Cheonho Station izakaya Hootari Rion is located in a quiet alley near the station and stands out with its bright red sign.
The restaurant has two floors, offering more seating space and a comfortable dining experience.

With its clean exterior and cozy atmosphere, it’s a great place for both casual drinks and dates.

Earl Grey Highball & Yebisu Draft Beer

Cheonho Station izakaya Hootari Rion offers a great selection of drinks, including Earl Grey highball and Yebisu draft beer.
The highball is smooth with a light tea aroma and not overly sweet, making it easy to drink.

The Yebisu beer is crisp, slightly nutty, and very refreshing. A perfect combination to enjoy with izakaya dishes.

Beef Tantan Nabe (Rich and Flavorful)

Cheonho Station izakaya Hootari Rion is known for its beef tantan nabe. The broth is rich, slightly spicy, and has a nutty flavor similar to a peanut-based soup.

As it continues to boil, the flavor becomes deeper and more intense, making it even more satisfying. A must-try dish for late-night dining.

Fresh Assorted Sashimi

Cheonho Station izakaya Hootari Rion serves a fresh assortment of sashimi with a variety of fish.
The texture is chewy and clean, and each piece tastes fresh and well-prepared. A great choice if you want to enjoy different types of sashimi in one plate.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries with Honey Butter

Cheonho Station izakaya Hootari Rion offers crispy sweet potato fries served with a rich honey butter sauce.
The fries are lightly crunchy on the outside and soft inside, pairing perfectly with the sweet and creamy dip. A simple side dish but highly addictive.

🧾 Final thoughts

📍 Address : 53, Cheonhodae-ro 159-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea (1F, 2F)
🗺 Google Maps
🍽 Menu : Beef tantan nabe (26,000 KRW / ~$19), Assorted sashimi (35,000 KRW / ~$26),
Sweet potato fries (11,000 KRW / ~$8), Earl Grey highball (8,000 KRW / ~$6)
💵 Price : Around 20–30 USD per person
🕒 Hours : 17:00–02:00 / Fri–Sat 17:00–03:00
📸 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/hootari_rion/

Cheonho Station izakaya Purple serves refreshing pickled tomatoes that are lightly sweet and citrusy.
If you enjoy tomatoes, this simple dish becomes surprisingly addictive. It’s a perfect starter to open your appetite.

Motsunabe with Rich Broth (Highly Recommended)

Cheonho Station izakaya Purple offers a rich and flavorful motsunabe made with beef intestines.
The broth tastes similar to beef bone soup but has a slightly spicy kick. With plenty of vegetables like chives and onions, it feels both hearty and balanced.

Premium Beef Tartare & Sashimi Platter

Cheonho Station izakaya Purple serves high-quality beef tartare and sashimi made from premium Korean beef.
The texture is soft and fresh, and the combination offers different flavors in one plate. A great choice if you want something special with drinks.

Earl Grey Highball (Easy to Drink)

Cheonho Station izakaya Purple’s Earl Grey highball is smooth and not overly sweet.
You can still taste the alcohol slightly, but it’s easy to drink even if you’re not used to strong drinks. A perfect pairing with savory dishes.

Birthday Cake Allowed (Great for Celebrations)

Cheonho Station izakaya Purple allows outside cakes, making it a great place for small celebrations.
You can enjoy your meal and finish with your own dessert, which adds a personal touch to the experience. Perfect for birthdays or special occasions.

🧾 Final thoughts

📍 Address : 47, Cheonhodae-ro 159-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🗺 Google Maps
🍽 Menu : Beef tartare & sashimi set (33,000 KRW / ~$25), Motsunabe (32,000 KRW / ~$24)
💵 Price : Around 20–30 USD per person
🕒 Hours : Closed Sundays / 17:00–01:00 / Fri–Sat 17:00–02:00
📸 Instagram : N/A

Konkuk University yakitori restaurant Yakitori Naruto has a simple and warm exterior that matches the cozy izakaya-style atmosphere.
The lighting stands out at night, making it easy to find while walking around the Konkuk University area.

It gives a welcoming first impression for a casual meal or late-night visit.

🍢 Yakitori Omakase Skewers

At this Konkuk University yakitori restaurant, the skewers are served fresh with a juicy and slightly crispy texture that makes each bite satisfying.
The tsukune, shrimp bacon skewer, and other grilled items have a rich flavor, and the seasoning is well-balanced without being too heavy.

It’s a great place to enjoy a variety of yakitori dishes with drinks in a casual izakaya-style setting.

🍲 Motsunabe Hot Pot

Konkuk University yakitori restaurant Yakitori Naruto offers a warm and comforting motsunabe served in a small pot. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the portion is enough to share, especially as a side dish.

It’s a great addition to the meal if you want something warm and savory.

🍹 Refreshing Highball Drinks

Konkuk University yakitori restaurant Yakitori Naruto serves refreshing highball drinks that pair well with grilled skewers. The drink has a subtle aromatic flavor that helps balance out the richness of the food.

It’s a great option for a light and clean finish during your meal.

🍮 Creamy Pudding Dessert

Konkuk University yakitori restaurant Yakitori Naruto also offers a pudding dessert that stands out for its soft and creamy texture.
The sweetness is well-balanced, making it easy to enjoy even after a full meal.

It’s a must-try item, especially if you enjoy light and smooth desserts.

🧾 Final thoughts

📍 Address : Yakitori Naruto, 1F, 24 Achasan-ro 33-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
🗺 Google Maps
🍽 Menu : Yakitori Omakase (3, 5, 7 skewers), Tsukune, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Cartilage Skewers, Motsunabe, Highball, Pudding
💵 Price : Omakase 3 Skewers ₩12,800 ($9–10), Motsunabe ₩12,800 ($9–10)
🕒 Hours : Mon–Thu 18:00–24:00 / Fri 17:00–01:00 / Sat 16:00–01:00
📸 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yakitori_naruto/

After work, I visited Euljiro Izakaya Konbu, a cozy Japanese restaurant known for its kombu-based dishes. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, making it a comfortable spot to relax after a long day. Konbu focuses on rich yet balanced flavors, especially its broth-based menu. One thing to keep in mind before visiting: lunch is available on weekdays only until 3 PM, while weekends and public holidays operate at dinner prices all day.
I ordered Vongole Shoyu Ramen, Napolitan Spaghetti, and Bacon Katsu with Cheese, and every dish paired surprisingly well, making the wait worthwhile.

Vongole Shoyu Ramen with Kombu & Clam Broth

This Vongole Shoyu Ramen is based on a double broth made with kombu and clams, giving it a clean yet deeply savory flavor. The soup tastes slightly salty and refreshing, with a natural seafood aroma that feels comforting rather than overpowering.
At first sip, the broth feels rich and oily, but it never becomes heavy or greasy.
The clams add a subtle briny sweetness, balancing the soy-based seasoning and making the ramen easy to enjoy until the very last spoonful.
Each ingredient blends smoothly, creating a light yet satisfying bowl.
If you enjoy seafood-forward ramen with a clear and well-balanced broth, this dish is one of the best choices at Euljiro Izakaya Konbu.

Noko Napolitan Spaghetti (Japanese-Style Ketchup Pasta)

The Noko Napolitan Spaghetti represents classic Japanese Western-style comfort food. Made with a tomato ketchup-based sauce, it has a rich and nostalgic flavor that feels familiar yet unique, especially if it’s your first time trying Napolitan pasta. Instead of being overly tangy, the sauce leans slightly sweet and mellow, coating the thick noodles evenly. The egg yolk placed on top adds extra richness, while the overall taste remains balanced and satisfying.
Compared to the seafood-forward ramen, this pasta feels hearty and comforting without overpowering the palate. Paired with the Vongole Shoyu Ramen, the sweetness of the Napolitan spaghetti creates a nice contrast, making it a surprisingly good combination at Euljiro Izakaya Konbu.

Bacon Katsu with Cheese (Limited Menu Item)

The Bacon Katsu with Cheese is a dish that may no longer be available on the current menu,
but it was one of the most memorable items during my visit to Euljiro Izakaya Konbu.

Crispy on the outside and filled with layers of bacon and melted cheese, the katsu was rich and satisfying without feeling too heavy.
The cheese stretched beautifully with every bite, while the bacon added a salty depth that paired well with the crunchy coating.
What made this dish especially unique was the unexpected pairing with strawberry jam, which was served on the side as a limited option.
Surprisingly, the sweetness of the jam worked well with the savory katsu, adding a playful contrast that made the dish even more enjoyable.
Even if it’s no longer on the menu, this bacon katsu perfectly represents Konbu’s creative approach to Japanese comfort food.

Best Spot for a Second Round in Euljiro

If you’re looking for a more filling Korean meal before visiting Konbu, I recommend Sonjeong Bossam, a popular bossam restaurant located about 14 minutes on foot from here. It’s a great choice when you’re craving a hearty and comforting Korean dish.
After a satisfying meal, Euljiro Izakaya Konbu makes an excellent second-round spot for drinks and lighter dishes. Its cozy atmosphere and kombu-based menu are perfect for slowing down the night and enjoying a relaxed izakaya experience.
👉 Related post: https://0ddungs.kr/best-jongno-bossam-restaurant-sonjeong-bossam/

🧾 Final thoughts

📍 Address : Konbu, 1F, 42-19 Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
🗺 Google Maps
🍽 Menu : Vongole Shoyu Ramen, Noko Napolitan Spaghetti, Bacon Katsu with Cheese (limited)
💵 Price : Mid-range izakaya pricing (dinner-focused)
📸 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/konbu_i
📅 Reservation : https://app.catchtable.co.kr/ct/shop/konbu_uljiro