When you go out with kids in the middle of winter or summer, you really can’t wander around forever just to “find a famous restaurant”. Around Gwanghwamun Square there are events and festivals almost half the year, plus so many museums and performances nearby. So I picked places where you can eat comfortably with kids, without walking too much or standing in line forever.
These are not “queue for 1 hour” hot places. They’re easy, close, kid‑friendly restaurants where you can actually sit, relax, and eat. I’ll share the real “line‑up” spots another time.
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1. Banh Pho Six Gwanghwamun (Vietnamese noodles)
This Vietnamese place is about 1 minute on foot from Gwanghwamun Station, inside the alley with the Olive Young at the big Gwanghwamun intersection, on the 2nd floor of the Chil-don-ga building.
What I love most here is not some crazy special flavor, but how wide the space is. It’s a chain so the taste is safely above average, but the best part is: even at peak lunch and dinner time, I’ve basically never had to wait. The dining area is spread over two floors, and every time I went with my kids we walked straight in and got a table.
When kids are whining “I’m tired, I’m hungry”, I honestly have zero energy left to stand in line. Here, portions are generous, the broth is comforting, and you can just sit down and feed them quickly.
It’s also very kid‑friendly. They have baby chairs, kids’ cutlery, and I’ve never had any uncomfortable moments bringing children. Since the main is hot noodle soup, it feels perfect on freezing winter days around Gwanghwamun.
Location & Info
Address: 2F, 9 Saemunan‑ro 9‑gil, Jongno‑gu, Seoul
Phone: 02‑725‑6661
Hours: Every day 11:00–22:00
Recommended menu (approx. prices)
– Pho (11,000 won)
– Shrimp Pad Thai (13,000 won)
– Nasi Goreng (13,000 won)
– Beef Fried Rice (14,000 won)
Why I recommend it
– Almost no waiting even at peak time
– Very kid‑friendly (baby chair, kids’ spoons/chopsticks)
– Big enough to handle groups or extended family meetups
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2. Donggyeong Udon (Pork cutlet & udon)
This is about 2 minutes from Gwanghwamun Station. Go into the side alley next to Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, and you’ll see it right by the Ediya Coffee.
It’s one of those old, steady‑popular spots in Gwanghwamun. The menu is super safe for families: pork cutlet, udon, cold noodles, sashimi rice bowl and so on. Adults and kids can all find something they like.
My kids are obsessed with pork cutlet and udon. Honestly I’m a bit sick of it by now, but they never seem to get tired of it. The price is not crazy cheap and I wouldn’t call it a “life‑changing” restaurant, but every time we went with the kids the staff were nice, and they even took extra care with the little ones.
Only thing to keep in mind: at peak meal times there can be a line, and the tables are quite close together, so it can feel a bit cramped. If you just want a nearby, reliable place with kid‑approved menu, it’s still a good option.
Location & Info
Address: 28 Saemunan‑ro 9‑gil, Jongno‑gu, Seoul
Phone: 02‑737‑7710
Hours:
– Mon–Fri 07:00–22:00
– Sat/Sun 10:00–22:00
Recommended menu (approx. prices)
– Udon (8,000 won)
– Shrimp Tempura Udon (11,000 won)
– Pork Cutlet (12,000 won)
– Sashimi Rice Bowl (11,000 won)
Why I recommend it
– Very kid‑friendly attitude
– Menu full of dishes kids usually love
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3. Cheongdamdong Witch Gimbap Gwanghwamun (Gimbap & ramen)
This one is basically right at Gwanghwamun Station, about 30 seconds away. From the main Gwanghwamun intersection you can see a pointy corner building; the shop is on the 2nd floor there.
It’s a chain, but the gimbap fillings are really generous, that’s what it’s known for. I don’t have my own photos from this branch (sad about that), but I’ve eaten here a few times. Gimbap and ramen is such a simple combo that it’s actually hard to mess up, and here you can eat it while looking down over the busy Gwanghwamun crossroads.
Their signature is the egg gimbap, but honestly most of the rolls are tasty. Lots of people come just to get takeaway or order delivery, and when you’re with kids it’s nice to have something you can eat quickly without feeling too heavy.
Location & Info
Cheongdamdong Witch Gimbap Gwanghwamun
Address: 105 Saemunan‑ro, Jongno‑gu, Seoul
Phone: 0507‑1458‑1146
Hours: Every day 07:00–21:00
Recommended menu (approx. prices)
– Witch Gimbap (4,300 won)
– Egg Gimbap (5,300 won)
– Udon (8,000 won)
– Witch Tteokbokki (6,200 won)
Why I recommend it
– View of Gwanghwamun while you eat
– Super close to the station
– Light, easy dishes that everyone knows
– Perfect when kids just want something simple and fast
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By the way, I sometimes just take the kids to the KFC next to Sejong Center too. There are quite a lot of seats on the 2nd floor, so it’s not bad. Since I don’t buy fast food that often, when we go out they suddenly crave burgers.
If your kids are in a pasta mood, there’s a place called Punggyeong and also Pomodoro Gwanghwamun that serve spaghetti. Just keep in mind those can have a wait at busy hours.
One day I’ll write about my real “hidden gem” Gwanghwamun restaurants… whenever that day comes.
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4. Insadong Korean Set Menu at Insa Dodam
Now one more spot a bit further but still in the same central area: a Korean set‑menu place in Insadong called Insadodam. This one is great not only for families, but also for dates, foreign friends, or small company dinners.
It’s inside the Insadong Ssamziegil alley, on Insadong 16‑gil. From Anguk Station Exit 6, walk into Insadong Culture Street, go straight until you see the 16‑gil entrance, and the restaurant is visible from there.
The building is a cozy hanok‑style space, so you get that traditional Korean vibe without it feeling too formal. Seasoning is on the mild side, so the food tastes like healthy home‑cooked Korean meals rather than salty restaurant food. They also have vegetarian and vegan options, and several kinds of bibimbap made with fresh mountain vegetables they source directly.
There are private rooms, which makes it perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or quiet work dinners around Insadong / Anguk / Bukchon / Jongno. Inside toilets are clean (important when you’re with kids or elders), and the whole menu goes really well with makgeolli, with lots of different bottles to choose from.
I like that it works for so many situations: coming with kids on a Seoul outing, bringing foreign guests who want “real Korean food”, or even going alone on a little date with yourself. The staff are friendly and used to international visitors too.
Location & Info
Insa Dodam (https://maps.app.goo.gl/bpQA1p6gGKm3mHMN8)
Address: 1F, 5‑1 Insadong 16‑gil, Jongno‑gu, Seoul (Gwanhun‑dong 118‑23)
Phone: 0507‑1365‑0141
If you’re planning a Gwanghwamun + Insadong day, you can easily eat near the square for lunch with kids, then head over to Insadodam for a slower, more traditional dinner.
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Final Thoughts
Around Gwanghwamun and Insadong you don’t have to suffer in long lines with tired kids to eat well. Banpo Six, Donggyeong Udon, and Cheongdamdong Witch Gimbap are my go‑to “safe” choices right by Gwanghwamun Station, and Insadodam in Insadong is perfect when you want something a bit more traditional and relaxed.
Next time you’re out for the Gwanghwamun festivals or an Insadong stroll, try one of these and save your walking energy for the fun stuff instead of hunting for food.