Changsin-dong Restaurant, woomoolzip has been a popular spot since it opened, gaining fame from TV programs like Heart Signal.
It’s a trendy restaurant in Changsin-dong, known for its unique fusion hot pot dishes and stone pot rice, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a mix of traditional Korean vibes with a modern twist.
After hearing so much about it, I finally made a reservation and checked it out for myself.
Set in a charming old house, over a century old, woomoolzip preserves its original well, adding to the rustic and enchanting ambiance. The setting makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time while enjoying modern Korean dishes. If you have the chance, make a reservation without hesitation—this is one of those places you don’t want to miss!
More info and make a reservation
Overview
Getting to woomoolzip can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the area. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Changsin Station Exit 2. However, if you’re using public transport, taking the local bus (Jongno 03) from Dongmyo to the Naksan Samgeori stop will get you closer.
For those driving, valet parking is available nearby, making it more convenient.
Valet Parking Booth Location: Park at ‘Changsin 12-gil 33’ and use the directions ‘Eunhaeng Namu Daycare’ and ‘Myeongsin Elementary School’ as checkpoints to avoid steep roads. This route is recommended unless the weather is clear, as the direct paths can be steep and challenging, especially during winter.
woomoolzip operates strictly by reservation, usually made through Catch Table. Given its popularity, it’s often fully booked, so plan ahead and make an early reservation. If you do have a reservation but might be late, be sure to call, as they might cancel if you’re more than 10 minutes late.
woomoolzip Operating Hours:
- Every day: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order: 2:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
- Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
More info: Official Instagram
Interior and Atmosphere, Changsin-dong Restaurant, woomoolzip
The design of woomoolzip respects the original structure, enhancing the value of the building’s history while adding modern touches for comfort. It’s part of a project by Glow Seoul, known for creating spaces that offer unique experiences, such as the famous Starfield Library in Suwon.
Stepping inside feels like entering a scene from a Japanese anime; the space captures the essence of old times while incorporating practical modern elements.
The first floor primarily has two-seater tables, but for our family of five, we were guided to the second floor.
The second floor features semi-private rooms divided by partitions, all with traditional Korean floor seating. If you’re a group of five, you’ll likely be seated in a larger room with a view, but be aware that the lack of chairs with back support might be uncomfortable for some. During our visit in late autumn, the sunlight made the window seats warm, which might be uncomfortable in summer or winter. So, consider these factors when choosing your seating.
Menu at Changsin-dong Restaurant, woomoolzip
The menu at woomoolzip mainly focuses on hot pots and stone pot rice, with a few side dishes available. You can choose between premium Korean beef (chadolbagi) and brisket (usamgyeop) for the hot pot, with sauce options of clear vegetable broth, soy sauce, or spicy tomato.
For the stone pot rice, you can choose between basil tomato rice or mushroom rice. Prices are straightforward: 29,000 KRW for beef options and 24,000 KRW for brisket, regardless of sauce or rice choice.
You can also add side dishes to complement your meal, and drinks are available if you want to enjoy your food with traditional Korean alcohol. However, we decided to focus on the food and planned to visit a café afterward.
Dining Experience at Changsin-dong Restaurant, woomoolzip
Our Order:
- Chadolbagi with clear vegetable broth and rice (2 servings) – 29,000 KRW each
- Chadolbagi with soy sauce hot pot and rice (2 servings) – 29,000 KRW each
- Chadolbagi with spicy tomato hot pot and rice – 29,000 KRW
- Tomato marinated salad – 9,000 KRW
- Usamgyeop snowflake fritters – 12,000 KRW
The Taste at woomoolzip
The first dishes to arrive were the salad and fritters, and they looked impressive. The salad, priced at just 9,000 KRW, was beautifully presented with a generous portion of fresh ingredients. However, we didn’t realize that each set meal also included a salad, so we ended up with more than we needed. If you plan to order a set meal, you might want to choose a different side next time.
The snowflake fritters came with scissors to make them easier to eat, but they had a slightly greasy texture, similar to a less crispy tempura. It would have been better if they were served hotter.
Then came the main hot pots, each served neatly on individual trays. The soy sauce and clear vegetable broths were tasty but familiar, making them less surprising. In contrast, the spicy tomato hot pot with premium beef was an exciting fusion dish that stood out. The tomato broth, combined with fresh ingredients and raw egg, created a unique flavor that I hadn’t experienced before. It’s definitely a signature dish at woomoolzip and something I’ll remember.
Equally memorable was the basil tomato rice. As soon as you open the pot, the aroma of basil and tomatoes fills the air. Mixing in the provided basil sauce makes the rice even more flavorful, creating a dish that’s truly unforgettable. I usually don’t finish my rice, but I found myself eating every bite along with the tomato hot pot.
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Conclusion
To remain a popular restaurant, it’s crucial to offer signature dishes that are hard to replicate and create a space with a unique atmosphere. woomoolzip excels at both, making it clear why it has remained a popular spot for years. After visiting, I understand why it’s more than just a fleeting trend. It’s a place I’d love to revisit, especially in winter to see the snow-covered views. Whether for a date or a family gathering, I highly recommend woomoolzip for a memorable dining experience.