Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee is one of Seoul’s most popular Korean restaurants, serving its famous Nakgopsae stew made with octopus, shrimp, and beef intestine. Featured on You Quiz on the Block, this Seongsu favorite sells only 300 portions daily.
Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee: The Famous Korean Rice Thief Stew Featured on You Quiz on the Block
If you regularly watch You Quiz on the Block, or enjoy Korean food YouTubers, you’ve probably heard of Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee Restaurant in Seongsu.
Known for its legendary Nakgopsae—a spicy Korean hot pot made with octopus, shrimp, and beef intestine—Sawee has become one of Seongsu’s must-visit Korean restaurants.
Even Yoo Jae-suk couldn’t hide how much he enjoyed it on television.
Since appearing on the show, both Korean diners and international travelers have been lining up to experience one of Seoul’s most addictive comfort foods.
Personally, whenever I’m in Seongsu craving spicy Korean food or a satisfying Korean lunch, Sawee is one of the first places that comes to mind.
Back when I worked in Seongsu, this was also one of my favorite lunch spots, and it’s equally enjoyable for a relaxed Korean dinner with a glass of beer or soju.
Location and hours of Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee
B102, Blue Stone Tower, 9-16 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee is only a 3-minute walk from Seongsu Station Exit 4, making it incredibly convenient to reach.
Its location is another major advantage.
Sawee sits directly across from the famous Dior Seongsu, making it the perfect lunch stop after exploring one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods.
There are two ways to reach the restaurant since it’s located on the basement level.
The easiest route is to use the outdoor spiral staircase leading directly downstairs.
If you enter through the building and take the elevator, you’ll need to walk across the underground parking area before reaching the food court section where the restaurant is located.
Guests arriving by car receive one hour of complimentary parking with their meal.
One thing that surprised me during this visit was the number of Japanese guests dining there.
Later I discovered why.
While the restaurant became famous in Korea after appearing on You Quiz on the Block, it was also featured on Nippon TV in Japan, making it a popular destination for Japanese tourists visiting Seoul.
The television broadcast is even played near the entrance.
Opening Hours
Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last Order (Lunch: 2:00 PM / Dinner: 9:00 PM)) / Break Time 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Interior of Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee
The dining room is spacious, bright, and comfortable.
Most tables seat four guests, making Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends.
Although solo diners certainly visit, most customers come in pairs or larger groups to share a bubbling pot of Nakgopsae together.
Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee has always been popular during lunch, but after appearing on multiple television programs, the waiting lines have become even longer.
Fortunately, I had made a reservation in advance.
Otherwise, I almost certainly would have been waiting outside.
Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee attracts both Korean locals and international visitors because its signature Nakgopsae offers just the right level of spice without becoming overwhelming.
For travelers hoping to avoid long waits, making a reservation is highly recommended.
I booked ahead through Naver Reservation and was immediately escorted to one of the reserved tables.
If you’re visiting with a larger group for a company lunch or dinner gathering, calling ahead is definitely the best option.
An added bonus is that guests who reserve through Naver often receive complimentary toppings or drinks as part of promotional events.
Menu of Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee
Ordering is wonderfully straightforward.
Menus are displayed throughout the restaurant, with large photo menus attached directly to many tables.
There’s also a brochure explaining the story behind the Sawee brand.
One section immediately caught my attention.
According to the restaurant, two sons-in-law spent years recreating the unforgettable Nakgopsae once prepared by their mother-in-law.
Their goal was to preserve the comforting flavor of a homemade family meal.
Eventually, it became Sawee’s signature dish—a meal that’s equally famous as a “rice thief” and a perfect companion for drinks.
Despite the quality of the ingredients, the prices remain surprisingly reasonable.
The biggest highlight is undoubtedly their famous Nakgopsae.
Only 300 portions are prepared each day, using ingredients purchased and prepared fresh that morning.
My friend had never visited before, so we ordered:
- Nakgopsae for two
- Mother-in-law’s Giant Dumplings
Normally, if I were dining with my boyfriend, I would immediately choose the spiciest level.
Since this was my friend’s first experience with Nakgopsae, we selected the standard spice level instead.
It turned out to be an excellent choice.
The heat was flavorful rather than intimidating, making it approachable for almost everyone.
Guests can also customize the spice level according to their own preference.
Another helpful tip: Guests who reserve through Naver and leave a review receive one complimentary noodle addition, choosing between ramen, udon, or glass noodles.
What We Ordered at Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee
Nakgopsae
While waiting, I spent a few minutes reading Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee’s recommended way of enjoying Nakgopsae.
Soon afterward, the large bubbling hot pot arrived.
Nakgopsae is a specialty from Busan combining:
- Octopus
- Shrimp
- Beef intestine
- Spicy Korean sauce
Unlike many similar dishes that use large amounts of beef fat, Sawee creates much of its richness using aromatic oil extracted from green onions.
That explains why their version contains noticeably more fresh scallions than many other restaurants.
Another nice touch is that the staff cook everything at your table.
There’s nothing to do except patiently wait until they announce it’s ready.
The first ingredient to enjoy is the glass noodles before they become overly soft.
After that comes the real reason everyone calls Nakgopsae a “rice thief.”
Fresh bean sprouts, seasoned chives, and roasted seaweed flakes are prepared every day and served as essential toppings.
Each person receives a large bowl of steamed rice.
The best way to eat it is simple: Ladle a generous spoonful of Nakgopsae over the rice. Top it with bean sprouts, seasoned chives, and roasted seaweed. Mix everything thoroughly. Then take a bite with both octopus and beef intestine.
It’s absolutely fantastic.
The seasoning is spicy enough to keep you reaching for another bite, yet balanced enough that it never feels overwhelming.
As the broth slowly reduces, many diners order additional noodles.
Unfortunately, I was already becoming full and couldn’t manage another serving.
Mother-in-law’s Giant Dumplings
Instead of extra noodles, we ordered the restaurant’s famous giant dumplings.
I had debated between these and the fried king crab legs.
In the end, choosing the dumplings turned out to be the right decision.
The wrappers were wonderfully thin while the filling remained generous and juicy.
They paired beautifully with the spicy Nakgopsae and made an excellent side dish.
Final Thoughts about Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee
Watching Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee continue to attract loyal customers year after year makes perfect sense.
Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant Sawee doesn’t rely on flashy presentations or overly aggressive flavors.
Instead, it focuses on fresh ingredients, careful preparation, friendly service, and the simple philosophy of preparing only 300 portions each day.
That dedication has earned recognition not only from Korean television programs like You Quiz on the Block, but also from Japanese television, introducing even more international visitors to this remarkable restaurant.
Most importantly, the food truly lives up to the reputation.
Whenever I’m craving spicy Korean comfort food, Sawee is still one of the first places that comes to mind.
Its Nakgopsae delivers exactly the kind of addictive, perfectly balanced spice that makes you keep reaching for another spoonful of rice.
If you’re searching for an outstanding Seongsu Nakgopsae Restaurant, a satisfying Korean lunch near Dior Seongsu, or simply one of the area’s best Korean comfort food restaurants, Sawee Seongsu absolutely deserves a place on your Seoul food itinerary.
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