Seoul Korean restaurant at Express Bus Terminal: smoky bulgogi, Bapjangin

On Friday evening, I headed to the Express Bus Terminal to go home after work. After looking around Shinsegae Department Store, I was starting to get hungry, so I went to Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch (밥장인 고속터미널점). Since it is on B1 of Seoul Express Bus Terminal, it is really easy to reach before catching a bus or when you get hungry while shopping. I thought this might be helpful for anyone looking for a good restaurant near Express Bus Terminal Station :)

Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch location and hours

• Address: 20, B1, Seoul Express Bus Terminal, 194 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea (store no. 15, opposite Shinsegae Factory)
• Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00
• Last order: 21:10
• Takeout available / Naver reservations unavailable

It is within walking distance of Exit 1 at Express Bus Terminal Station, so it is convenient to plan into your route when looking for somewhere to eat around the terminal.

Friday-evening wait and restaurant atmosphere

I arrived after 8 p.m. on a Friday evening. There was no wait, but every seat was taken! Since it is a restaurant inside the terminal, I thought it would probably be even busier around 7 p.m. on weeknights. I also saw quite a few people dining alone, so it felt easy to visit solo.

Bapjangin Korean menu and what I ordered

Bapjangin's menu is full of dishes that Koreans generally love! It is a Korean restaurant mainly serving jjageuli (a thick, bubbling stew), bulgogi, stir-fried squid, and kimchi-jjigae (kimchi stew).

The three dishes I ordered

The three dishes were savory beef brisket sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew), ₩15,000; smoky stir-fried bulgogi, ₩14,000; and savory beef brisket gochujang-jjigae (red chili paste stew), ₩15,000. The side dishes were seasoned shredded seaweed, bean sprouts, kimchi, radish salad, and lettuce. I loved how neat the spread was and how it felt like a home-cooked meal!

The water jug was so unusual that I had to take a photo 🤣🤣

Smoky stir-fried bulgogi and beef brisket stews

The most memorable dish was definitely the smoky stir-fried bulgogi! The moment I put it in my mouth, that fire-grilled aroma hit me—I mean, it was enough to make my eyes go wide, haha. The smokiness and seasoning were spot-on, and even I, someone who does not usually like smoky flavors, enjoyed it so much.

Highly, highly recommended! 💗

The sundubu-jjigae and gochujang-jjigae also had beef brisket in them, so they had a real savory depth. I also liked that they came in ttukbaegi (earthenware bowls), which kept them warm to the very last bite. I tried both stews, and both were tastier than I expected, so I would want to order another stew next time.

Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch FAQs

Is there a wait on Friday evenings?

After 8 p.m. on Friday evening, I was seated right away without waiting. However, the restaurant was full, and I expect it to be busier around 7 p.m. on weeknights.

Is it okay for solo dining?

Yes, quite a few people were visiting alone, and there are single-person set meals, so you can eat comfortably.

Can I make a reservation or get takeout?

Naver reservations are not available, but takeout is available.

I recommend Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch to anyone looking for a good restaurant near Express Bus Terminal Station or a meal around the terminal, and to anyone who wants something filling before a bus ride or while shopping! I visit the Express Bus Terminal often, so I think I will be thinking of this place again next time :)