Yongsan tteokbokki with jjolmyeon and photo-review slushie

I'm writing a review of Hyeonseonine, the Yongsan tteokbokki spot I've been going to for over 5 years! I was a devoted regular back when it was still a food cart, so the taste is guaranteed. Even writing this post right now, I'm craving it so bad.

What kind of place is Hyeonseonine Yongsan Main Branch

If you go to Yongsan often, there's no way you don't know Hyeonseonine tteokbokki. Back in its food-cart days, the prices were really cheap too. It was the perfect second-round spot after drinking!

They also sell alcohol, so more people than you'd think come in for a daytime beer! This time I had tickets booked for a movie called Odyssey afterward, so I boldly skipped the drinks. Next time I'll definitely eat with a drink in hand!

Location, hours, and parking

• 📌 Location | 2-13 Hangang-daero 39-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (180m from Sinyongsan Station Exit 6)
• ⏰ Hours | Mon–Sun 11:00–24:00 (last order 22:40)
• 🚘 Parking | No parking on-site; you'll need to use Bareum Planning Parking Lot (paid)
• ❗️Tip | Good for groups, kids' chairs available

Spacious inside, and there's even a baby chair

The inside is bigger than you'd expect, so it's great for group gatherings. And there's a baby chair ready too. You can adjust the spice level, so it's really nice to visit with kids who can eat tteokbokki. A lot of people come in groups at lunchtime.

Ordering instant tteokbokki for two and fried rice

We ordered Hyeonseonine's instant tteokbokki for two, plus fried rice. They set everything up right after we ordered, which saved time and was great.

They thoughtfully served the yakimandu (fried dumplings) separately. Personally I think they taste amazing when you dip them.

Sprinkling fried batter flakes into the fish cake broth like this is the best! The batter flakes and pickled radish are unlimited refill at the self-serve bar, so enjoy as much as you want.

How spicy is the medium spice level

The delicious instant tteokbokki starts bubbling away. It's a tteokbokki with a shallow, concentrated broth, and we ordered the medium spice level, which is the most popular. Medium spice is just a bit hotter than Shin Ramyun, for reference :) My partner and I, both weak to spice, found it a little hot, but it's the kind of spiciness that makes you feel good while eating.

Heat-control tips for the best instant tteokbokki

• Turn the heat down from level 9 to level 4 once it's boiling, then switch to the warm setting when you're eating
• For the fried rice, stir-fry vigorously on level 3, then lower it to the warm setting

Instant tteokbokki and fried rice burn quickly, so just stir well and you're fine! Also, if you leave a Naver photo review on Naver Place, you can get a cool slushie or a tteokbokki size-up! Make sure to leave a review and grab the perk.

Hyeonseonine's instant tteokbokki, loaded with jjolmyeon

Hyeonseonine's instant tteokbokki has so much jjolmyeon (chewy noodles) in it, which I love! I'm normally a ramyeon-noodle person, but sometimes I crave those chewy jjolmyeon noodles. Personally I think jjolmyeon is essential for instant tteokbokki.

There's even chewy rice cake and egg in there. A perfect protein boost too.

A cool, spicy broth — one sip and you feel like it cures a hangover.

The yakimandu tastes even better dipped. Great that they gave a whopping 4 pieces.

Finishing with fried rice

Of course, as Koreans, we finish with fried rice! Stir-frying the fried rice properly to the end made it feel like a truly complete meal, and I was happy. Hyeonseonine's instant tteokbokki, which I've visited regularly for over 5 years now! If you're looking for a great tteokbokki spot in Yongsan, definitely visit Hyeonseonine.