Mom-and-son burger date in Jongno: Cajun fries at Reel Burger

What is Reel Burger Gwanghwamun?

Reel Burger Gwanghwamun is a new handmade burger hotspot in Jongno. I was out in Seoul for the first time in a while, so I set off on a must-try food tour, and since I love handmade burgers, Reel Burger was my pick.

The moment you step in, the smell of patties grilling gets your appetite going, and when the burgers arrive, you'll gasp at how generous they look.

Where is Reel Burger Gwanghwamun, and where can you park?

Reel Burger Gwanghwamun is on the ground floor of the Shilla Stay building. Sadly there's no parking support, but there is a paid parking lot right across the street.

I expected a long wait, but luckily I heard weekday lunchtime is busier than weekends. I checked Catch Table before going in, and you could really feel how popular it is.

Is Reel Burger Gwanghwamun kid-friendly? Atmosphere and seating

The dining hall at Reel Burger Gwanghwamun has about 6–8 tables for two or four, and with baby tableware on hand, it was easy to come with a little one. The staff were so kind I wondered if they were actual angels.

Even the pickles are house-made! The interior also had a way hipper vibe than I expected?! There are hygiene gloves too, so even though it's a Gwanghwamun handmade burger spot, it looked easy to eat at. Every corner showed thoughtfulness, and you can pick your menu by QR code.

Let's have lots more dates with Mommy, my love

What we ordered at Reel Burger Gwanghwamun

This time at Reel Burger Gwanghwamun we ordered the cheeseburger, classic burger, El Taco burger, Cajun fries and maple sweet potato fries!! Burgers and sides filled the tray, so it looks satisfying from the first glance, right?

Getting to taste such a variety made the meal even more satisfying.

Classic burger: a crowd-pleasing basic

The Reel Burger classic burger lets the ingredients speak rather than fancy toppings. Crisp lettuce and tomato, a juicy patty and the special sauce blend naturally, so it was easy and light to enjoy!!

Every ingredient was fresh, so I could finish it cleanly to the last bite, and it's the kind of taste anyone would like.

The El Taco burger is a visual explosion too.

If you love handmade burgers, Reel Burger is a must.. I really recommend trying the cheeseburger and El Taco burger together with the Cajun fries and maple sweet potato fries.

Cheeseburger: not too salty, so my son loved it

The Reel Burger cheeseburger had a thick beef patty and plenty of melted cheese between a golden-grilled bun, and it made my mouth water just looking at it.

The moment you bite in, the juices spread, and the savory cheese wraps the patty for a seriously rich flavor. The saltiness of the cheese and the savoriness of the meat blend so well that you really taste a burger that sticks to the basics. Maybe because it's surprisingly not too salty, my kid ate it well too.

El Taco burger: the standout of the meal

The most memorable item at Reel Burger Gwanghwamun was the El Taco burger. It feels like it packs the charm of a burger and a taco together, and the spicy yet savory sauce really perks up your appetite.

Crunchy veggies and generous toppings made the texture varied too, and it isn't greasy, so you keep reaching for more. The moderate spice isn't harsh but still has an addictive flavor, haha. And the onion rings, lol, on a whole different level of thickness!

Maple sweet potato fries: a sweet-and-salty side like dessert

Maple sweet potato fries!! They have a different charm from regular fries. Long-cut sweet potato fried crisp, topped with sweet maple syrup, so a sweet and nutty flavor fills your mouth (T_T)

Highly recommend! They reminded me of the sweet potato snacks I ate on a trip to Japan. The sweet potato stayed crisp outside and moist inside, and the gentle sweetness works like dessert. Eating them after a salty burger, the sweet-and-salty combo was really great.

Cajun fries: too spicy for a child? My son ate them happily

My kid ate the Reel Burger Cajun fries really well too. The thick-cut potatoes were fried crisp, crunchy outside and moist inside.

The Cajun seasoning is evenly coated, salty with pepper in it, so you don't tire of them even after eating a lot, lol. I worried they'd be spicy, but my son ate them well, haha. With a burger, they go really well together.

Is Reel Burger Gwanghwamun worth a return visit?

Reel Burger, the Gwanghwamun handmade burger spot, stands out for the quality of its patties and moist buns and its fresh ingredients!! Each burger has a distinct personality so you can enjoy them by taste, and the sides are as well made as the mains, so it was a satisfying meal, haha.

It's a place I'd want to revisit for a hearty meal, or whenever I crave a proper handmade burger.