Goblin Udon (Dokkaebi Udon)
I recently visited Goblin Udon, a freshly made udon restaurant in Bukgajwa-dong, Seoul, highly recommended by Korean comedian and YouTuber, Jung Jong-cheol, also known as “Okdongja.”
This place operates late into the night, making it an excellent stop for a comforting bowl of udon after a night out. However, it’s quite popular, so there’s often a waiting line. To avoid the crowd, we aimed for an early visit and arrived shortly after opening at 5 PM. Luckily, we found seating, but by the time we finished, more people were already arriving.
Parking Information
The building has space for about four cars, but two spots were already taken when we arrived. If parking is unavailable, you might need to find street parking in the back alleys or head to a nearby paid parking lot. Since udon is a quick meal, some customers opt for temporary roadside parking in front of the restaurant.
Address: 250, Jeungga-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Bukgajwa-dong 330-18)
Phone: +82-2-307-9909
Hours: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM (Last Order: 2:30 AM, Closed on Sundays)
Menu
(Spicy) Fresh Udon – 7,000 KRW
(Spicy) Fish Cake Udon – 8,000 KRW
(Spicy) Fish Cake (1 serving) – 7,000 KRW
The menu is straightforward with just three items, so we decided to try them all. Water and side dishes are self-serve, and payment is required in advance.
The interior can accommodate around 20 diners at a time. Since the noodles are freshly made and cooked to order, food takes a bit of time to be served. If you visit during peak hours, expect some waiting due to the limited space and prep time.
Taste and Experience
The broth leans toward the spicy side, so if you’re sensitive to heat, you can ask the staff to exclude the spicy sauce when ordering. For spice lovers, the sauce is available at the self-serve station for extra kick.
I understand why Okdongja recommended this place. The freshly made noodles are delightfully chewy and springy, making each bite a treat. The broth is flavorful, light, and refreshing, though it can taste a bit salty if you drink too much of it. We also ordered the fish cake, which was a perfect addition, leaving us fully satisfied.
If you’re looking for a comforting meal with authentic flavors, Goblin Udon is worth a visit. Don’t forget to plan your timing to avoid the wait and enjoy the unique experience of freshly made udon noodles.
Do you want to know more about unique places to eat in Korea? Share your thoughts or recommend your favorite spots in the comments! 😊