Yongsan ramen bar for solo dining: Menya Seoul

A filling solo ramen meal after an appointment near Yongsan Station

I had an appointment near Yongsan Station recently, and afterward I found myself looking for a restaurant where I could have a filling meal alone.

I found a place that seemed perfect for an easy solo lunch when hunger struck during a shopping trip, so I went in. Its introduction about making your day shine with a warm bowl of ramen caught my eye, and I think I ended up having an even more satisfying meal than expected.

Where to find Menya Seoul Yongsan I'Park Mall Branch

The ramen restaurant I visited at Yongsan I'Park Mall this time was Menya Seoul Yongsan I'Park Mall Branch, on the seventh floor in Taste Park. True to its line about carefully making ramen delicious enough to eat every day, it was a place for a high-quality meal.

Head all the way up to the seventh floor and you will find a restaurant street packed with options. It can be a little confusing at first because there are so many places, but it is near the central escalator on the Living Park side of the seventh floor, so keep that in mind and you should find it quickly.

The first signature menu, topped with dongpo pork

I was craving a hot, comforting broth today, so I ordered the first signature menu. I was even more excited to hear that its broth is flavored with 25 ingredients and comes with ajitama, a seasoned ramen egg marinated in a special sauce for 48 hours.

For solo visitors like me, the bar seats are well set up, so it felt like a comfortable place to eat alone without feeling self-conscious. My order arrived, and it looked amazing right away. It was my first time having ramen topped with dongpo pork! 😆

Instead of the usual thin slices of meat, it came with a whole, thick and generously sized piece of dongpo pork. The bite was absolutely incredible. It was an excellent bowl that lived up to Menya Seoul's reputation as a standout ramen spot at Yongsan I'Park Mall.

The deeply infused, rich meat broth was clean rather than overpowering, which naturally made me think it was an excellent lunch option. The noodles were chewy, and the generous seaweed and bean sprouts added more texture, so I enjoyed every bite.

Kelp vinegar and spicy sauce in the remaining broth

After enjoying the original broth properly, I added a few drops of the kelp vinegar and spicy sauce set out on the table when about a third was left, mixed them in, and wow—the signature umami of Menya Seoul really burst out.

The flavor of the broth changed slightly, bringing out a pleasantly spicy note, and with a piece of dongpo pork, I could finish every last drop without it feeling greasy. If you prefer a cleaner flavor, I recommend the kelp vinegar!

There were also two pieces of jambon as well as the dongpo pork, so I could enjoy the noodles and meat together in great balance until the very end!

Lunch between shopping and train travel

Because it is inside such an accessible shopping mall, getting around before or after the meal was so easy. It seems like a perfect choice for anyone who wants to sort out lunch quickly but satisfyingly before catching a train or in the middle of shopping.

Rather than ordinary chashu, it was piled high with soft dongpo pork that practically melted in my mouth, so I think anyone who loves a hearty meat topping will be completely satisfied. It was the perfect Yongsan I'Park Mall ramen spot for enjoying a filling solo meal with quality food.

On my next visit to Menya Seoul, I definitely want to try the whole pork belly mazesoba, which is said to have an appealing mala mixed sauce. It is a ramen spot at Yongsan I'Park Mall where I can fully enjoy a new side of dongpo pork dishes each time I visit, so I think I will be back often.