Seorin Nakji, even Sung Si-kyung visited; the reason behind its 60-year spicy flavor

Seorin Nakji, a long-standing octopus stir-fry restaurant in Jongno, is being talked about once again. Known as a regular spot for various celebrities such as Cho Young-nam, Lee Moon-sae, Sung Si-kyung, Lee Seo-jin, Rain, and Psy, it has established itself among fans as a must-visit destination after appearing on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube content, "Meokeultende." However, its longevity cannot be explained by its name alone. The strength of this restaurant lies not in flashy interior design, but in its memorable spicy flavor and a menu combination that feels unfamiliar yet perfectly balanced.

A Spicy Flavor That Has Endured in the Heart of Jongno

Seorin Nakji is a specialty octopus stir-fry restaurant located on the 2nd floor of Le Meilleur Jongno Town, 19 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Situated in a dense office area not far from Jonggak Station, the restaurant sees office workers during lunch and a mix of long-time regulars and intentional visitors in the evening. This is why this restaurant, known for its 60-year tradition, is mentioned alongside celebrity anecdotes. Rather than being a trendy spot near broadcasting stations or performance venues, it is closer to a "nopo" (long-standing traditional restaurant) where people stop by comfortably after finishing their schedules to eat while breaking a sweat.

The signature menu is the octopus stir-fry (Nakji-bokkeum). However, what sets this place apart from other octopus stir-fry restaurants is the bacon and sausage grill. Instead of just eating the spicy octopus stir-fry and finishing, the combination of mixing the octopus seasoning with bacon, sausages, and bean sprouts on a hot plate has left a lasting impression on customers for a long time. The spicy seasoning hits you first, followed by the salty taste of the sausage and the crunchiness of the bean sprouts. Therefore, even if it feels unfamiliar at first, you quickly understand why it has such loyal regulars after just one or two bites.

More Important Than Celebrity Stories is the 'Reason to Return'

Stories about celebrities visiting can be a quick signal to promote a restaurant. However, for a restaurant to last, what comes next is more important. In the case of Seorin Nakji, it is notable that the celebrity stories do not end at the level of simple proof photos. Sung Si-kyung introduced Seorin Nakji in his food content, and the video displays the address and signature menu. While it is common for fans to follow a star's taste, at this place, the conversation lasts longer regarding "what and how to eat" rather than "who went there."

That point is also interesting to K-entertainment readers. A star's regular spot is not just material for digging into their private lives, but a small clue showing which spaces pop culture professionals use to unwind after a long day. In particular, restaurants like Seorin Nakji, whose names are mentioned across generations, are different from trendy eateries that are consumed briefly following a fad. The fact that names from the generation of Cho Young-nam and Lee Moon-sae are mentioned alongside Sung Si-kyung, Rain, and Psy means that the menu has not remained limited to the taste of a specific generation.

Things to Know Before Visiting

The currently known business hours are from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, followed by a preparation period, and then from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. It is noted that the restaurant is closed on the second and fourth Sundays and the first and third Mondays of each month, so checking before visiting is necessary. Since the spiciness is quite strong, it is better to order side dishes that can soothe the heat, such as the bacon and sausage grill, rolled omelet, or clam soup, rather than just ordering the octopus stir-fry. For readers who became curious because of the stars' names, there is one actual checkpoint: to personally verify whether the reason this place has endured is the age written on its sign, or the combination of octopus and sausage mixing on the hot plate.