Pre-swim burger lunch near Ttukseom: sweet potato side at Reel Burger

A handmade burger spot near Ttukseom Han River Park

Before heading to the pool at Ttukseom Han River Park, you know how you run out of energy right away if you go swimming hungry, right? So I always eat something before going in, and this time I stopped by Reel Burger (릴버거), a handmade burger place. It's already well known and plenty of you have probably been, but it's such a good stop before the Ttukseom Han River pool that I'm properly introducing it again.

Where is Reel Burger, and is there parking?

Reel Burger is at 89 Jayanggangbyeon-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the 1st floor, a 2–3 minute walk from Exit 4 of Jayang Station. There's no parking support, so use a nearby public parking lot, or better yet, park at the Han River Park and walk over.

You just walk a little way down the alley behind the apartments, and it's in front of Simyang Middle School, so it's easy to find. It's also close to Ttukseom Han River Park and the Han River pool, so it's a handy place to eat and then move straight on. (Visit date: July 6, 2026)

There aren't many eye-catching shops around, which actually makes it easier to spot. The vintage exterior makes you think, "Yep, this must be it."

Is there a wait for lunch at Reel Burger?

Reel Burger is popular enough to have a wait at lunchtime, so if you arrive then you may have to register and wait. I went for a slightly late lunch and luckily got in right away.

Reel Burger interior and seating

Inside, Reel Burger feels quite classy and clean, nothing like the outside. It has a calm, slightly hotel-like feel!

The tables are spaced widely and there are plenty of 4-person tables, so it's good for visiting in a group too.

I've been to other branches too, and personally I think this Jayang Station one has the best atmosphere. One drawback: when there's a temperature difference with outside, the big glass windows fog up and you can't really see out.

Reel Burger menu: no sets, everything à la carte

The menu isn't huge; it's built around the key items like classic, cheese and spicy burgers. There are no sets, so you order everything à la carte. Instead, it feels like a handmade burger that sticks to the basics. Sides include sweet potato, onion rings and more, and I'd say get the sweet potato, no question!

This time I ordered a cheeseburger, a classic burger (with extra cheese), and sweet potato and onion rings as sides.

As you'd expect from a handmade burger place, they give you disposable gloves, plus pickles and sauces.

Honestly, though, the burger itself was so good that I didn't need much sauce.

How does the Reel Burger classic burger taste?

The Reel Burger classic burger is the real basic, the textbook of handmade burgers.

The ingredients are fresh and well balanced, a flavor almost anyone will like. If it's your first visit, I recommend the classic burger!

Extra-cheese cheeseburger: too rich?

I added extra cheese to the Reel Burger cheeseburger and it wasn't over the top at all. Honestly, I was worried it'd be too rich, but the patty holds the middle together.

It has a different charm from the classic, so if you like cheese, you'll be satisfied.

Onion rings or sweet potato: which side to order?

Onion rings: tasty, but one per table

In a word, the Reel Burger onion rings are tasty but you can't eat many. People are divided on them, so I ordered them out of curiosity.

They're like sweet fried snacks, so after 2–3 you get a little tired of them! I'd recommend one order per table.

Sweet potato: my favorite side

Please do order the Reel Burger sweet potato. It's my favorite side.

It's great instead of fries, with a bit of a mattang (candied sweet potato) feel, sweet but not heavy. I'd come back just for this!

Is Reel Burger worth it before the Han River pool?

Reel Burger is a handmade burger spot that's perfect for a meal before Ttukseom Han River Park or the Han River pool. It's close, the taste is above basic, so it feels already proven, and takeout is available, so it's also good for eating by the river.

It's simple but very satisfying, and I can happily recommend it. If you want to fill up before swimming, stop by!