Yaraehyang
야래향
About
A long-standing Jongno Chinese restaurant known for spicy platter jjajang and private dining rooms.
Tucked along Gimsangok-ro between Jongno 3-ga and Jongno 5-ga, Yareahehyang carries the unpolished charm of a long-standing neighborhood Chinese eatery. A short flight of steps leads into an unmistakably vintage interior complete with private dining rooms suited for family gatherings. During lunch hours, the room fills with local regulars and area workers seeking fast, satisfying meals served straight from the wok. The extensive menu divides its culinary dishes by proteins—beef, pork, and shrimp—alongside standard noodle and rice staples. Among the signature offerings, the jaengban jjajang stands apart from conventional black bean noodles. Served in individual portions, it arrives lighter in color than typical iterations and leans heavily into a fiery, pepper-forward kick with generous amounts of seafood, resembling a clean Sacheon-style dish. For a similar heat profile, the gochu ganjjajang introduces finely sliced chilies into freshly stir-fried black bean paste, balancing pungency with a savory crunch. Those leaning toward rice dishes frequently order the shrimp fried rice or jjajang-bap. These platters arrive piled high with fluffy scrambled egg and plump shrimp, accompanied by a pool of dark sauce and a bowl of side soup to tether the meal. Diners often pair their mains with freshly fried gunmandu (pan-fried dumplings), blistered and piping hot straight from the kitchen. The house soups, however, draw contrasting reactions. Traditionalists expecting dense, fiery-red chili oil will find the jjamppong—whether the standard bowl, samseon, or chadol (beef brisket) variant—unexpectedly clear and mild. While the broth maintains a light, salty profile that satisfies fans of cleaner noodle soups, those seeking a thick, sinus-clearing broth might find it understated. Even so, for diners navigating the alleys near Gwangjang Market in search of old-school Korean-Chinese cooking and spicy wok-tossed noodles, this seasoned institution retains a distinct identity.
Menu
- Spicy Platter Black Bean Noodles₩10,000
- Assorted Seafood Noodle Soup₩13,000
- Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup₩8,000
- Ganjjajang₩8,000
- 쟁반짜장면₩10,000
- Jajangmyeon₩7,000
- Seafood Jajangmyeon₩10,000
- Samseon Udon₩13,000
- 삼선울면₩13,000
- Gisumyeon (Shredded Chicken Noodles)₩10,000
- Stir-fried Jjamppong₩10,000
Local tips
- Platter jjajang (쟁반짜장) has a distinct spicy kick rather than standard sweet sauce.
- Jjambbong broth is lighter and milder compared to typical thick, spicy versions.
- Private dining rooms are available for family and group gatherings.
Details
- Jongno 5-ga
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 11:00–20:00
- Monday
- 11:00–21:00
- Tuesday
- 11:00–21:00
- Wednesday
- 11:00–21:00
- Thursday
- 11:00–21:00
- Friday
- 11:00–21:00
- Saturday
- 11:00–20:00