Whenever I crave a glass of soju around Nakseongdae, I often visit Nakseongdae Udon. It naturally comes to mind whenever the seasons change—a cozy indoor pocha where you can enjoy steaming udon and tangsuyuk, Korean-style sweet-and-sour pork.
This time, we again ordered udon and tangsuyuk with a bottle of soju. The dishes aren't flashy or intensely seasoned, but alternating between the hot broth and freshly fried pork makes the soju go down incredibly easily~~ The perfect pairing for a relaxed drink in Nakseongdae.
Nakseongdae Udon, an Indoor Pocha Where Tangsuyuk and Soju Pair Perfectly
Tangsuyuk
The most memorable dish here was definitely the tangsuyuk. I've tried it at several udon pubs, but personally, this one tasted the best. The coating was pleasantly chewy while the meat inside was exceptionally tender, never tough or dry.
Best of all, it arrives piping hot right after you order. It's too hot to eat immediately, so you have to blow on each piece—and that's part of the fun of pocha-style tangsuyuk. The warmth and springy texture of a freshly cooked batch really shine.
Rather than being sharply tangy, the sauce had a delightfully sweet flavorthat stood out. The tender meat and sweet sauce worked beautifully together, making us reach for piece after piece. It was so addictive that I kept thinking about it for days afterward.
Can you see how generously each piece is packed with meat??? Seriously incredible.. 🥹
Udon
Instead of trying to be overly distinctive, the udon was closer to classic pocha-style udonthat anyone can comfortably enjoy. Since it was ttaengcho udon made with fiery Korean chili, the broth was spicy and warming.
One sip of the hot broth soothes your stomach and naturally makes you reach for another shot of soju.
After enjoying the sweet, chewy tangsuyuk, cleansing your palate with the udon broth makes an excellent combination.
I remember there being more options, including spicy cartilage rice balls and soupy tteokbokki, a Korean spicy rice-cake stew that you can finish with fried rice! I also recall an udon option with just fish cakes.
[Signature Main Dishes]
Spicy Chili Udon
Tangsuyuk (Korean Sweet-and-Sour Pork)
Spicy Cartilage Rice Balls
Cook-at-the-Table Soupy Tteokbokki
Fried Dumplings/Steamed Dumplings
If it's your first visit to Nakseongdae Udon, I'd recommend ordering the udon and tangsuyuk together~~!
Romantic Indoor Pocha Atmosphere
The place feels more like a warm, familiar indoor pocha than a polished modern bar. Along with the food, this ambiance is probably why we return whenever the season changes.
The alleys around the restaurant were relatively quiet, and quite a few couples were there when we visited. It seems ideal for a day when you'd rather chat comfortably over simple bar snacks than join a loud drinking party.
Restrooms, Smoking Area, and Wait Information
The restrooms were inside the building and separated for men and women. We didn't see a dedicated smoking room; smokers appeared to walk from the alley in front of the restaurant toward the roadside.
When you use the restroom, remember to take the toilet paper and key by the door!!
It's best to check parking availability separately before visiting. Since the restaurant is in an alley, public transportation seems more convenient when possible. We weren't able to confirm whether there was a wait or which hours were busiest during our visit.
Restrooms: inside the building, separated for men and women
Smoking room: no separate space
If you want a quiet indoor-pocha experience near Nakseongdae, I recommend Nakseongdae Udon! Rather than an elaborate spread, fill up with a comforting combination of hot udon and delicious tangsuyuk.
The tangsuyuk, in particular, is the kind of flavor that returns to mind whenever the season changes.. We'll probably visit again for udon and tangsuyuk once the weather turns cold!!!
