Pohai Gyodae Branch
포하이 교대점
About
Casual Southeast Asian spot near Seoul National University of Education Station serving Vietnamese pho and pad thai.
Tucked between Seoul National University of Education and Seocho Stations, Pho Hai offers a calm, Southeast Asian-inspired retreat tailored for office workers and solo diners alike. The dining room balances rich wood tones and warm yellow accents with framed photographs, distinct lighting, and a row of counter seats by the window for quiet meals alone. Tables are set with patterned plates, colorful utensils, and custom paper placemats cleverly disguised as Vietnamese-language broadsheet newspapers, establishing a composed and welcoming aesthetic before the food even arrives. The menu moves across Vietnamese staples and Thai classics. The kitchen's flagship Pho Hai noodle soup anchors the offerings, built on a slow-simmered broth poured over rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, sliced red chiles, and tender cuts of beef brisket. It is a hearty, well-balanced bowl that draws a loyal crowd, especially on Mondays when the shop offers the signature dish at a discounted price of 9,900 won. Broth choices elsewhere on the roster branch out to include fire-kissed grilled beef, spicy garlic, Nha Trang fishcake, and hefty king beef ribs. Beyond soup, the savory pad thai arrives generously studded with plump shrimp and coated in a salty-sweet sauce, served with a small bowl of hot pho broth on the side. But the kitchen’s most unexpected standout is the premium fried chicken thigh. Far from ordinary bar chicken, the golden, shatteringly crisp chicken rests over a rich bed of egg salad and comes topped with pickled onions. Taking a bite of all three components together yields a striking contrast of crunch, acidity, and creamy indulgence. Whether stopping by for a fast weekday rice bowl, sharing plates of bun cha and banh xeo, or diving into hot soup, Pho Hai brings crisp technique and thoughtful character to Seocho’s bustling office corridors.
Menu
- Pho Hai Beef Brisket Pho₩11,900
- King Galbi Pho₩15,900
- Pad Thai₩12,900
- 닭다리살튀김₩11,900
- 직화쌀국수₩14,900
- 새우짜조₩6,000
- 고기짜조₩6,000
- 마늘매콤쌀국수₩13,900
- 나트랑 어묵 쌀국수₩9,900
- 숯불볏짚 분짜₩13,900
Local tips
- Check for Monday specials offering pho discounts.
- Closed on Saturdays; note the weekday break time from 15:00 to 17:00.
- Single-diner window seats available for solo meals.
Details
- Seoul National University of Education Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 11:00–22:00
- Monday
- 11:00–22:00
- Tuesday
- 11:00–22:00
- Wednesday
- 11:00–22:00
- Thursday
- 11:00–22:00
- Friday
- 11:00–22:00
- Saturday
- —