Yongridan-gil tteokbokki date with ramyeon and takeout: Hyeonseonine

Just go. Seriously, just go. You won't regret it!

How long is the mealtime wait at Hyeonseonine Yongsan Main Branch?

At mealtime Hyeonseonine Yongsan Main Branch (현선이네 용산본점) is packed even for two people, but tables turn over fast, so a seat opens up quickly. It's so famous that I'd wanted to go for ages, so my boyfriend and I went together. There were so many people that I was worried, T_T but we got a table fast, thank goodness. I wondered why everyone queues up for this place, and after the first bite I got it right away haha

Hyeonseonine Yongsan Main Branch: location, hours and parking

Hyeonseonine Yongsan Main Branch is at 2-13 Hangang-daero 39-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. It's open daily 11:00 to 24:00, with last order at 22:40. There's no dedicated parking lot; the nearby Bareum Gihoek parking lot is the closest.

From far away you can see a very tall yellow chimney with the name written big in English, so I found it right away even on my first visit. The exterior, with its cute red roof and yellow awning, feels retro and homey. String bulbs twinkle above the shop, so going in the evening made the mood even better. It's easy to reach, which makes it perfect for anyone hunting for a good place to eat in Yongsan.

Inside Hyeonseonine Yongsan Main Branch: atmosphere and self-service bar

The inside is spacious, yet the tables are completely full because there are so many customers. White walls and cozy lighting make it a comfortable place to eat.

One side of the restaurant has a very tidy self bar. Small plates, utensils, pickled radish and even fry powder are plentiful, so you can help yourself without feeling awkward, which is so convenient.

The staff were really kind too. Even while busy they greeted us with a smile, and I still remember that T_T

Instant or regular tteokbokki at Hyeonseonine: which to order?

You order at the kiosk in the restaurant, and there are plenty of set options, such as the Hyeonseon Combo Set, Hyeonseon Beer Set and Hyeonseon Set. We agonized over instant (cooked at the table) or regular, but I'd say if you come here, go instant, no question. You'll want fried rice afterward anyway, so a filling set is much better value than ordering single items haha

When our order arrived, the pot piled full made my mouth water right away.

The pot holds long rice cakes, fish cake, jjolmyeon (chewy wheat noodles) and eggs, a really generous spread, and yakimandu (pan-fried dumplings) come separately so they're easy to eat alongside.

Is the ramyeon noodle add-on worth it?

For the instant tteokbokki here, adding ramyeon noodles isn't optional, it's a must. Everyone seemed to add them, so we added one portion of Ottogi ramyeon noodles too. With such a filling set, the value is excellent even among Yongridan-gil restaurants T_T

I dropped in the ramyeon right as it started bubbling, let's go! Is adding the ramyeon optional? Nope. A must. Honestly the ramyeon is insane. Eat it, no matter what, no matter what.

...This is the review event bonus?? So generous, I love it.

How the mild instant tteokbokki at Hyeonseonine tastes

The rice cakes here are crazy soft and squishy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture I loved. We had the mild (not spicy) version, and the sauce was so rich in flavor that I think it would be delicious a little spicy too.

Tip: dip tteokbokki in plenty of self-bar tempura crumbs

Be sure to take fry powder from the self bar and dip generously. When the broth meets the fry powder it turns thick and super nutty, and it tastes like a totally different dish T_T

Fried rice to finish, then leftovers packed to go

Even the fried rice is so good. And the portion here, ugh... is absolutely insane. The two of us couldn't finish and took the rest home, enough to fill the big Yeopdduk (Yupdduk Tteokbokki) container we have at home haha

Is Hyeonseonine Yongsan Main Branch worth a return date?

Hyeonseonine Yongsan Main Branch reminded me again that famous places are famous for a reason. Soft rice cakes, sauce that clings to every bite, crazy value and portions: nothing was lacking at this Yongsan tteokbokki spot. My boyfriend and I ate until we were stuffed and enjoyed the fried rice too, so I was in a good mood all day hehe

The portions are so big we took leftovers home, so it would be great for a group of friends too. If I'm nearby, I'll definitely go again on my own dime. If you're looking for a hearty, tasty snack-food date, please stop by Hyeonseonine in Yongridan-gil.