Seoul's Coziest Bar: A Guide to Rodeng Bar in Dangsan

Who says oden is only for winter? Discover Rodeng Bar, a premium oden bar near Dangsan Station that's perfect for deep conversations and delicious food any time of the year.

There's a common stereotype in Korea that oden (Japanese fish cake skewers) is strictly a winter food. I'm here to tell you that's a myth. Delicious food is delicious any day of the year, and when you're craving that warm, comforting broth and a place for a serious conversation, there's no better spot than an oden bar. Tonight, that spot is Rodeng Bar (로뎅바).

The Vibe: The Thinker's Tavern

Located in the bustling area around Dangsan Station, Rodeng Bar is one of the hottest pubs in the neighborhood. The name itself is a clever play on Rodin's famous statue, "The Thinker," and the atmosphere inside lives up to it. It's a place that invites deep, meaningful conversations. The warm, intimate lighting and the gentle hum of happy chatter create the perfect backdrop for opening up and sharing stories.

And don't worry about the summer heat. The air conditioning is powerful, and the high ceilings keep the space feeling open and comfortable, even when the broth is boiling right in front of you.

The Main Event: Premium Oden, Straight from Busan

This isn't your average street-side oden. Rodeng Bar prides itself on being a premium oden bar. The difference is in the quality. They use only the finest fish cakes, delivered directly from the port city of Busan every morning. The broth is a masterpiece in itself, simmered daily with over 10 different ingredients to create a deep, complex flavor.

One of the best design features is the built-in burner at the table, which keeps your oden perfectly hot without taking up precious space. Paired with a thoughtfully designed dipping bowl, it's a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Beyond the Oden: Perfect Pub Food

While you could easily eat 100 oden skewers and be happy, the side menu is too good to ignore. We ordered the Fries & Wings. The french fries were so perfectly crispy, they could rival McDonald's. The wings were juicy and flavorful, and the fact that they gave us two separate servings of ketchup showed a level of thoughtfulness you don't always find.

To drink, we chose a distilled soju called Hwayo (화요), a premium spirit that pairs beautifully with the clean flavors of the oden.

---

Your Quick Guide to Rodeng Bar

• Name: Rodeng Bar (로뎅바)
• Address: 1, Dangsan-ro 45-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
• How to Get There: Take the subway to Dangsan Station (Lines 2 & 9). It's a 3-minute walk from Exit 11.
• Hours: 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM Daily
• Contact: 0507-1330-4996

---

A Local's Guide: 3 Ways to Explore the Dangsan Area

Rodeng Bar is a fantastic starting point for exploring the charms of Dangsan-dong and the nearby Seonyudo Island.

Course 1: The Gourmet Tour

• Rodeng Bar: Start with a premium oden experience.
• Wolyang (월양): Located right next door, this is another local hotspot famous for its high-quality lamb. Reservations are a must!
• Local Cafe: Finish your night with a great cup of coffee from a neighborhood cafe, many of which are just a 5-minute walk away.

Course 2: Nature and Healing in the City

• Seonyudo Park: Just a 10-minute walk from the bar, this island park is a stunning nature sanctuary in the middle of the Han River. It's a beautiful place for a walk, day or night.
• Dangsan Railway Bridge (Dangsan Cheolgyo): After exploring the park, stop by the observation deck on this bridge for a spectacular night view of the Han River and the Seoul skyline.
• Riverside Cafe: Relax at a cozy cafe near the park entrance after your walk.

Course 3: The Sentimental Cafe Tour

• Dangsan-dong Cafe Street: In the quiet alleys near Rodeng Bar, you'll find a street filled with charming, independent cafes, each with a unique interior and delicious homemade desserts.
• Dangsan Market: Get a feel for the neighborhood by strolling through the traditional market connected to the cafe street.
• Vintage Shops: Browse the small vintage and prop shops around the station to find a unique souvenir.

If you're looking for a place to have a real conversation and enjoy high-quality food in a fantastic atmosphere, you have to visit Rodeng Bar. It's a true local gem.