Myeongdong Seafood Soup

Quick Info

• 🕐 Break Time: 15:00 - 16:00
• 👥 Best for groups of two or more · Family dinners · Catching up with friends · Dinner
• 🍲 Signature Dishes: Myeongdong Seafood Soup (Hae-mul-tang) · Abalone (Sashimi/Grilled) · Live Octopus · Stir-fried Octopus · Oyster Pancakes

🦐 A Hearty Seafood Feast in the Heart of Myeongdong: Myeongdong Haemultang

When you are shopping in Myeongdong and craving something warm and comforting tucked away in the side streets, you will often find yourself looking for a steaming bowl of soup. Step into Myeongdong Haemultang on Myeongdong 8-gil, and you will discover a spacious dining area dedicated to ocean-fresh seafood. Flip through the menu at your table, and a mouthwatering lineup awaits—ranging from bubbling seafood hot pots to abalone, live octopus, spicy stir-fried octopus, and savory oyster pancakes. Its location right near the main shopping district makes it an ideal spot to pause and refuel during a busy day of sightseeing.

Ordering the signature seafood hot pot (hae-mul-tang) means a giant pot piled high with a bounty of fresh seafood arrives at your table, making it the ultimate sharing dish for groups. As the broth begins to bubble and boil, rich aromas fill the air. You can pick out the tender seafood piece by piece while sipping on the deeply flavorful, refreshing broth. If you are a true seafood lover, you can easily take your meal to the next level by adding raw or grilled abalone, live octopus, or spicy stir-fried octopus to your spread, turning it into a diverse seafood feast rather than just a one-dish meal.

Dining here naturally revolves around the bubbling hot pot placed right in the center, with everyone eagerly dishing out their favorite pieces. Tossing in extras like crispy oyster pancakes or spicy stir-fried octopus instantly makes the table feel even more abundant, giving you a front-row seat to the lively, communal vibe of a traditional Korean dining experience. Rather than grabbing a quick solo bite, the seafood hot pot is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, shared among family or friends over good conversation.

Whether you are wrapping up a long shopping spree in Myeongdong and need a truly satisfying, nourishing meal, or you are eager to dive into authentic Korean seafood dishes you have never tried before, this spot is well worth a visit. Because the seafood hot pot is served in medium and large sizes, it is definitely designed for sharing with a group. With plenty of tasty add-ons like abalone and live octopus, you can easily customize your feast. They accommodate reservations and large groups, so if you are rolling in with a big crew, calling ahead will make your visit even smoother.

👥 Why Locals Keep Coming Back

• 🍲 Nothing beats sharing a piping-hot, refreshing pot of soup — Hae-mul-tang isn't really a grab-and-go solo meal; it is built for the classic Korean dining experience of gathering around a shared pot with family or friends and taking your time.
• 🦐 A one-stop shop for a massive variety of seafood — Instead of ordering abalone, octopus, and oysters separately at different places, it is super convenient to enjoy a diverse ocean feast all at one table.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 The ultimate crowd-pleaser for family outings and gatherings — Even if everyone in your group has different tastes, you can easily mix and match by ordering the hot pot alongside pancakes, stir-fry, and abalone.
• 🍺 The gold standard for pairing dinner with drinks — Sipping on a rich, spicy seafood broth while munching on briny seafood sides is the ultimate Korean pairing for a cozy dinner and drinks.

📍 Tips for Foreign Visitors

• 👥 Best enjoyed in pairs or groups — Because the seafood hot pot is served by the pot, it is much better suited for groups of 2 to 4 so you can sample a wider variety of seafood.
• 🍲 Your first time having hae-mul-tang? — Once the pot starts boiling right at your table, ladle out a bit of the broth and some seafood into your small bowl and enjoy them together. It is the absolute best way to experience authentic Korean seafood soup.
• 🦐 Curious about the ingredients? Just ask — The hot pot is packed with a mix of different seafood items, so if you spot something unfamiliar, do not hesitate to ask the staff what is inside before you order.
• 🌶️ Sensitive to spice? Give a heads-up — Traditional Korean seafood hot pots and spicy stir-fried octopus can pack a genuine kick. If you struggle with spicy food, be sure to check with the staff before ordering!