Yeondaepo

About

Nostalgic makgeolli pojangmacha near Yonsei University in Sinchon—order-via-kiosk pocha with thin, crispy jeon and sweet rice wine varieties.

Yeondaep has outlasted despite of the neighborhood's countless renovations and rebranding cycles. Five minutes from Sinchon Station, this unpretentious folk liquor house draws crowds of Yonsei students and 20s seeking something old and honest. The menu revolves around pajeon and makgeolli pairings. The cheese kimchi jeon arrives deeply golden, with torched cheese melted over a generous kimchi pancake. It's rich and satisfying, though noticeably oily. The cheese gyeran-mari (rolled omelet) is an densely filled with Spam and kimchi. The assorted pajeon stands out for its thin, crisp buckwheat batter, while the tteokbokki comes loaded with squid and plenty of sweet potato glass noodles. Pork kimchi stew and the couple-sized bossam are generously portioned without feeling excessive. The makgeolli list includes approachable standards like JiPyeong and Neun Maeul, alongside seasonal selections that rotate throughout the year. Some honey-sweetened varieties can be overly rich, while Neun Maeul offers a cleaner, more balanced profile. Complimentary banchan—including corn cheese and acorn jelly—are surprisingly generous, substantial enough to feel like a small meal on their own.