# Itaewon ramen dinner with plum sawa and extra chashu: Okagura Ramen

- By Suhyeon L. (https://superchart.com/en/@seoul-extra-chair/)
- Written Sep 17, 2026
- Local places › Restaurants › Yongsan, Seoul
- Sponsored: This post was written after a sponsored visit to the restaurant.
- English edition: https://superchart.com/en/@seoul-extra-chair/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/
- Also in: [한국어](https://superchart.com/ko/@seoul-extra-chair/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/index.md)

## In short

Okagura Ramen is a tonkotsu ramen restaurant with house-made noodles, a 10-minute walk from Itaewon Station Exit 4 in Yongsan, Seoul. Over dinner with a close friend, the writer ordered tonkotsu ramen, umakara tonkotsu at spice level 2 and bite-size gyoza, with extra chashu and extra beansprouts, plus a plum sawa (umesawa) — the rich broth and the tart-sweet sawa were an especially good match, and rice is free. For an evening when you want deep tonkotsu broth and a drink alongside it, Okagura Ramen fits.

## Good to know

- **Hours**: 11:20 AM – 9:30 PM
- **Last order**: Lunch 3:00 PM / Dinner 9:00 PM
- **Break time**: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- **Getting there**: 10-minute walk from Itaewon Station Exit 4; 4-minute walk from the Yongsan-gu Office / Itaewon Market bus stop
- **Seating**: Bar seats for solo diners, tables for four
- **What we ordered**: Tonkotsu ramen, umakara tonkotsu (spice level 2), bite-size gyoza, plum sawa / extra chashu, extra beansprouts
- **Rice**: Free (0 won)
- **Noodles**: Made in-house
- **Ordering**: Toss QR menu
- **Parking**: No lot of its own; Yongsan-gu Office parking 1,000 won for the first 30 minutes, 250 won per extra 5 minutes, 50% off the first 2 hours once a day on weekends

*as written by the visitor on Sep 17, 2026*

My close friend and I were trying to decide what to eat for dinner in Itaewon and ended up craving rich ramen, so we headed to Okagura Ramen.

## Where Okagura Ramen is and when it opens

Okagura Ramen is a 10-minute walk from Itaewon Station Exit 4, and just 4 minutes from the Yongsan-gu Office/Itaewon Market bus stop. It's open from 11:20 AM to 9:30 PM, with lunch last order at 3:00 PM, break time from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, and dinner last order at 9:00 PM.

As soon as we walked in, the owner greeted us warmly and showed us to our seats right away — a great first impression at this Itaewon ramen spot.

![Interior view of Okagura Ramen](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-01-1mb58-900.webp)

## Seats at Okagura Ramen for solo diners and for two

Looking around, there's a bar table that's great for solo dining,

as well as 4-person tables for groups, so it looked comfortable whether you're coming alone, as a couple, with friends, or with family.

![Bar table seating good for solo dining](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-02-nnmif-900.webp)

The overall vibe is cozy and relaxed, so it seemed like a solid pick for anyone looking for a ramen restaurant for a Yongsan date.

![Cozy 4-person table seating](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-03-sq7md-900.webp)

And apparently they make their own noodles in-house!!

![Corner of the restaurant with a self-made-noodle sign](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-04-17an6-900.webp)

![In-store posting about the self-made noodles](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-05-bp4vh-900.webp)

## Table setting and asking for danmuji (pickled radish) and ginger

Warm oolong tea and plenty of sauces on the table — so there's a table guide.

![Warm oolong tea and sauces on the table](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-06-9ugup-900.webp)

![Guide for how to use the table sauces](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-07-d1smv-900.webp)

![Pickled radish side dish with ginger](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-08-tnf3p-900.webp)

The pickled radish comes with ginger mixed in, so if you can't eat ginger, just call a staff member and they'll bring you a batch without it~^^

Scan the Toss QR code and the menu pops up~

![Okagura Ramen menu opened via Toss QR](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-09-y28xj-900.webp)

It's organized by category, so it's easy to choose~

![Mobile menu screen organized by category](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-10-1tt5r-900.webp)

Ramen varieties and gyoza

![List of ramen types and gyoza menu](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-11-1bv89-900.webp)

![Detail screen for ramen and gyoza menu](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-12-cg67j-900.webp)

Info on extra noodles, rice, and toppings.

![Menu for extra noodles, rice, and toppings](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-13-49hdm-900.webp)

![Menu screen for additional topping options](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-14-1ezri-900.webp)

Drink and alcohol menu info.

![Drink and alcohol menu information](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-15-hp3bg-900.webp)

## What we ordered: tonkotsu ramen, umakara tonkotsu, bite-size gyoza, plum sawa

Ramen you can customize to your taste ~ we ordered umakara tonkotsu, tonkotsu ramen, bite-size gyoza (gyoza dumplings), and umeshu sawa.

![Ramen table setting ordered with extra chashu and extra beansprouts](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-16-1mkno-900.webp)

My friend and I both added extra chashu and extra beansprouts, so we ordered a really generous spread. If you're looking for an Itaewon Station ramen spot, you'll enjoy putting together a bowl exactly to your taste here.

![Two bowls of ramen and gyoza set on the table](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-17-w6zjd-900.webp)

## How were the tonkotsu broth and the chashu?

Tonkotsu ramen

![A bowl of tonkotsu ramen topped with chashu and beansprouts](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-18-4lr2p-900.webp)

### Deep, rich tonkotsu broth

Once the ramen arrived, I went straight for the broth first — and from the very first sip, the rich, savory flavor hit immediately. The distinct heaviness of tonkotsu came through fully, but the aftertaste stayed clean, so I kept going back for more spoonfuls.

The ingredients felt fresh, and the umami of the broth itself really came through — one sip in, I could tell this was the real deal. Since we ordered extra beansprouts, the crunchy texture added even more to the bowl.

The oolong tea that comes standard was great too. Taking a sip between bites of the rich ramen refreshed my palate in a way that paired really well with the ramen.

### Melt-in-the-mouth chashu

We both added chashu, and it was so good we were glad we did. It was really soft and tender — one bite in and we both let out a little gasp of appreciation.

Noodles soaked in the rich tonkotsu broth topped with a piece of chashu — the flavor of the meat, the umami of the broth, and the crunch of the beansprouts all at once — the combination was fantastic.

![Noodles and chashu lifted together with chopsticks](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-19-rjl9z-966.webp)

## How spicy is umakara tonkotsu at level 2?

Umakara tonkotsu, perfect for a hangover. While looking at the menu, my friend spotted a line that said

> 'Especially good for a hangover'

and immediately ordered umakara tonkotsu at spice level 2. After tasting it, she said the spice level was about like Shin Ramyun, so I tried a sip of the broth too. The spiciness blended well with the tonkotsu broth and actually deepened the umami. Rather than a style where spice or saltiness overpowers everything, the heat flowed naturally alongside the savory tonkotsu richness, so the overall balance was really good.

If you like a spicy, punchy broth, umakara tonkotsu would suit you well.

## House-made bite-size gyoza

The bite-size gyoza we ordered as a side is also worth recommending. These are handmade in-house, with a crispy lacy edge paired with juicy dumpling filling — the texture contrast was fun.

![Handmade bite-size gyoza with a crispy lacy edge](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-20-c4ljy-900.webp)

Breaking off the crispy part and eating it together with the gyoza, dipped in the chili oil sauce with kelp vinegar, was a great combo. I also tried dipping the gyoza lightly into the ramen broth, and the rich broth soaking in gave it a whole different flavor. If you love broth, definitely try this method too~~^^

## Pairing Okagura Ramen with plum sawa

And there's one more thing I have to mention alongside the ramen at Okagura Ramen — the umeshu sawa. That day I chose to drink umeshu sawa. Think of it like a premium plum wine kind of feel. One sip in, a bright, sweet flavor came up pleasantly, and it paired surprisingly well with the rich ramen.

A sip of tonkotsu broth, a bite of noodles and chashu, then a sip of umeshu sawa — the bright, sweet flavor reset my palate nicely each time. If you want to pair a drink with your ramen, I'd definitely recommend the umeshu sawa combo.

![A glass of umeshu sawa served alongside the ramen](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-21-10std-900.webp)

![Table with umeshu sawa and ramen](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-22-105wp-900.webp)

Here's the origin information for the ingredients~

![Origin information sign at Okagura Ramen](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-23-5oyw8-1200.webp)

## A proper dinner with a close friend

Rich, deep broth, tender chashu, and noodles and toppings you can customize to your taste — this was a genuinely satisfying Itaewon ramen restaurant. Tonkotsu ramen brought savory depth, while umakara tonkotsu added a spicy kick of umami — each had its own distinct appeal.

### Adding the free bowl of rice

One thing that caught my eye on the menu was that the rice is free! The ramen alone is filling enough, but if you want to enjoy the broth down to the last drop, mixing the leftover broth with rice makes for a great finish.

It's great for solo dining and just as good for a meal with a friend or partner, so it could work well as a Yongsan date restaurant too. If you're in Itaewon craving rich tonkotsu ramen, give Okagura Ramen a try as your go-to Itaewon Station ramen spot. Next time I'd love to try other menu items paired with more sawa.

![A drawing gifted by a friend](https://img.superchart.com/images/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing/okagura-ramen-itaewon-umeshu-sour-pairing-24-14ddj-966.webp)
*A drawing my friend gave me~ sneaking this in too^^*

It was such a delicious meal that I even want to show you the drawing my friend made for me.

## Parking near Okagura Ramen in Itaewon

There's no parking lot at Okagura Ramen. Please use the nearby Yongsan-gu Office parking lot.

- ₩1,000 for the first 30 minutes
- ₩250 per additional 5 minutes
- 50% off the first 2 hours, once per day on weekends

## Where it is

- Okagura Ramen (오카구라 라멘)
- 26 Itaewon-ro 14-gil, 1st Floor, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- 서울특별시 용산구 이태원로14길 26 1층
- 37.533201, 126.9908598
- Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/%EC%98%A4%EC%B9%B4%EA%B5%AC%EB%9D%BC%20%EB%9D%BC%EB%A9%98/@37.533201,126.9908598,17z

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