Looking for the Best Gopchang Spot in Seoul?
Wangsimni in Seoul’s Seongdong District might not be the first neighborhood that comes to mind when hunting for food, but for locals, it’s a well-known destination for casual yet memorable eats. One of the most beloved spots in the area is Gopchang House (곱창하우스) — a no-frills, full-flavor restaurant specializing in grilled intestines, especially makchang (large intestines).
I initially visited this place on a friend’s recommendation, even though I wasn’t a big fan of gopchang at the time. That visit completely changed my mind. The taste, the texture, the charcoal — it all came together so perfectly that I found myself craving it again just days later. Now, whenever I find myself near Wangsimni Station, I make sure to stop by for another round.

Real Charcoal, Retro Vibes
Tucked into a small side street near Wangsimni Station, Gopchang House gives off a nostalgic pojangmacha (Korean tent pub) vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a neighborhood secret. The interior is simple — metal tables, plastic stools, and small grills set up for each party.
The real charcoal fire gives the Gopchang House’s whole place a warm and smoky aroma. I remember the first time I sat down at one of the tables. The grill was already fired up and glowing red. Within minutes, our first order of makchang hit the grill, crackling loudly as the fat rendered over the hot coals. The entire restaurant buzzed with the sounds of sizzling meat and lively conversation. If you’re looking for something more authentic than a sleek, modern Korean BBQ chain, this is your place.

Makchang Worth the Hype – What I Ordered
The menu at Gopchang House is concise but powerful. I tried the charcoal-grilled makchang, both salted and marinated. The salted version was clean, chewy, and savory — letting the rich flavor of the meat speak for itself. The marinated version was bold, sweet, and spicy — classic Korean flavors layered on thick.
What really impressed me was how the outer layer turned perfectly crispy while the inside stayed juicy and tender. The meat came with raw onion, green chili, and garlic — perfect for grilling on the side or eating fresh with a dip in the house sauce. I personally loved wrapping the crispy bits in perilla leaves with a slice of grilled garlic and dipping it in the salty, peppery sesame oil sauce. Every bite was deeply satisfying.

The Fried Rice Finale – A Must-Try Dish
Just when I thought the meal was over, my friend insisted we order the cheese stir-fried rice — and I’m so glad we did. Using the leftover gopchang drippings and bits on the grill, we added rice, seaweed flakes, and a generous handful of cheese. As it sizzled and crisped on the hot plate, the aroma was absolutely mouthwatering. The cheese melted into the rice, creating a creamy, savory coating with just enough crunch on the bottom. Honestly, I would come back for this dish alone. It was the perfect finish to a heavy, meaty meal — hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor.

A Little Story – First Visit Memories
I still remember my very first visit Gopchang House vividly. It was a chilly autumn evening, and the smoky smell of charcoal drew us in like a magnet. The place was packed, and we had to wait about 20 minutes, but the staff kindly brought us hot tea while we stood outside.
Once seated, I had that “this is going to be good” feeling. The server was friendly and gave us tips on how to grill the makchang evenly. At the end of the meal, the table next to us even offered us a taste of their sundae stir-fry — a kind gesture that made the whole night feel like a true local Seoul experience. That moment, sharing food with strangers over charcoal, felt like what Korean comfort food is all about.
Beyond the Restaurant – A Night in Wangsimni
What makes dining at Gopchang House even more enjoyable is its location. After your meal, you can easily walk around Wangsimni, which has been transforming in recent years with trendy cafes, dessert spots, and even a movie theater inside Enter-6 mall nearby.
I once followed up a hearty gopchang meal with a cup of hot hojicha latte from a nearby dessert cafe — a surprisingly nice combo. If you’re with someone special, you can make a date night out of it: gopchang for dinner, dessert and a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream extension, and maybe even catch a late-night movie. It’s a flexible, local-friendly area with just enough buzz to keep you entertained without the overwhelming crowds of Hongdae or Myeongdong.

Gopchang House Menu and Practical Information (Updated 2025)
If you’re ready to try Gopchang House for yourself, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Menu and Prices (KRW):
- Vegetable Gopchang (야채곱창): 8,000
- Sundae Gopchang (순대곱창): 9,000
- Spicy Sundae Stir-Fry (순대볶음): 9,000
- Intestines with Roe (알곱창): 15,000
- Charcoal Grilled Makchang – Salted (연탄 불막창 소금구이): 13,000
- Charcoal Grilled Makchang – Marinated (연탄 불막창 양념구이): 13,000
- Cheese Marinated Makchang (연탄 불막창 치즈 양념구이): 14,000
- Galbi-flavored Makchang (갈비맛 막창구이): 14,000
- Teriyaki Fried Rice (철판데리볶음밥): 3,000
- Cheese Fried Rice (철판치즈볶음밥): 3,000
- Hangover Ramen (해장라면): 5,000
Address: 12 Majo-ro 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +82-2-2292-4978
Opening Hours: Daily from 3:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (until midnight on Sundays)
Access: 5-minute walk from Wangsimni Station (Line 2, Exit 9)
If you’re a food lover looking to go beyond tourist traps and try something truly local in Seoul, Gopchang House in Wangsimni should be on your list. Great food, friendly vibes, and a location perfect for a casual night out — it’s everything you need for a memorable Korean gopchang experience.
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