Many visitors to Seoul will probably have never heard of Kondae (건대) but I think it is one of the most fun areas in Seoul. You can take the Seoul Subway line 2 to get to the Konkuk University Station (건대입구). I love this area, when I think of Seoul with the flashy lights and tons of restaurants, pochas, and bars stacked on top of one another it’s Kondae. Kondae is a university area and more affordable than other areas that are known for partying. This area has the best pochas, and I have been to many of them, so I have tons of recommendations here. There is also a hip-hop club I love in Kondae.
There is big Chinese population in this area and a Lamb Skewers Street which is filled with lamb skewers, hot pot, malatang, and other Chinese restaurants. On the other side of the subway, there is Kondae Dining Street which offers loads of dining options as well as pochas, pubs, bars, and clubs.
Like my Seoul Nightlife Guide, I will include links to all restaurants, pochas, bars, and clubs on Google Maps, Naver, Instagram, or all three. I will also include a price idea $ (cheap) to $$$$ (expensive), location address, and directions. I’m sure you’re ready to see what I have in store so let’s get started!
Restaurants in Kondae
Hunchun Yangkochi (훈춘양꼬치)
You have not lived life until you have tried Chinese-style lamb skewers. I love this place so much I eat here once a month (sometimes more). You order two sets of ten lamb skewers that arrive to your table raw. The servers then place charcoal in a grill that is on your table. You then place each skewer into this contraption that rotates the lamb right in front of you until they are cooked perfectly. You are provided this amazing spicy seasoning that you can dip each lamb piece into once they are cooked.
The restaurant also provides you with free peanuts, zha cai (incredible mustard root), noodles, cucumbers, and dumplings. I’m telling you once you eat here you will wonder how you never knew it existed. I made an Instagram here which you can see above!
Price: $$$
Location: 38 Achasan-ro 34-gil, Gwangjin District, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Kondae Station [건대입구], on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 5
Jogsam Konkuk University Branch (조그삼돼지고기구이)
Time for some pork belly (samgyeopsal)! This place provides you with super juicy pork belly, kimchi, minari, seasoned fern, mushrooms, and a variety of sauces. After you place your order, the restaurant will prep your food and then place it on a large iron pan for it to cook. When they are not too busy they will cook it for you but if not you will have to do the cooking.
When the food is ready you grab a piece of kimchi then grab a piece of pork belly on top of it. You then have your choice of which sauce to dip the meat in and which vegetables to add to your mini wrap. Place that wrap in your mouth for an ultimate flavor explosion. Soju is an excellent pairing for this meal as well.
Price: $$
Location: 10-14 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin District, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Kondae Station [건대입구], on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 1
Kkomju (꼼주)
Now this is probably something you have never had before but trust me it is worth it. This restaurant’s main dish is seasoned hagfish. They’ll put hot charcoals on your table and then once the hagfish has been prepped they’ll put it on the grill along with chives, bean sprouts, radish, and some sauces.
To eat this, take a slice of radish, then take a piece of hagfish, dip it into the spicy sauce or mayonnaise, and then place it into the radish. You then add bean sprouts and chives to the top. This is also an incredible combo that pairs well with soju.
Price: $$
Location: 1st floor, 44 Achasan-ro 29-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Kondae Station [건대입구], on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 1
Songhua Shanxi Cut Noodles (송화산시도삭면 2호점)
Naver Maps First Location and Naver Maps Second Location
This place almost always has a wait but it is worth it. This restaurant has two locations so if the wait is long at one you can try the other. Both are included on the map above. Songhua Shanxi Cut Noodles is known for it’s knife-cut noodles in mala sauce which is a combination of Sichuan pepper and dried chili pepper. It is a bit spicy and can feel numbing so it may not be for everyone but if you can handle your spice then you will love it. They also offer dishes like fried eggplant and dim sum. If you are a fan of Chinese food then you will surely love this place.
Price: $$
Locations: 33 Achasan-ro 30-gil, Gwangjin District, Seoul, South Korea and 48 Ttukseom-ro 27-gil, Gwangjin District, Seoul
Directions: Go to Kondae Station [건대입구], on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 6
Bangi Shabu Shabu (방이샤브샤브칼국수)
If you like hot pot, you will love this Korean-style restaurant chain. There is a minimum order of two portions for the set which includes the hot pot with vegetables like minari, mushrooms, potatoes, and onions. You will also receive noodles and rice that is stir-fried at the end. This place also has some of my favorite kimchi. If you can handle a little bit of spice then you will surely love this place.
Price: $$
Location: 1st floor, 100 Dongil-ro 20-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Kondae Station [건대입구], on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 5
Pochas in Kondae
Ichiban Story Main Branch (이찌방이야기 본점)
This pocha offers a diverse range of delicious dishes perfect for pairing with soju or beer! I particularly enjoy their soft tofu stew. Ordering is done conveniently from a screen at your table, and you have the option to translate the menu into English, which simplifies the process. This feature isn’t always available, especially in Kondae, making it a plus for foreign visitors.
Price: $$
Location: 1st Floor, 57 Dongil-ro 22-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Konkuk University Station (건대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 1
Kolmok Korean Food (꼴목한식)
This is one of my favorite pochas because the food here is incredible. Check out the reel my girlfriend and I made of this pocha above! I love their pork rib stew here which pairs with soju perfectly. Every time you visit and place an order you receive a free chicken soup. A full chicken, for free!
Price: $$
Location: Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, Achasan-ro 25-gil 20, 1st floor
Directions: Go to Konkuk University Station (건대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 1
Jeju Sea Konkuk University Branch (제주바다 건대점)
This Jeju-themed pocha offers dishes from the island along with their signature soju. If you’re keen on sampling raw fish or experiencing Jeju cuisine, this is the spot to visit!
Price: $$
Location: 15, 1st Floor, Achasan-ro 33-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Konkuk University Station (건대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 2
Fire Night (불야성)
This pocha has amazing stir-fried spicy pork to pair with soju. The vibe is cool as well with strong red lights and fun Kpop music.
Price: $$
Location: 89, Dongil-ro 22-gil, 1st Floor Hwayang-dong 9-86 Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Konkuk University Station (건대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 1
Hootari Late Night Restaurant 심야식당 후타리
This is a nice Japanese pocha AKA as an izakaya. My girlfriend and I went with her dog because it is one of the few dog-friendly places. It turned out to have very nice food. If you want to get some yakisoba, grilled pork, or a Japanese stew with some sake or a highball then this is a great option!
Price: $$
Location: 32 Dongil-ro 22-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Konkuk University Station (건대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 1
Pubs in Kondae
Yeokjeon Grandma’s Beer (역전할머니맥주 )
This is my favorite location of the franchise pub, it is larger than other ones I have been to and like always has ice-cold beer, soju, and tasty snacks. If you’re curious about other pubs in Seoul, check out my complete guide on Seoul nightlife.
Price: $
Location: 1st Floor, 57 Dongil-ro 22-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Konkuk University Station (건대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 1
Bars in Kondae
Ellui Bistro (엘루이 비스트로요리주점)
This bar offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff and tasteful decor. The freshly prepared food served hot adds to the enjoyable experience, complemented by a good selection of drinks and desserts. While the drinks at this rooftop cocktail bar may not be exceptional, the ambiance and music make up for it. They feature a large screen showing music videos, and during the summer, it transforms into an open-air rooftop. Despite being covered in winter, the exciting music and delicious snacks make it a delightful spot to visit. I include many more bars in my complete guide on Seoul Nightlife.
Price: $$$
Location: 3rd Floor, 35 Achasan-ro 33-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Konkuk University Station (건대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 2
Clubs in Kondae
Kiki Hip Hop Lounge
My go-to Hip Hop club in Kondae! I love the vibe, music, and staff here. I always feel so welcomed when I come here and the DJs here are often very good. If you want to browse more clubs check out my guide on Seoul Nightlife.
Price: $$$
Location: Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, Achasan-ro 33-gil, 19 B1층
Directions: Go to Konkuk University Station (건대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 2
Kondae Final Thoughts
I go out in this area often so I will continue to update this list and add new spots as I discover them. If you want to learn more about me or follow my girlfriend and I’s Seoul adventures check out our Instagram account and give us a follow! If you think I missed any places or have any feedback, feel free to leave a comment below!
