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The origin of tteokbokki dates back to the Joseon period, but the actual recipe of the most well-known spicy version made with a red chili paste (gochujang) was developed in the wake of wartime in Korea. Anyone who spent their youth in Korea at the time must have a story about their favorite tteokbokki place where they often hung out after school.

Large-scale franchises of tteokbokki restaurants offering various flavors have also emerged to satisfy different preferences and dietary needs, but old-school snack (bunsik) bars are still many people’s go-to choice. Oraegage Tteokbokki Road is a recommended course, particularly for those who wish to try out traditional tteokbokki in the middle of Gangnam.

All-time favorite in the '70s & '80s

Manna Bunsik

Opened in 1974 and survived through decades of regional development, Manna Bunsik is one of long-standing shops in Eunma Shopping Mall frequented by people who grew up in the area. Their most-ordered menu items are tteokbokki and fritters.

Tteokbokki is typically categorized into bunsik, or instant food, depending on the cooking method, and Manna Bunsik’s tteokbokki is one of the most traditional and popular bunsiks, which is constantly cooked in a large pan and sold in portions upon order. The taste and thickness of tteokbokki may vary depending on the time you visit the restaurant.

Manna Bunsik’s tteokbokki is on the watery side and has a mild and sweet flavor. The owner started the business as she had to become the breadwinner when her husband fell ill. The most important aspect of running the business for the owner is selecting good, domestic ingredients as her management philosophy is to provide healthy and safe food for all. While extremely spicy or mouth-numbing flavor tteokbokki is a recent craze for many, Manna Bunsik still sticks to the original flavor many seek after.

Since the business has been running in the exact same spot for over three decades, kids who used to come buy tteokbokki with pocket money have now grown up bring their own children. Some who studied or stayed abroad for years also pay a visit as soon as they come back to Korea just to taste their old-school favorite snack. Despite being located in Gangnam, the most expensive area in Seoul, the price is relatively cheap. The owner has no plan of raising the price amid inflation woes, as she believes that food security and accessibility should not be a problem for anyone in today’s society.

• ○Address: 212, Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Eunma Shopping Mall A-63)

Traditional market in below ground

Eunma Shopping Mall

Around 60% of the luxury real estate market in Korea is concentrated in Gangnam, but the Eunma Apartment Complex and Eunma Shopping Mall were originally established for people in the low-income bracket. Eunma Shopping Mall, where Manna Bunsik is located, is an underground market first built in 1978, selling affordable items to residents living nearby.

In addition to Manna Bunsik, Eunma Shopping Mall is home to a butcher shop and other small shops selling fruits, rice cake, liquor, and other popular snack bars selling tteokbokki.  Alteration shops and stores selling daily necessities can also be spotted. 

Witness nostalgic moments as you walk through narrow alleys between shops where local residents and students huddle around for a quick chat or snack. 

• ○Address: 212, Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Best place for retail therapy in Seoul

Gangnam Underground Shopping Center

Gangnam Underground Shopping Center connected directly to Gangnam Station on subway line 2 and the Shinbundang Line. It's a contrast from Gangnam-daero where an array of high-rise buildings line up on both sides. There are hundreds of small shops selling clothing, shoes, jewelry, and other beauty items, as well as bakeries, cafés, and restaurants to keep you busy and full all-day long.  

Don’t forget to check out snack bars selling tteokbokki, gimbap, and other snack menu items whenever you need to refuel your energy. A meeting place near exit 9 has benches to rest and lockers for keeping your belongings or luggage.

• ○Address: B396, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Keeping to tradition

Apple House

Established since 1987, Apple House sells the instant tteokbokki where the ingredients are cooked in a pot on a portable cooktop right on the table. The option to make your own food that has long been commonplace in other types of restaurants can be experienced at Apple House.

Their tteokbokki boasts a sweet yet savory taste, backed by an intense chili flavor. As one of three most popular tteokbokki restaurants in Seoul, the unique and addictive essence has been keeping their customers coming back. 

Originally starting as a food stall in the Banpo area, their growing popularity has enabled the owners to grow their businessso as to accommodate large groups of guests. The current location near Isu Station is another spot to appreciate urban landscape in Seoul. 
What is most noticeable about Apple House is that their flavor has not changed over the years. The owners find it rewarding that loyal patrons keep coming back for the same taste and experience since the restaurant first opened.

Their most popular menu items are instant tteokbokki, seasoned dumplings, and stir-fried sundae.

• ○Address: 2F, 29, Dongjak-daero 27da-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

• ○Operating hours: 10:30 - 21:00 (last order 20:30)
  

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