Bun cha and shrimp fried rice at a Seogwipo pho spot: Pho Bay Seohong

On a day out enjoying Seogwipo, we got hungry and went looking for something my 5-year-old Migang and I could share easily. Family dining with a little one is about more than just taste — parking and the vibe of the place matter a lot too. Right from the entrance, the huge parking lot here put me in a good mood.

Even though we arrived around 2pm, a bit past lunch rush, the place was still pretty full — I thought, "we found the right spot!" Let me share our visit to Pho Bay Seogwipo Seohong-jeom, already beloved by many as a go-to pho restaurant and Vietnamese restaurant in Seogwipo!

Parking and the room at Pho Bay Seogwipo Seohong-jeom: a big lot and a 'mind-at-ease store'

Pho Bay Seogwipo Seohong-jeom has generous parking in front of and beside the store, plus more space just over the wall next door — so parking here is completely stress-free.

Step inside and you're greeted by lush, exotic greenery paired with mood-setting orange lighting.

There are plenty of sofa-back tables great for families, so you can dine comfortably even with a young child.

One thing that really stood out was a sign posted on the wall: a notice for a 'Maum Pyeonhan Gage' (mind-at-ease store) — a place where families with developmentally disabled members can dine without worry. At most restaurants you might feel self-conscious, so seeing a place openly state this message was genuinely heartwarming.

What's at the self-service station, and is there a kids' menu?

The self-service zone at Pho Bay Seogwipo Seohong-jeom was neatly stocked with side dishes, baby spoons, scissors, and a ladle.

Hot tea is served by default, and the water dispenser with cups is set up in the self-service zone. Sipping warm tea before and after eating really helped settle my stomach and made digestion feel easier.

From light appetizers like pho, fried rice with noodles, cha gio (Vietnamese spring rolls), and summer rolls, to main specialties like banh mi & bun cha, gochujang-style crispy chicken, and chili shrimp — there were so many menu options it was hard to choose.

There's also a dedicated kids' menu — a kids' pork cutlet (₩8,900) — so there's nothing to worry about even if Vietnamese food is unfamiliar to your little one.

Honest verdict on beef pho (M), banh mi & bun cha and shrimp fried rice

We ordered beef pho (M), banh mi & bun cha, and shrimp fried rice.

The sauce containers set on the table were kept nice and clean, and the taste felt a bit different from store-bought sauces — it was delicious.

Beef pho (M): rich broth that still tastes clean

We ordered the M size and were shocked by the bowl size and the sheer amount of food!

Eating tip: bean sprouts, onion, and chili peppers come served separately. Dropping all the bean sprouts into the hot broth right away wilts them nicely.

Taste review: the noodles were thin and soft, and the broth was deep and rich yet not overly exotic-smelling, so it was clean enough to please just about anyone. Add chili sauce or hoisin sauce to taste for even more flavor.

Banh mi & bun cha: smoky grilled pork with nuoc mam sauce

The cha gio that came with the bun cha was so crispy, with a hint of spice at the finish — I fell for it at first bite. The meat had rich smoky flavor woven through it, delicious even on its own.

Best combo: stuffing the crispy banh mi baguette with plenty of smoky meat and vegetables, then dipping it in the umami-packed nuoc mam sauce, was an absolute delicacy! The sauce itself was so good that just dunking the noodles and meat in it was tasty enough.

Shrimp fried rice: the dish we'd have regretted skipping

We debated ordering another rice dish and finally went for it — and it would have been a huge mistake to skip it. Savory with deep umami, this fried rice won over not just 5-year-old Migang but adult tastebuds too.

Would I come back? A regular spot if you live in Seogwipo

Generous portions, deep flavor, and a warm atmosphere considerate of children — it was pretty much perfect. The food isn't overly strong or spicy but clean and mild, making it a great choice for family dining. If I lived nearby, I think I'd end up coming here all the time.