacle of the cooking process, offers diners a truly memorable gastronomic experience.
This establishment began as a food stall during the airport's construction, preparing dishes with freshly caught octopus from the neighboring sea. With the airport's inauguration, the stall transformed into an official restaurant and has been in operation ever since. The taste of the food surpasses expectations. However, be forewarned, the spiciness can be intense, so those with a lower tolerance for heat should proceed with caution.
How to enjoy the meal: As the dish starts to simmer, the restaurant staff adds the octopus. Once the octopus is partially cooked, the waiter dissects the octopus, separating its legs from its body, making it ready for consumption. You can then enjoy the combination of octopus legs and pork. Pairing it with water kimchi is a good way to counterbalance the spicy kick. After you've savored some, and the octopus's head is sufficiently cooked, the server will return to slice off the head for your enjoyment. Lastly, if you request stir-fried rice, it will be prepared with the remaining sauce. Once the fried rice is served, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Instead, let it sit on the burner for about 3 minutes before indulging, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
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For those with a penchant for Western cuisine, Latium is your ideal destination. This enchanting restaurant serves an array of pizzas, pastas, and wines, promising a truly delightful dining experience. If you're in search of a cozy spot to indulge in high-quality food and wine, Latium is an indispensable stop on Unseo Station's gastronomic trail.
The food here, fundamentally, is phenomenal. However, the standout feature has to be their extensive wine selection. With a variety that caters to all palates, they offer wines at prices that will make you question if you're indeed in a restaurant - a testament to their exceptional value. If you're a wine connoisseur or just love to pair your meal with a good glass of wine, Latium is a must-visit.
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Chicken and beer, known as "chimaek" (치맥), is a beloved combination among locals. If you're looking to discover the top-rated locations based on public reviews, click the link for the dedicated article.
Link: Unseo Station's Ultimate Chicken Guide: Top Seasoned & Fried Picks
We have a dedicated article for what to do and where to stay around Incheon Airport and in downtown Incheon City. To see the related articles, click the link in the following.
Link: Maximizing Your Time Value: Discovering Incheon Airport's Hidden Gems
Link: Accommodation Options around Incheon Airport: A Comprehensive Guide
Link: Unveiling Incheon's True Essence: A Journey Through Songdo, Open Port Area, and Chinatown
Unseo Station, with its diverse dining options, is a culinary paradise that caters to every palate. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Korean dishes, fresh seafood, or Western cuisine, these seven dining hotspots offer a variety of flavors and experiences that are sure to delight. By exploring these popular establishments, you'll not only satisfy your taste buds but also gain a deeper understanding of the rich culinary culture in Airport Town. So, the next time you find yourself in Unseo Station, make sure to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the true essence of the local dining scene.
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