Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant Choi Ramen serves rich 14-hour tonkotsu broth, tender diced chashu, and affordable Japanese ramen just 10 minutes from Dongdaemun Station. A must-visit ramen spot in Seoul.
If you love Japanese ramen, you know it is one of those foods that quietly becomes a craving on repeat. Once you get hooked, you start planning visits around it. Some people even go on full ramen pilgrimages, lining up at certified hotspots the moment an influencer posts about them.
I personally have a soft spot for tonkotsu ramen, so whenever I hear about a good one, I visit without hesitation. That is exactly how I discovered Choi Ramen, a true Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant gem that I somehow overlooked despite passing the area many times.
After finally visiting, I understood immediately why it is considered one of the best ramen spots near Dongdaemun Station. The broth is deeply rich, the chashu is unforgettable, and the price-to-quality ratio is outstanding.
Overview of Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant Choi Ramen
Location & Accessibility
290-2 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
About 10 minutes on foot from Dongdaemun Station Exit 10
Closest bus stop: Heunginjimun Station (Routes 102, 107, 301, 7025)
Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant sits near Heunginjimun Gate and the Naksan Fortress Wall trail, making it a perfect stop during a date walk or sightseeing route. Because of its location in a tourist-friendly area, both locals and international visitors frequently line up here.
If you are driving, nearby paid parking lots such as Yard-in Building or Dongdaemun General Market parking are recommended. Guests who mention parking at these facilities may receive a complimentary soda.
Hours
Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Last Order 8:30 PM
Break Time 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Timing is important. Unless you arrive right at opening, there will likely be a line outside. Fortunately, table turnover is fast, and the owner kindly takes orders in advance while guests are waiting. This means that once you sit down, your ramen arrives quickly.
Interior & Atmosphere of Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant Choi Ramen
The space is compact, which makes the popularity even more impressive.
- 2 four-person tables
- 2 two-person tables
- 4 counter seats
That is the entire dining area.
The walls are covered in artwork drawn by customers over time, creating a unique, almost nostalgic Japanese vibe. The small, efficient layout adds to the authenticity. It feels intimate and lively rather than cramped.
We were seated at the counter, where you can see ingredients prepared behind the scenes: thick slices of chashu soaking in rich broth and fresh bean sprouts ready to be stir-fried. Watching the kitchen work only builds anticipation.
One thoughtful detail: if you are still hungry after finishing your ramen, rice is provided free of charge. In a time when prices keep rising everywhere, this small gesture feels generous and rare.
Menu Overview at Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant Choi Ramen
The menu is displayed outside for those waiting, available in both Korean and English to accommodate international guests.
There are four main ramen options, along with rice bowls for those who prefer something different. Most items are priced around the 10,000 KRW range, which feels like exceptional value considering the quality.
We each ordered a ramen and added yaki gyoza as a side. Soft drinks are only 1,000 KRW, making it easy to enjoy a refreshing drink alongside your meal.
A new menu item, mazesoba, has recently been introduced. Several regular customers were already enjoying it during our visit, so it is definitely on my list for next time.
The Food of Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant Choi Ramen
Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant Choi Ramen makes everything in-house except the noodles.
The broth is prepared by simmering Korean pork bones and chicken bones for over 14 hours. The chashu is soaked for more than 6 hours to remove impurities, then gently cooked for over 3 additional hours. Even the bean sprouts are freshly sourced from the market every morning.
Tonkotsu Ramen
The bowl felt heavy the moment it arrived. Generous portions of bean sprouts, beautifully soft half-boiled egg, and uniquely diced chashu filled the surface.
The diced chashu was something I had never experienced before in this form. Each cube was thick, juicy, and deeply infused with the broth’s flavor. Tender yet rich, it delivered both texture and depth in every bite.
The broth itself is intensely savory and warming. On a chilly winter day, it felt like the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out. Despite the richness, the fresh bean sprouts keep the dish balanced and prevent it from feeling heavy.
The egg deserves special mention. Perfectly soft, deeply seasoned, and flavorful enough that I immediately understood why regulars often order an extra one.
Yaki Gyoza
Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, the gyoza were expertly fried. Even the remaining crispy edges dipped in sauce were delicious. As a side dish, they complement the ramen perfectly.
Final Thoughts about Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant Choi Ramen
For those searching for a deep, rich tonkotsu ramen near Dongdaemun, Choi Ramen is an absolute must.
The combination of long-simmered broth, tender diced chashu, springy noodles, and fresh toppings creates a bowl that feels both authentic and comforting. Add in the reasonable pricing and thoughtful service, and it becomes clear why this place consistently draws a crowd.
If you love Japanese ramen and have not yet visited Dongdaemun Ramen Restaurant Choi Ramen, consider this your sign. Arrive early, avoid peak lunch hours if possible, and prepare for one of the most satisfying bowls of tonkotsu ramen in the area.
Highly recommended.
Related post about Dongdaemun Restaurant you might enjoy : Dongdaemun Restaurant Cheongdo Minari Sikdang – Spicy Minari Shabu Shabu with Generous Water Parsley
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