Yeongdeungpo Korean restaurant family meal at Modam Urban

My aunt and uncle said they were treating me to a meal, so I went to Yeouido IFC Mall for a hearty meal for the first time in a while. If you are looking for a Korean restaurant in Yeouido where family can sit comfortably and chat, Modam Urban seems like a satisfying option.

Modam Urban is a modern Korean restaurant on L3 of Yeouido IFC Mall, making it easy to stop by after shopping or work. When you order a main dish, six appetizers come with it, and the minari bulgogi hot pot was a great fit for a family meal or gathering, with tender bulgogi and a clean-tasting broth to enjoy together. With convenient parking, high chairs, group seating, and private rooms, I would recommend it as a Korean restaurant gathering spot in Yeouido.

Modam Urban location and IFC Mall parking

I visited Modam Urban, located on L3 of IFC Mall at 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, near the IFC Mall Service Center in front of the escalator. I parked comfortably in the underground lot and took the elevator up to L3; since it is close to the elevator, it was easy to find even on a first visit.

Since it is inside IFC Mall, it is nice to pair a meal with shopping before or after, and it is convenient that you can get around indoors on rainy, hot, or cold days. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, then costs ₩1,000 per 10 minutes. Up to 5 hours of parking can be free depending on your meal total, so checking the parking support criteria for each spending amount before visiting will let you take your time more comfortably.

A calm space with private rooms and group seating

As soon as I entered, the overall atmosphere felt clean and modern. It was a space that presents traditional Korean food with a contemporary touch, so it did not feel overly formal or heavy; it was calm and comfortable for a meal. The tables were not packed too closely together, and I liked the seating arrangement for having a private conversation.

The private rooms and group seating can be used by groups of 6 to 20 people. It seemed well suited to meals with a group, such as a family birthday dinner, a meal with elders, a company dinner, or a gathering of friends. High chairs are available, the men's and women's restrooms are separate, and there is a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating as well as accessible parking, making it a good place for many people to visit together.

Six appetizers and minari bulgogi hot pot

I spent quite a while looking over the menu and deciding what to eat. There were many Korean dishes that looked delicious, but I chose the minari bulgogi hot pot, marked as a best menu item. I tend to order the signature dish at a restaurant I am visiting for the first time, and it turned out to be a very good choice.

After we ordered the main dish, six appetizers were set out first. Seeing the table neatly filled made me happy before the meal had even begun. They included vegetables and salads, which were nice for gently waking up the appetite before the hot pot, and the different flavors and textures meant there was no chance to get bored.

My aunt, uncle, and I all enjoyed them so much that the appetizers disappeared in no time. Rather than pushing bold flavors, they felt like they let the ingredients shine, so I thought they would also be easy to enjoy with parents or elders. Next time, I definitely want to try the spicy mushroom gangjeong, which is said to be popular for its pleasantly spicy flavor.

Next, the minari bulgogi hot pot arrived at the table piled high with minari (water celery). The staff boiled it right at our table, so we could eat it immediately while hot. Once it began bubbling away, the aroma of minari and bulgogi came together and really whetted my appetite.

The broth was not overly salty or strong; it had a mild yet deep flavor. The juices from the bulgogi had infused it nicely, making it great with rice, while the fragrant minari kept it delicious to the end without becoming rich or heavy. The bulgogi was tender enough that elders would be able to enjoy it comfortably too.

I ate the rice served alongside it with stir-fried kimchi, the remaining appetizers, and bulgogi, and a whole bowl of rice disappeared quickly. Rather than feeling like I was eating just one dish, it felt like enjoying a full table by combining the hot pot with various side dishes, which made it even more satisfying.

A hearty finish with udon noodles and dessert

I was already quite full, but the moment we added udon noodles to the hot-pot broth, another meal began. The udon noodles in the broth infused with bulgogi and minari flavor made for a hearty finishing dish. Being able to eat it warm until the end made it seem especially fitting for a chilly day or a relaxed family meal.

After the meal, a milky white square dessert came out too. It had a soft, milk-like flavor, and its tender yet pleasantly springy texture was memorable. After the filling hot pot and udon noodles, it was a dessert that refreshed the palate nicely, so I was happy with the finish as well.

Why I recommend it for family gatherings

If you want Korean set cuisine or neatly prepared Korean food in Yeouido, and want parking convenience, accessibility, a calm atmosphere, and a varied food lineup all in one place, I would recommend Modam Urban. Based on this visit, I give it 4.9 out of 5, and my desire to return is 250%. Next time, I would like to reserve a private room in advance and come back for a family gathering.

There are so many restaurant choices at Yeouido IFC Mall that it can be hard to decide where to go. What I especially liked about Modam Urban was being able to enjoy familiar Korean flavors in a neat, comfortable way. It is a good place to visit on a day when you want more than simply filling up—when you want to talk with family and leisurely enjoy a full table of varied dishes.