Dongdaemun Restaurant, Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha) is a hidden gem in Dongmyo, specializing in traditional Korean liquors.
I recently heard about this trendy hot spot and decided to visit over the weekend.
Located just a 5-minute walk from Exit 6 of Dongmyo Station, Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha) is tucked away in a charming alley off the toy street. The restaurant’s discreet banner makes it feel like discovering a hidden treasure.
Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha) operates from 5:30 PM to 1:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday, and until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, with the last order taken an hour before closing. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
This cozy space offers a serene yet hip atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a date night or a casual meet-up with friends.
The interior retains the original wooden architecture of a 100-year-old building from the Japanese colonial era, exuding a sophisticated yet rustic charm that perfectly complements its modern decor and warm lighting. The thoughtful design elements and ambient lighting create a relaxing environment that sets the mood for enjoying fine traditional liquors and fusion dishes.
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Recently, I heard about a hidden gem in Dongmyo specializing in traditional Korean liquors, called Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha). Naturally, I had to check it out over the weekend.
Overview, Dongdaemun Restaurant, Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha)
Dongdaemun Restaurant Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha) Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 5:30 PM – 1:00 AM (Last Order: Midnight)
- Friday to Saturday: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM (Last Order: 1:00 AM)
- Closed every Monday
Interior Space of Dongdaemun Restaurant Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha)
Given that the space isn’t very large, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation on Naver before visiting Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha), a Dongmyo bar.
The first impression of this Dongdaemun restaurant, housed in a 100-year-old wooden building from the Japanese occupation era, was that it exuded a refined tranquility with a touch of hip nostalgia.
The subtle lighting throughout the space, highlighted by aurora lights and modern decor that still retains a traditional feel, set the mood even before we started eating. It’s a space that perfectly matched my aesthetic.
Instead of only retaining the outer walls or slightly modifying the structure, Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha) has preserved the original roof framework, which gives a sense of openness despite the compact space. There are no windows, yet it doesn’t feel stifling.
The fully open kitchen is surrounded by a bar with about six seats, and in the main area, there’s one table for six, two tables for two, and three tables for four. It’s an ideal layout for solo diners, couples, friends on a date, or even small gatherings.
We visited on a Sunday evening, and even then, the place was already quite occupied. While the bar seating, where you can interact with the chef, seemed appealing, it was already full, so we were seated in the main dining area.
In line with the sleek and trendy atmosphere, Dongdaemun restaurant Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha) offers over 35 types of traditional Korean liquors. Each table comes with a message that explains their dedication to maintaining proper storage practices and serving preferences. For instance, those who prefer their soju cold can have it served in an ice bucket with a rocks glass.
The basic setup includes personal plates with a bit of flower-scented pickled radish, making for a perfect appetizer to enjoy with your traditional drink before the main dishes arrive.
I appreciated the owner’s attention to detail, like the cute tiger-shaped chopstick rests.
Welcoming Experience at Dongdaemun Restaurant Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha)
Having made a reservation on Naver, we were treated to a welcome drink and snack. It seems like they offer different drinks each time; during our visit, we were served a distilled liquor called “Misang.” It had a refreshing citrus aroma from Jeju tangerines, aged in oak barrels. Despite being just a single shot, the drink was a bit too strong for me. As someone with a sweet tooth, drinking it straight without ice was a bit overwhelming. However, for those who love traditional Korean liquors, it would likely be enjoyable!
The welcome snack, perfectly paired with cheese and potatoes, sprinkled with basil salt, was a delightful treat. It was so good that I thought they could sell it with a bit more quantity and some crackers on the side.
Menu
The menu is primarily text-based, but for those who find it difficult to decide just by reading, there’s a QR code that leads to a menu with photos.
Dongdaemun Restaurant Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha) offers a variety of fusion dishes that pair well with traditional Korean liquors, including distilled spirits, wines, sake, makgeolli, beer, highballs, and more than 35 types of drinks. Particularly helpful is the section for traditional liquors that includes a guide like a wine menu, indicating sweetness, sourness, and carbonation, which makes it easier to choose.
Dining experience at Dongdaemun Restaurant Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha)
We ordered:
- Nak Hwa Ju (15,000 KRW)
- Nagasaki Kkochi Fish Cake Soup (22,000 KRW)
- Smoked Pork Belly Tempura (23,000 KRW)
Having recently explored mostly distilled spirits, we decided to go with makgeolli today. I had come across the Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha) blog, where the owner had written about this specific drink, and my curiosity was piqued.
Nak Hwa Ju is a roasted makgeolli made by roasting glutinous rice from Haman at high temperatures and fermenting it.
Inspired by the traditional firework show, Ham-an Nakhwa-nori, its label reflects this imagery. It was surprisingly sweet and had a nutty aroma. The carbonation was minimal, making it very smooth. The flavor was excellent, but it had such a distinct profile that it seemed to pair better with light snacks rather than a full meal.
Dishes of the Day
Next came our beautifully plated dishes, starting with the Smoked Pork Belly Tempura. The meat was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering an exceptional texture. Pairing a piece of pork belly with garlic shoots, dipped in whole-grain mustard sauce, resulted in an unbeatable taste.
The side veggies, seasoned with a truffle gochujang sauce, added depth and complexity, making the dish even more enjoyable. I particularly loved the deep-fried garlic cloves and garlic shoots; they were so tasty that I wished there had been more.
The Nagasaki Fish Cake Soup, on the other hand, had all its ingredients pre-cooked. The broth should simmer until the vegetables, especially the bean sprouts on top, wilt down.
Once the bean sprouts soften, it’s ready to be enjoyed. With four skewers of tender, bouncy fish cakes, it was filling enough to satisfy us. The broth was rich and flavorful, and I think it would pair well with added noodles or konjac noodles if they were available as add-ons.
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Final Thoughts
It was a delightfully sweet evening, perfectly buzzed from the traditional Korean liquor. Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha) is a cozy space in Dongmyo that feels like a hidden gem you want to keep to yourself. The sophisticated plating and thoughtful touches make it a fantastic spot for:
- Those looking to enjoy a traditional Korean liquor date,
- Friends seeking a cozy, secret hideaway near Dongdaemun.
If you’re looking for a place with an intimate atmosphere that feels like a personal hideout, I highly recommend Dongdaemun Restaurant Spirit Train (Jeungyu Jugwancha), a Dongmyo bar that specializes in traditional Korean liquors.