Korean sundae (순대, also spelled soondae) has nothing to do with ice cream. It is Korea’s blood sausage, and it is one of the most satisfying cheap meals you can eat in the country, either sliced on a plate or simmered in a bowl of sundae gukbap (순대국밥, sausage and rice soup). Below are six places in Seoul and Jeju, from a 24-hour Cheongdam favorite to a tiny village shop where most of the menu fits on one sheet of paper.
The picks below are adapted from visits by Revitguide reviewer 호미식 (Homisik), who rated each 4 out of 5. Each section links to the original Korean review.
What Is Korean Sundae?
Korean sundae is a sausage made by stuffing cleaned pig or cow intestines with fillings and then steaming it. Traditional versions use pork blood (seonji), rice, minced meat and vegetables. After the Korean War, when meat was scarce, cheap street versions switched to glass noodles (dangmyeon), and that noodle-filled style is still what you get at most snack bars today.
The restaurants in this guide, however, make heartier sausage. In addition, several regional styles of Korean sundae come up on menus:
- Chapssal sundae (찹쌀순대): sausage made with glutinous rice, so it is dense and chewy. Two of our Seoul picks specialize in it and are named after places in North Korea (Sinuiju and Hamgyeong Province).
- Baegam sundae (백암순대): a regional style from Yongin, just south of Seoul.
- Jeju sundae (제주순대): the island’s own style. In Jeju, people often dip sundae in soy sauce instead of the salt and pepper mix used in Seoul.
- Sundae gukbap (순대국밥): pork broth with sundae, offal and meat, served with rice. It is the most common way to eat sundae as a full meal.
How to Order Korean Sundae and Sundae Gukbap
First, decide whether you want your Korean sundae in soup or on a plate. Most sundae restaurants offer a regular gukbap, a “teuk” (특, large) bowl with more meat, a set meal (jeongsik, 정식) that adds a small plate of sundae and boiled pork, and a sharing platter (modeum, 모듬) for two or more people.
Next, season the soup yourself. The table usually has salted shrimp (saeujeot), perilla seed powder, chives and chili paste. Many bowls arrive mildly seasoned on purpose, so add saeujeot a little at a time. Finally, expect hearty portions and low prices: a bowl costs about ₩10,000 to ₩13,000 at most places in this guide, while the Cheongdam shop is a premium exception.
Korean Sundae Spots at a Glance
| Restaurant | Area | What to order | Price paid | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sansugapsan (산수갑산) | Euljiro, Seoul | Sundae platter, sundae gukbap teuk | ₩40,000 (2 dishes) | The sundae itself |
| Nongmin Baekam Sundae (농민백암순대) | Daechi, Gangnam | Gukbap, sundae plate | ₩13,000 | Rich, meat-heavy gukbap |
| Sinuiju Chapssal Sundae (신의주찹쌀순대) | Cheongdam, Gangnam | Sundae gukbap | ₩26,000 | A premium bowl at any hour |
| Hamgyeongdo Chapssal Sundae (함경도찹쌀순대) | Garak-dong, Songpa | Sundae gukbap, mixed platter | ₩19,000 | A balanced, late-night bowl |
| Bumil Bunsik (범일분식) | Namwon, Jeju | Sundae baekban, plate of sundae | ₩29,000 | Perilla-rich soup |
| Gasi Sikdang (가시식당) | Gasi-ri, Pyoseon, Jeju | Momguk, duruchigi, pork belly | ₩10,000 / ₩56,000 | Jeju local food |
Korean Sundae in Seoul
1. Sansugapsan (산수갑산), Euljiro
I ordered the sundae gukbap teuk and the sundae platter (sundae modeum). In fact, it was some of the most impressive Korean sundae I have ever eaten. The casing kept a nice chewy bite, and the filling felt a clear step above the sundae you find at typical chain shops.
The gukbap is fairly mild. Rather than a bowl that arrives fully seasoned, it leaves room for you to adjust it with salted shrimp or pepper. It also has a good amount of black pepper, so pepper lovers will probably enjoy it even more. Keep in mind that the sundae in the soup and the sundae on the platter are different. If you go alone, I recommend the sundae jeongsik (set meal) instead of the gukbap alone.
On a weekday evening the line was long. However, the restaurant is big, with two floors, so I waited only about 30 minutes. Inside, it runs at a very busy pace, so don’t expect much space or attentive service. Still, I don’t dislike that kind of atmosphere at all. In the end, the taste earned it 4 points. If you like sundae and gukbap, it is worth a visit at least once.
- Address: 24 Euljiro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 을지로20길 24)
- Station: Euljiro 4-ga Station (Lines 2 and 5), Exit 10, about 5 minutes on foot
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from about 11:00 to 21:30, with a 15:00 to 17:00 break. Closed Sundays. Opening times differ slightly between listings.
- Menu: sundae gukbap ₩10,000 (large ₩12,000), sundae jeongsik ₩15,000, platter for two ₩28,000. A single jeongsik is served only from 11:00 to 14:30, and groups of two or more need to order at least two.
- Open in Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide
2. Nongmin Baekam Sundae (농민백암순대 본점), Daechi
This gukbap made me understand why it has won over so many people. On my first visit, I went with friends from Busan who are proud of their own gukbap, and it did not completely win them over. There is clearly a reason this place is a Seoul thing. If you prefer clear soups, its style may not suit you, because the bowl is full of head meat, much like an offal gukbap.
My third visit
Even so, I came back twice within a short time, because the Korean sundae here kept pulling me back. On my third visit, I brought a friend who had wanted to try it with me. Plenty of regulars were there again, and many tables ordered dishes other than sundae, so I suspect the regulars each have their own favorite.
Personally, I found the sundae fairly free of gamey smell. That said, it holds a lot of juice, so some people might read that rich flavor as slightly greasy or porky. The casing, made from pork large intestine, is wonderfully chewy and savory. Best of all, the sundae comes freshly steamed. When you eat a warm piece, the chewy skin and the moist filling hit together, and that is the real kick. The filling is good, too. The vegetables keep a crunchy bite, which stops the heavy sausage from feeling stodgy.
Overall, though, the side dishes and food are seasoned a little strongly. As a meal it can feel a bit salty, but as a drinking snack it works well. The owner was really kind, and my third visit left a good impression too. After three visits in a short time, I am sure about the sundae. Next time, I want to work through the other dishes.
Waiting and practical info
Expect a line at lunch. You write your name and party size on the paper waiting list by the door. According to a 2025 visitor, the main building and the annex across the street keep separate lists, so it can pay to sign both.
- Address: 40-4 Seolleung-ro 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 선릉로86길 40-4)
- Station: Seolleung Station (Line 2 and Suin-Bundang Line), Exit 1, about 7 minutes on foot
- Hours: Monday to Friday 11:10 to 21:00 (last order 20:30), Saturday 11:10 to 15:30, closed Sundays. Some days have shorter hours, so check before you go.
- Menu (2026): gukbap ₩11,000, large ₩13,000, set meal ₩17,000, tojong sundae ₩13,000. The set meal and boiled pork can sell out early. No reservations.
- Open in Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide (first visit) · Original review on Revitguide (third visit)
3. Sinuiju Chapssal Sundae (신의주찹쌀순대), Cheongdam
This is a premium sundae gukbap shop in Cheongdam-dong. In terms of flavor alone, it was delicious, no question. I suspect even people who don’t really like gukbap would take a bite and say, “Okay, this one is good.” The taste is that intuitive, and it doesn’t need much explaining.
Then again, one bowl costs more than ₩20,000. As a result, at that price it would be a disaster if it weren’t tasty, so a certain level of satisfaction felt guaranteed from the start. And in fact, the taste lived up to it. The space, however, felt a bit chaotic, almost like a samgyeopsal restaurant. There is also a big pufferfish restaurant right next door, so when I first arrived I briefly wondered if I was in the right place. If not for that, it could have reached 4.5. The flavor alone was that good.
- Address: 725 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 영동대로 725)
- Station: Cheongdam Station (Line 7), Exit 13, about 280 m
- Hours: open 24 hours, every day
- Menu: sundae gukbap ₩17,000 (large ₩20,000), Sinuiju set meal ₩23,000 (large ₩26,000). Valet parking is available.
- Several unrelated shops share the Sinuiju Chapssal Sundae name. This Cheongdam shop says it has run independently since 1995.
- Open in Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide
4. Hamgyeongdo Chapssal Sundae (함경도찹쌀순대), Garak-dong
This place is always packed. So I dropped in after 2 a.m., and as a result I could eat comfortably with no wait. The sundae gukbap was everything I wanted. There was nothing to add and nothing to take away; the bowl arrived already complete.
Compared with Nongmin Baekam Sundae, where I could taste the power of a doenjang (soybean paste) base, this broth stuck closer to the basics. Still, it was clean, and the seasoning was just right, so anyone can enjoy it. If Baekam can split opinions, this style is unlikely to split anyone. On the other hand, the sundae and meat on the mixed platter were more ordinary than the soup. Instead, the seasoned onion salad served on the side was the surprise hit.
- Address: 32 Songpa-daero 28-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울 송파구 송파대로28길 32)
- Station: Police Hospital Station (Line 3), Exit 1, about 4 minutes on foot
- Hours: open 24 hours. It may close over major holidays such as Lunar New Year.
- Menu: sundae gukbap ₩11,000, mixed platter ₩23,000 (2026 listings)
- Open in Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide
Korean Sundae in Jeju
5. Bumil Bunsik (범일분식), Namwon
Bumil Bunsik smells like a great local restaurant before you even walk in. The old exterior says it. Moreover, the menu says it even more: sundae soup and sundae. That is basically all there is. When a place has such a short menu, I can’t help getting my hopes up.
When the sundae soup arrives, the first thing you notice is the perilla seed powder. They really don’t hold back. One spoonful and the nutty perilla takes over your mouth, so the broth is much thicker and heavier than a typical sundae soup. That perilla is what makes this place memorable. However, there is a lot of it, so people who don’t like perilla will have a clear opinion either way. For me, it was a big yes.
The sundae and a perilla leaf
The sundae was good too. For example, it is a sticky chapssal sundae, so it has a dense, satisfying chew. There is also one combination I really want you to try here: wrap the sundae in a perilla leaf. The leaf’s aroma on top of the dense sausage is fantastic, and it tastes like a completely different dish from the sundae alone.
Why it stuck with me
After eating your way around Jeju, many good restaurants start to blur together. Bumil Bunsik didn’t. For better or worse, I will always remember it as “that sundae soup with the intense perilla.” Having a personality is a real strength for a restaurant. Earlier, I had felt that Namwon had fewer good restaurants than I hoped, but Bumil Bunsik changed my mind a little. With this much impact, it might be the king of Namwon.
- Address: 658 Taewi-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju (제주 서귀포시 남원읍 태위로 658)
- Hours: 09:00 to 17:00, closed Saturdays. It may close early when the food runs out.
- Menu: sundae baekban (soup set) and a plate of sundae, plus makgeolli. The menu in our photo showed ₩9,000 and ₩11,000; a visitor in October 2026 reported ₩10,000 and ₩12,000.
- Open in Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide
6. Gasi Sikdang (가시식당), Pyoseon
Gasi Sikdang is a long-running local restaurant in Gasi-ri village. Jeju-style Korean sundae is a house specialty, and the menu includes a plate of Jeju-style sundae and a sundae baekban. On my two visits, though, I came for its other famous dishes.
My first momguk
Gasi Sikdang was where I ate momguk for the first time in Jeju. Momguk is a Jeju soup of pork broth and mojaban, a local seaweed. From the name alone, I assumed it would be similar to gukbap. In fact, the bowl was neither gukbap nor haejangguk; it was something I had never tasted before. At the first spoonful, I was a little surprised and thought, “Why is this so good?” The broth was rich but not heavy. The pork laid a savory base, and the seaweed melted in to create its own deep umami.
What impressed me most was the texture. Small bits come up with every spoonful, so it slides down easily but still gives you something to chew. Even though I had never eaten it before, it felt familiar and delicious rather than strange. I had heard that momguk divides people, but Gasi Sikdang’s version didn’t worry me. It wasn’t aggressive, yet it had a clear presence. I’m glad Gasi Sikdang was the place that introduced me to momguk. I have had it elsewhere since, but this bowl still defines what momguk is for me.
Duruchigi and pork belly
I went back later to try the meat. Many tables order the duruchigi (stir-fried pork) and samgyeopsal. First of all, the duruchigi isn’t overly spicy; it keeps the natural flavor of the pork and makes you want rice. You put the side dishes on the grill and cook them with the pork, which is a fun, very Jeju way to eat. Similarly, the pork belly was satisfying. The meat quality was good enough that it needed no fancy seasoning, and dipping it in melijeot (anchovy sauce) reminded me why people eat pork in Jeju.
Best of all, it is not a one-dish restaurant. You can come for momguk or come with friends to grill pork, and either way you will leave happy. Gasi Sikdang is less a flashy hot spot and more an old local restaurant you can trust: momguk, duruchigi and pork belly are all good.
- Address: 24 Gasi-ro 565beon-gil, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju (제주 서귀포시 표선면 가시로565번길 24)
- Hours: about 08:30 to 19:30, with a 15:00 to 17:00 break (last order 18:30). Closed on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
- Menu: sundae baekban ₩10,000, plate of sundae ₩10,000, momguk ₩10,000, duruchigi set (150 g) ₩10,000, pork belly (200 g) ₩16,000. Duruchigi orders start at two portions.
- Open in Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide (momguk) · Original review on Revitguide (pork)
More Korean Sundae Picks Around Korea
These extra picks are adapted from visits by Revitguide reviewer 호미식 (Homisik), who rated each 3.5 out of 5. They take Korean sundae beyond Seoul and Jeju, to Busan and to Suncheon in South Jeolla, where gukbap is made very differently.
Gamcho Sikdang (감초식당), Jeju City
Gamcho Sikdang has been featured in Heo Young-man’s food comic Sikgaek, and it is a well-known local spot. I came around 4 p.m. on a weekday and did not have to wait. The broth was surprisingly lightly seasoned. It starts mild, then the meaty flavor and a gentle heat fill in, and I never felt the need to add anything. The bowl is packed with head meat, lean meat, offal and sundae, each with a different texture. The sundae stood out: its offal aroma is fairly clear, and in the mild broth it anchors the flavor. Bean sprouts and cabbage keep it light to the end. I asked if this packed style is typical in Jeju and was told it is not. The green onion kimchi was fresh and went well with the soup.
Area: 32 Donggwang-ro 1-gil, Jeju City (제주 제주시 동광로1길 32). The menu board in my photo listed sundae gukbap at ₩9,000. Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide
Gong Sundae (공순대), Nampo-dong, Busan
It is hidden deep in an alley, so if people keep coming in, the reason is in the bowl. The jeongol (hot pot) has perilla seeds, which make the broth thick and heavy, and the first spoonful feels weighty. What impressed me is that it does not get that richness from salt; it comes from perilla and the ingredients, so it stays easy to keep eating. The blood sausage (pi-sundae) has vegetables inside that keep it relatively light, and it balanced the heavy broth well. The makchang sundae had a clear makchang aroma but was not as tender as I hoped. The broth alone explains this place; apart from the old-shop feel fading a little, it was very good.
Area: 18-5 Junggu-ro 29beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan (부산 중구 중구로29번길 18-5). A plaque inside shows it was featured on SBS TV’s 생활의 달인 as a “sundae master”. More nearby in our Nampo-dong guide. Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide
Gukbap Cham Masinneun Jip (국밥 참 맛있는 집) Daechi, Seoul
This is the Daechi branch of a franchise, which opened on March 30, 2026. I usually do not expect much from franchise brands, but a friend grabbed a table, so in we went, and my bias cracked a little. It was better than I expected. The Byeongcheon-style sundae was soft and well filled, without a strong smell, so it is easy for first-timers. The gukbap is clearly the clear style. If thick, heavy gukbap like Nongmin Baegam Sundae feels like too much, this is a good fit. It is clear but not bland, with a well-developed broth. The owner was friendly too.
Area: Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 대치동). More in our Gangnam restaurants guide. Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide
Hyangchon Sikdang (향촌식당), Suncheon
A local chef in Suncheon told me the places I had planned were not where locals eat, and named two gukbap shops instead. The first was Hyangchon Sikdang, on the Utjang market gukbap street. Inside there were far more neighbors than tourists. The gukbap here uses pork head meat, and you can add sundae, though the basic bowl was enough for me. The broth had bean sprouts and onion, which felt unfamiliar after Busan-style gukbap. It tasted less like a heavy pork soup and more like a cool bean sprout soup with the richness of head meat. Light enough to keep eating, with a clean finish. The kimchi was milder than I expected for Jeolla and served generously.
Area: 40 Bungmun-gil, Suncheon (전남 순천시 북문길 40). The menu board in my photo listed head meat gukbap and sundae gukbap at ₩10,000 each. Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide
Jeil Sikdang (제일식당), Suncheon
The second recommended shop, Jeil Sikdang, was surprisingly different from Hyangchon. It also has plenty of bean sprouts, but it starts much cleaner, without the funky head-meat aroma, and the broth’s coolness comes first. Both finish with a little heat. The rice comes on the side, so the broth stays the same strength to the end. If I had to pick one, I would choose Hyangchon for its character, which is hard to find in Seoul. Choose Jeil for clean Suncheon-style gukbap and Hyangchon for a deeper, funkier bowl.
Area: Dongoe-dong, Suncheon (전남 순천시 동외동). For more in the region, see our Suncheon and Gwangju and Jeolla guides. Naver Map · Original review on Revitguide
Tips for Eating Korean Sundae
- Go early. The famous gukbap shops get long lines at lunch, and set meals often sell out.
- For late nights, the two 24-hour shops in Gangnam and Songpa are reliable choices.
- Taste before you season. Add salted shrimp and perilla powder gradually.
- Jeju shops often keep short hours and close mid-afternoon, so plan sundae for breakfast or lunch.
- Cash is handy at small village restaurants in Jeju.
Hungry for more than Korean sundae? Our guide to the best Korean restaurants in Seoul covers more comfort food by neighborhood, and the Gwangjang Market food guide is a good next stop for street snacks. For pork in the capital, see our Korean BBQ guide, and browse all our Jeju food posts before your island trip.
FAQ
What is Korean sundae made of?
Korean sundae is a sausage of pig or cow intestine stuffed with fillings and steamed. Traditional fillings include pork blood, rice, minced meat and vegetables, while cheap street versions mostly use glass noodles.
Is Korean sundae the same as soondae?
Yes. Soondae is simply another English spelling of 순대, so Korean sundae and soondae are the same food. It is not related to the ice cream sundae.
What is the difference between sundae and sundae gukbap?
Sundae is the sausage itself, usually served sliced with boiled offal. Sundae gukbap is a hot pork broth with sundae and meat, eaten with rice as a full meal.
Where can I eat sundae late at night in Seoul?
Sinuiju Chapssal Sundae in Cheongdam and Hamgyeongdo Chapssal Sundae in Garak-dong are both open 24 hours.
Is sundae easy to find in Jeju?
Yes. Many local restaurants serve Jeju-style sundae and sundae soup, often alongside momguk and pork dishes. Bumil Bunsik in Namwon and Gasi Sikdang in Pyoseon are good places to start.
We checked prices and hours in November 2026, and they can change. Check Naver Map before you go.