Isu Station pho restaurant for an after-work group dinner: Bangbaedong
In short
Bangbaedong Ssalguksu Isu Branch is a pho restaurant on Dongjak-daero 25-gil in Dongjak, Seoul, near Isu Station. After work, a group of friends shared combo pho, beef brisket pho, spicy beef brisket pho, seafood fried rice and 4 pieces of cha gio (Vietnamese fried spring rolls), with free rice from the self-serve bar to add to the broth. With a rich broth free of any gamey smell and free rice, Bangbaedong Ssalguksu Isu Branch is a great-value pick for a filling group meal.
Good to know
- Address
- 1F, 50 Dongjak-daero 25-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
- Hours
- Daily 11:00–22:00
- Last order
- 21:00
- What we ordered
- Combo pho, beef brisket pho, spicy beef brisket pho, seafood fried rice, cha gio (4 pieces)
- Features
- Group seating, takeout, Wi-Fi, unlimited free rice
as written by the visitor on Aug 10, 2026
On the way home from work not long ago, my friends and I were craving something hot and rich, so we headed toward Isu Station. We'd heard there was a pho spot that nailed both value and taste, so we went to check it out — Bangbaedong Ssalguksu Isu Branch, located on Dongjak-daero in Dongjak-gu! From the cozy interior to the generous menu and a tip you absolutely shouldn't miss, here's the full rundown!
What's the vibe at Bangbaedong Ssalguksu Isu Branch? Very Vietnam
Bangbaedong Ssalguksu Isu Branch is known as a go-to pho spot near Isu Station, and the exterior already has a hip, vintage feel! (Right as you open the door, there are chairs set up for waiting customers too!)
Stepping inside, there were tasteful posters and cute little decor pieces scattered around, fun to look at. The tables were spaced out neatly and the interior was kept clean, making it perfect for a date spot or a hangout with friends.
Free rice at the self-serve bar
The self-serve bar corner in particular made me admire the owner's generosity — Bangbaedong Ssalguksu Isu Branch gives out rice for free, which is basically heaven for anyone who loves mixing rice into their broth. (I always grab extra rice, no question.)
What our group ordered — combo, brisket, spicy, seafood fried rice, cha gio
Since there were quite a few of us that day, we went all out with the ordering. Combo pho, brisket pho, spicy brisket pho, seafood fried rice, and, of course, cha gio (4p) as a side — we really packed the table.
Brisket pho & combo pho
The broth of the brisket pho and combo pho is genuinely the real deal. You can taste that deep flavor of long-simmered broth, clean with zero off-taste yet still substantial — perfect for curing a hangover and just as great for dinner.
The brisket was piled on generously, so it was fun picking it up together with the noodles.
Spicy brisket pho
If you love a spicy, punchy broth, the spicy brisket pho is a must-try. It's not just heat — there's a savory kick that hits the tip of your tongue, and one bite instantly cleared my head. (Seriously top-tier looks and taste 🤤) Mouth watering yet?
Seafood fried rice comes with broth on the side
The seafood fried rice had nicely fluffy, well-fried grains loaded with all kinds of seafood, so the texture was really varied. A little squeeze of the lemon on top brought out a fresh zing, making it the perfect thing to alternate with the pho.
Ordering the fried rice also gets you a side of broth, and having it hot alongside the rice was a great combo!
Cha gio (4p)
The cha gio (4p) — fried spring rolls — were the textbook definition of crispy outside, juicy meat-packed inside. Absolutely guilty as charged if you skip this side!
The filling in the cha gio was packed full, and eating it alongside the pho was the best!
After finishing everything — proof we cleaned our plates!!
Today's verdict: pho is actually good here!
Honestly, I used to think all pho tasted the same, but Bangbaedong Ssalguksu Isu Branch put care into everything from the broth to the sides.
I fell for the deep, rich broth with zero off-taste, and with the generous portions plus free rice service, I was impressed the whole meal through.
If you're looking for a lunch spot near Isu Station, want a hearty bowl of broth with a drink in the evening, or you're searching for great pho around Sadang or Bangbae-dong, Bangbaedong Ssalguksu Isu Branch is a choice you absolutely won't regret. I'm 200% planning to go back!
Bangbaedong Ssalguksu Isu Branch store info
- Address: 50 Dongjak-daero 25-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 1F
- Hours: Daily 11:00 - 22:00
- Last order: 21:00
- Features: Group seating, takeout available, free Wi-Fi, unlimited free rice 🍚
Where it is
50 Dongjak-daero 25-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea서울특별시 동작구 동작대로25길 50 1층
