[Mapo / Yeonnam] Soko, Juicy Tebasaki? This is Soko, an izakaya in Yeonnam-dong. korea hongdae

[Mapo / Yeonnam] Soko, Juicy Tebasaki? This is Soko, an izakaya in Yeonnam-dong. korea hongdae

Discover Soko, an authentic Japanese izakaya in Yeonnam-dong, offering juicy Tebasaki, unique Japanese dishes, and a cozy atmosphere that transports you straight to Japan.

Sometimes, you just crave the authentic taste of Japan. Even after a recent trip to Osaka and Kyoto, the Japanese nostalgia lingers. That's when you know where to look: Yeonnam-dong, a neighborhood in Seoul where you can find Japanese food that's even better than what you might find in Japan. Among the many options, Soko (소코) stands out, especially for its incredible Tebasaki (fried chicken wings).

The Vibe: A Cozy Japanese Retreat

Soko, a Yeonnam-dong izakaya tucked away at the edge of the neighborhood, has a gentle, welcoming air about it, as if it had been waiting for you to discover it. It's the kind of place you wish you could move in next door to. The authentic Japanese tatami room experience, reminiscent of a scene from a Doraemon movie, truly makes you feel like you're in Japan. It's clear they are serious about creating a genuine Japanese izakaya atmosphere.

The Menu: Juicy Tebasaki and More

Soko offers a liquor menu full of reasonably priced food and delicious highballs. We started with the Tebasaki Tower and Neapolitan.

Tebasaki Tower

This is Soko's signature dish, and it's a marvel. Unlike other places that claim to serve Tebasaki, Soko's version is the real deal. These fried chicken wings have a soy sauce base and are incredibly juicy. Composed of both wings and drumettes, the Tebasaki Tower is a must-try. The amount of pepper and soy sauce is perfectly balanced, making it incredibly addictive.

Neapolitan

Neapolitan is Japan's signature pasta, and it's a must-order if you can't find a good one in your neighborhood. Soko's Neapolitan was perfect, with just the right amount of tartness from the ketchup. It even comes with cute Vienna sausage goods in a box.

The Drinks: Highballs and Orion Beer

We indulged in Gakubin Highball and Umeshu Highball. The highballs are huge, and you can immediately tell that the base whiskey is strong. The Umeshu Highball, with its plum flavor, was particularly delightful.

And for beer lovers, you can enjoy Okinawa Orion draft beer here. One sip made me want to go to Okinawa, but then I realized I could just come to Soko!

The Sides: Perfect Companions

Soko, a neighborhood izakaya in Yeonnam, is all about the snacks that go with the sake. We tried the plum tomato, which was incredibly delicious. It sounds like a simple snack, but the effort put into peeling and marinating the plums is evident in the flavors. It made me order another beer!

Soko is perfect as a secondary bar in Yeonnam-dong. It's a place where you can simultaneously feel like you're in Japan and realize you need to come back to Soko next time. For a taste of authentic Tebasaki and a Japanese-style atmosphere, head to Yeonnam-dong Soko. Even if you were in Japan yesterday, Soko's take on southern Japan will be new to you.

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Your Quick Guide to Soko

• Name: Soko (소코)
• Address: 서울 마포구 성미산로28길 41 1F
• How to Get There: Located in Yeonnam-dong. Use Google Maps for precise directions.
• Hours: Daily 4:30 PM - 11:55 PM
• Contact: 0507-1475-3235

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A Local's Guide: 3 Ways to Explore Yeonnam-dong

After enjoying your authentic Japanese meal at Soko, explore the charming and artistic Yeonnam-dong area with these curated courses.

Course 1: Hidden Izakaya and Alley Walks in Yeonnam-dong

• Yeonnam Soko Izakaya: Start your culinary journey here with their famous Tebasaki.
• Cafe on the Plate (카페 온더플레이트): A 5-minute walk from Soko, this quiet alley cafe is perfect for sweet treats and coffee after a meal.
• Gyeongui Line Forest Path (경의선 숲길): A 10-minute walk from Soko, this hidden trail is a great way to enjoy the local flavor of the neighborhood and spend some time in nature amidst the city.

Course 2: Yeonnam-dong Skewers and Emotional Cafe Date

• Yeonnam Soko Izakaya: Enjoy the tebasaki and tsukune (no shochu, please!).
• Fortress Izakaya (요새 이자카야): A 10-minute walk from Soko, this place offers skewers and sake in an atmosphere full of Japanese flavor.
• Cafe 'Ondohwa' (카페 온도화): After filling up on skewers, this quiet cafe is the perfect place to chat over a cup of tea.

Course 3: Yeontral Park and Neighborhood Emotional Walk

• Yeonnam Soko Izakaya: Start with a hearty skewer!
• Yeontral Park (경의선 숲길): A 10-minute walk away, this is a favorite spot for locals, especially in the spring and fall.
• Yeonnam-dong 'Plain Bakery' (플레인 베이커리): Stop by after your walk and finish it off with some fresh bread and coffee. This bakery is famous, but visit early on a weekday for a quieter experience.

These routes are designed to help you experience the true charm of Yeonnam-dong, focusing on hidden spots that locals love. Take your time, walk like a local, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of this area!