I recently visited Chunsikdang, one of the trendiest Korean gastropubs in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam.
I was meeting friends for a small gathering and thought this would be the perfect spot to enjoy great Korean food with drinks.
Located between Sinsa Station (Exit 8) and Apgujeong Station (Exit 4), it’s easy to access and sits closer to the Apgujeong side of Garosugil.
Chunsikdang is a modern take on a traditional Korean bar, serving high-quality dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Compared to other Korean gastropubs like Sanho, this place felt a bit more casual, vibrant, and hip—perfect for groups looking for a lively night out!
π Chunsikdang: Essential Info
π Location: Between Sinsa Station (Exit 8) & Apgujeong Station (Exit 4) – ~8-minute walk
π Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 18:00 - 02:00
π Parking: Valet parking available (90 minutes for 3,000 KRW)
π Corkage Fee: Allowed (with a fee)
π Reservations: Available via CatchTable & phone calls (same-day reservations possible!)
Chunsikdang is well-known for being owned by a celebrity, adding to its popularity.
While the owner wasn’t there on the night of our visit, the place was packed with customers.
π½️ Menu & Taste Review
⭐ 1. Complimentary Appetizer – Acorn Jelly (Dotori-muk)
A light and refreshing starter served with tangy gochujang sauce and fresh vegetables.
It was simple yet delicious and a great way to awaken our taste buds before the main dishes arrived.
⭐ 2. Grilled Pork Jowl (Hangjeongsal Gui)
The pork was juicy and had the perfect amount of chewiness, while the stir-fried kimchi and sauce added depth to the flavors.
A well-balanced dish that wasn’t overly greasy, making it easy to enjoy with drinks.
⭐ 3. Fresh Oysters & Oyster Bossam
Since oysters were in season, we ordered both fresh oysters (Seokhwa) and oyster bossam (Bo-ssam with oysters).
The oysters were huge, incredibly fresh, and served Western-style with hot sauce, which added a unique twist.
However, they also provided sliced Korean chili peppers, and I nearly burned my mouth from the unexpected heat. π
The Oyster Bossam was another highlight—tender pork belly paired with fresh oysters and kimchi created the perfect bite.
If you’re an oyster lover, these are must-try dishes!
⭐ 4. LA Galbi (Korean-Style Short Ribs)
A popular menu item that didn’t disappoint!
The sweet and savory marinade was well-infused into the tender, thick-cut ribs.
It was delicious on its own, but pairing it with the spicy radish salad added a nice contrast in flavor.
A solid choice if you’re craving grilled meat.
⭐ 5. Beef Tartare (Yukhoe)
This dish featured thinly sliced raw beef marinated in a sweet & savory soy-based sauce, topped with a fresh egg yolk.
Mixing the yolk into the beef enhanced the rich texture and flavor, making every bite smooth and satisfying.
A must-order for yukhoe lovers!
⭐ 6. Spicy Braised Pork Ribs (Maeun Deunggalbi Jjim) – 45,000 KRW
The spicy sauce was well-balanced, with just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting without being overpowering.
The meat was tender and came with a generous amount of sauce, making it perfect for dipping with rice.
However, Chunsikdang does NOT offer fried rice—only steamed rice (Bap).
π₯ Pro Tip: Order steamed rice and mix it into the leftover sauce. It tastes just like proper fried rice!
⭐ 7. Yellowtail Sashimi (Bangeo Hoe) – 42,000 KRW
Since it’s yellowtail (bangeo) season, we couldn’t skip this dish.
The price was slightly cheaper compared to other places, but the portion was a bit small.
That said, the sashimi was well-aged, giving it a rich, chewy texture.
A good choice for sashimi lovers, but be mindful of the portion size!
⭐ 8. Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) – 32,000 KRW
A massive portion of budae jjigae loaded with homemade ham and sausage.
By the time we had this dish, we were already tipsy, so I don’t remember the exact taste… but I do recall it being warm, comforting, and perfect for sharing!
Since the portion is huge, it’s best for 3-4 people rather than just 2.
πΆ Drinks & Beverages
Chunsikdang offers a wide selection of alcohol, including makgeolli, soju, beer, and highballs.
We tried the "Obey X Jangsu Makgeolli," a collaboration between the Jangsu brand and another company.
Compared to regular Jangsu makgeolli, it had a mild carbonation and a slightly sweeter taste.
A great option for those who enjoy smooth, lightly sparkling makgeolli!
Even their beer mugs and water bottles were aesthetically designed, adding a nice touch to the experience.
Also, their soju glasses had "Chun (μΆ)" engraved on them, making them a fun detail for Instagram-worthy photos.
π Atmosphere & Interior
✔️ The restaurant spans both the 1st and 2nd floors, with the 2nd floor being more spacious.
✔️ A chic and stylish interior, featuring a massive chandelier that gives it a trendy vibe.
✔️ Dim lighting enhances the cozy yet lively drinking atmosphere.
✔️ Tablet-based ordering system makes ordering easy and efficient.
✔️ Perfect for group gatherings, dates, and casual drinking sessions.
The vibe was lively but not chaotic, making it an ideal setting for after-work drinks or special occasions.
If you’re planning a group event or weekend visit, reservations are highly recommended!
π° Price Range & Final Verdict
✔️ Price Range:
- Yellowtail Sashimi: 42,000 KRW
- Spicy Braised Pork Ribs: 45,000 KRW
- Army Stew: 32,000 KRW
- Beef Tartare: 35,000 KRW
- LA Galbi: ~40,000 KRW
- Drinks: Varied selection
✔️ Final Thoughts:
✅ A trendy Korean gastropub with a fantastic atmosphere.
✅ Great variety of well-executed Korean dishes.
✅ Not the cheapest, but worth it for the quality & experience.
✅ Be aware that they don’t offer fried rice—only steamed rice!
✅ Ideal for groups, dates, and casual drinking meet-ups.
✔️ Would I go again? ✅ ✅ ✅
Absolutely! I’m already planning my next visit with friends. π
If you’re looking for a hip, vibrant Korean gastropub in Sinsa, Chunsikdang is a fantastic choice!
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