π²[Gangnam-gu Office / Nonhyeon Restaurant] Dolgomne – Octopus Slices & Seaweed Wraps in Old Seoul Vibes
When it comes to discovering true gems in Seoul’s dining scene, sometimes you have to wander off the main streets and descend into old underground shopping arcades that hold decades of stories. That’s exactly the case with Dolgomne (λκ³°λ€), a beloved restaurant tucked away in the basement of Donghyeon Shopping Center near Nonhyeon and Gangnam-gu Office Station. This spot is far from glamorous, but it is overflowing with the kind of authentic, old-school charm that makes locals want to keep it a secret.
π Location & Atmosphere
Dolgomne is located at 18 Eonju-ro 146-gil, Gangnam-gu, in the basement of an old apartment shopping complex. It’s not an easy place to stumble upon unless you know where to look, and that’s part of its charm. As you walk down the dim stairway, the underground space suddenly opens into a bustling dining hall filled with large tables, noisy chatter, and walls plastered with celebrity autographs. This isn’t the polished, Instagram-perfect side of Gangnam — it’s raw, nostalgic, and incredibly warm.
The atmosphere immediately evokes a sense of nostalgia: the kind of place where time slows down, drinks flow endlessly, and plates of hearty food keep arriving at the table. The crowd is a mix of long-time regulars, curious foodies, and groups of friends out for a hearty late-night meal.
π₯’ Signature Dishes
The undisputed star of Dolgomne is the Dolmungeo Totsam (λλ¬Έμ΄ ν³μ) — thinly sliced boiled octopus served with seaweed (tot), miyeok, garlic, peppers, and sheets of dried seaweed for wrapping. Priced around 45,000–58,000 KRW depending on portion size, it may seem expensive at first glance, but once the platter arrives, all doubts vanish. The octopus is sliced as delicately as sashimi, glistening with freshness, and perfectly tender.
To eat it the “Dolgomne way,” place a slice of octopus on a sheet of seaweed, add some tot, miyeok, a sliver of garlic, and a dab of spicy sauce before wrapping it up. The combination is nothing short of addictive — savory, slightly briny, chewy yet soft, with layers of flavor and texture that elevate each bite. Some guests prefer dipping the octopus in sesame oil with salt and pepper for a simpler but equally satisfying experience.
Another beloved ritual here is the complimentary barley bibimbap that comes at the start of every meal. Served with seasoned young radish (yeolmu), bean sprouts, and sesame oil, this simple bowl sets the tone. The nutty chewiness of barley combined with tangy radish makes for a refreshing starter that pairs beautifully with the richer octopus dishes to follow. Many guests even ask for seconds, which the staff gladly provide.
π² Other Must-Try Menu Items
Dolgomne isn’t just about octopus sashimi. The Dol-gul Jjamppong Tang (λ꡴짬λ½ν), a spicy seafood soup loaded with octopus and oysters, is another highlight. Rich, spicy, and comforting, it’s perfect as both a drinking companion and a late-night hangover cure. Add ramen noodles, and it becomes an indulgent feast in a pot.
Seafood pancakes (with generous amounts of octopus instead of squid), crispy octopus tempura served with fried tot, and even spicy grilled gomjangeo (sea eel) round out the menu. Each dish carries the same rustic charm: unfussy, generous, and meant to be shared with good company over glasses of soju or beer.
For those visiting during lunch hours, Dolgomne also serves various meal sets like octopus cold noodles and hearty soups, making it a versatile choice whether you’re after a quick lunch or a late-night feast.
πΆ Drinks & Pairings
Dolgomne is, at its heart, a drinker’s paradise. The food is designed to pair perfectly with alcohol, especially soju. Many regulars swear by the octopus and soju pairing, claiming it feels indulgent yet healthy thanks to the light, clean flavors of the seaweed and seafood. The restaurant even carries unique distilled spirits like apple-based soju, adding an unexpected twist for adventurous drinkers.
π Overall Impression
Dolgomne may not be flashy, but that’s exactly why it has earned such a loyal following. It’s a restaurant that thrives on authenticity — from its basement location and no-frills decor to its straightforward but extraordinary dishes. The tenderness of the octopus, the healthful touch of tot, and the comforting bowl of barley bibimbap make for an experience that is at once indulgent and nourishing.
Whether you’re looking for a classic Korean drinking spot, a place to experience Gangnam’s hidden old-school vibe, or simply a restaurant that serves some of the best octopus in Seoul, Dolgomne is a must-visit. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to return with friends, again and again, to share in its unique flavors and timeless atmosphere.
π If you’re planning your Seoul food journey, don’t just stick to the polished hotspots — come to Dolgomne, and taste a slice of history served on a seaweed wrap.
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