[FOOD COURT] Four essential restaurants near Myongji University

Myongji University's Social Science Campus is a few minutes' walk away from the busy Shinchon neighborhood in Seodaemun District, western Seoul.

Souffle pancakes at Pongshin [PONGSHIN]

Myongji University's Social Science Campus is a few minutes' walk away from the busy Shinchon neighborhood in Seodaemun District, western Seoul.

Although it's located closer to the quiet residential neighborhood of Seodaemun District, the restaurants near the school are not to be missed.

The dishes served at these restaurants are relatively cheaper and bigger in portion as the restaurant owners there have the advantage of cheaper rent compared to in Sinchon. It's also a great place to go if you enjoy a little bit more calm and tranquil environment, rather than the bustling shopping districts nearby.

If you happen to visit Myongji University and need to find a restaurant to have a satisfying meal, here are some recommendations by the Korea JoongAng Daily.

Baega Bossam

Baega Bossam's bossam jeongsik, or steamed pork meal [LEE TAE-HEE]

Korean restaurants are known to serve a lot of side dishes, and Baega Bossam is just that restaurant. The restaurant sells bossam, or steamed pork, as the name suggests, but that's not the only dish you get.

When ordering bossam jeongsik, or a bossam meal, for 9,000 won ($6.80), customers will get more sides such as macaroni, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), muksabal (cold bowl of acorn jelly) and a type of warm, hearty soup that changes every day. Customers visiting between Sunday and Tuesday will get the sundubu jjigae (spicy soft tofu stew), kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) for those visiting on Wednesday and Thursday and seafood doenjang jjigae (fermented soy bean soup) for customers coming in on Friday and Saturday. Must-have side dishes such as kimchi and vegetables to have with the pork are also included.

The bossam meal comes with a plate of tender and soft steamed pork. Those who want a bit more pork can order the ttek bossam, meaning bigger in size, for 12,000 won.

33-4, Geobukgol-ro, Seodaemun District, western SeoulBusiness hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.02-372-8254

Katatsumuri

Noodles at Katatsumuri [LEE TAE-HEE]

Walking along the streets near Myongji University's back gate, some may encounter a long line forming in front of a small hardware store. Although the store's sign reads "Daewoo Electronics" and looks nothing like a noodlery, it's one of the hidden gems near the university.

The restaurant is most known for its thick but extremely chewy noodles due to the restaurant owners kneading a new batch every day. Customers are given various options for the noodles and broth temperature, which closely influences the texture of the noodles. Ordering warm broth and noodles soaked in warm water, customers will get noodles with a bit more smooth and softer texture. Ordering a dish with cold broth and noodles soaked in cold water will give it the utmost chewy texture.

The broth is infused with anchovy and dried kelp, which is light in body but full of savory flavor. Extra toppings such as grilled pork, fried tofu and soft-boiled eggs can be added for a price between 1,500 to 2,500 won.

The restaurant can be a tricky one to visit, as it only opens from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and can close early if it runs out of ingredients that day. There's usually a line of around 10 people even before it opens at 11 a.m., but the noodles are worth waiting for.

72, Myongjidae-gil, Seodaemun District, western Seoul, Business hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Has flexible business days. Days it open are announced on the restaurant's Facebook page)http://facebook.com/katatsumuriudong

Pongshin

The marron cream souffle pancake at Pongshin [PONGSHIN]

Located near Myongji University's main gate, Pongshin is a cafe with amazing souffle pancakes.

Although the classic souffle pancake is topped with whipped cream or just drizzled with syrup, the cafe offers a wider variety of toppings. One of them is the marron souffle pancake, with heaps of marron-flavored cream poured on top. The pancake is very jiggly and fluffy, with the cream seeping into the bread and adding to the sweet taste. The cacao caramel souffle is another dish for sweet tooths, with cacao powder sifted on the pancake and finished with caramel drizzle and a small caramel cube put on top. The cafe also offers seasonal varieties such as melon and peach souffle pancakes when they are in season.

Apart from the delightful desserts, the cafe is a great place for students looking for a place to study. There are two small rooms at the cafe that customers can reserve and use. The cafe has a rooftop area for the customers to enjoy and is a great place to visit when the weather is nice.

31-1, Geobukgol-ro, Seodaemun District, western SeoulBusiness hours: 11:40 a.m. to 9 p.m.02-304-5097

Nekono Kitchen

Nekono Kitchen's tuna futomaki [NEKONO KITCHEN]

Opening at 5 p.m., Nekono Kitchen is a restaurant that many Myongji University students and nearby residents like to go to for dinner or even a pint of beer.

One of its best-selling dishes is the tuna futomaki, or fat rolled sushi, popular for the huge amount of tuna inside it. The rice that goes in the sushi rolls are seasoned with a sweet but slightly vinegary soy sauce, adding to the flavor.

Another popular dish is the motsu nabe, or stew with beef offals. Generous toppings are a running theme at the restaurant, with pork belly, chicken meatballs, mushrooms and various vegetables served in a hot pot. Although some motsu nabe tend to be served with miso broth that's not spicy, the restaurant's comes in a spicy broth. It can be a bit difficult for those who can't handle spice, but it is a good pairing with the fatty meats and offals that comes with the dish.

One unique thing about the restaurant is that it's filled with cat decorations. This is why it gets the name Nekono, with neko in Japanese meaning cat, from. Ranging from cat posters, cat plushies and cat illustrations drawn on the menu, the restaurant is full of cute cat decorations that visitors can enjoy.

33-4, Geobukgol-ro, Seodaemun District, western SeoulBusiness hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. 0507-1333-1157

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]