Tantanmen vs beef noodle soup at Surim Sikdang, a Hongdae ramen spot
Surim Sikdang Hongdae is a noodle and ramen restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, sitting closer to Sangsu Station than to the main Hongdae strip. Two diners shared tantanmen (spicy sesame noodle soup), beef noodle soup (uyuk-tangmyeon) and eggplant mandu (dumplings), and the eggplant mandu was the most memorable — crisp outside, juicy inside — while the tantanmen grew spicier with every bite. The beef noodle soup at Surim Sikdang Hongdae suits anyone who prefers a clean, light broth.