Chungmuro Restaurant, Oidkin known for being a solo dining haven, is a must-visit spot for those who love Japanese-style Butadon. Located near Dongguk University, Oidkin has become a popular spot for its flavorful Butadon, a delicious grilled pork rice bowl served with traditional tare sauce. If you’re a fan of Japanese food or just looking for a place to enjoy a quiet meal with a city view, this place is a great choice. Whether you’re dining alone or with friends, Oidkin offers a cozy ambiance with generous portions and quick service, making it one of the top recommendations in the area.
Butadon: A traditional Japanese grilled pork belly bowl with tare sauce
For those who enjoy Japanese cuisine and anime, I recommend Oidkin, a famous spot for Butadon near Dongguk University. It’s a Chungmuro restaurant with a low difficulty for solo diners, offering a nice city view along with delicious food.
For me, it was my first time hearing about Butadon, so my curiosity (70%), the need for a brief escape from daily life (20%), and a little date outing (10%) led me to this restaurant. The atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a local Japanese eatery.
Overview, Chungmuro Restaurant, Oidkin
Operating Hours of Oidkin:
- Every day: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Last order at 8:20 PM)
- Break Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
We traveled by car and parked at the nearby and more affordable Jangchung Public Parking Lot, which is within walking distance. There’s also a closer parking lot at the Daehan Cinema, so if you prefer less walking, that might be a better option!
From Chungmuro Station, Oidkin is just a 3-minute walk from Exit 1. As soon as you see the Paris Baguette on the first floor, head to the second floor, where Oidkin is located. The menu is displayed outside, so you can decide what to eat before you even go upstairs.
more info: Official Instagram
Interior of Chungmuro Restaurant, Oidkin
Oidkin is already well-known among Dongguk University students and is popular as a Chungmuro hot spot. Visiting during peak lunch hours may mean waiting in line. Luckily, we visited on a Sunday afternoon, and the place wasn’t as busy.
Although the restaurant is small, the large windows give it an open feel. There’s a long bar table with outlets, making it the perfect place for solo diners to work or relax while eating. The city view isn’t of skyscrapers but has a unique charm, with old apartment buildings and some fancy modern complexes—definitely a view worth seeing.
They also have about three 4-person tables, so it’s a great spot for groups of friends too.
While waiting, I noticed the owner’s personal touch throughout the space, especially in the decor, which featured nostalgic anime characters like One Piece and Slam Dunk. It was fun trying to remember who was who and sharing stories about these characters.
Menu
Although we already knew what we wanted to order, it’s always fun to explore the menu. Along with their signature dishes, they also offer single-serve options, drinks, and alcohol, making it a versatile spot for both lunch and dinner.
We went with their signature Butadon Set for 18,000 won and a separate order of Sukiyaki Nabe Udon for 13,000 won.
They’re running a promotion where, if you upload your receipt or follow them on Instagram, you get a free drink. And if you make a YouTube video about Oidkin, you get a 30,000 won meal voucher!
The Food Experience at Chungmuro Restaurant, Oidkin
At each table, there are various seasonings to customize your meal. One is dried garlic, and the other is a seasoning mix that brings back childhood memories of sprinkling something tasty over your rice.
The food arrived quickly, and the portions were huge! I was quite shocked at how much food came with the Butadon Set. The Sukiyaki Nabe Udon was equally generous, matching the Butadon in size. This was my first time trying Butadon, and it was a visual feast. The combination of grilled pork, rice, and eggs looked absolutely perfect.
Once I broke the egg yolk and mixed it with the grilled pork, the flavors of the savory tare sauce and smoky grilled pork were incredible. The toppings added an extra layer of deliciousness, and while the garlic flakes weren’t my favorite, the nori seaweed flakes were an excellent pairing.
Next time, I’ll definitely try the spicy version of Butadon.
The pickled radish was unique as well—it was marinated in yuzu, which I typically don’t like, but it balanced out the richness of the Butadon and Sukiyaki Nabe, adding a refreshing touch.
As for the Sukiyaki Nabe Udon, the portion was huge, and I didn’t know where to start! I began with the tofu, soaking up the broth before taking a bite. The broth was rich and sweet, typical of Japanese hotpot dishes. The yuzu pickles added a necessary zing to keep things interesting. Every ingredient, from the fresh vegetables to the high-quality beef, made this dish a satisfying and heartwarming meal.
Conclusion
As I was about to leave, they handed me a piece of chocolate as a parting gift—such a nice gesture!
If you ever find yourself craving Japanese food in Seoul or are looking for a solo dining spot with a low difficulty level, I highly recommend Oidkin in Chungmuro. If you can avoid peak hours, the food comes out quickly, making it perfect for a busy schedule.
The set meals are incredibly generous, so if you’re not a big eater, ordering a single dish might be enough. The Butadon was my personal favorite, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. I can’t wait to return with friends for another round at this fantastic restaurant.
related post you might enjoy: Chungmuro Restaurant: Delicious Katsudon at Pildong Katsu, Perfect for Solo Dining