Traveling often means you can’t always seek out the local delicacies. There are times when, due to odd hours or extreme hunger, you urgently need a meal. Today, I want to introduce you to Luon, a Vietnamese restaurant located near Seoul Station.
Which is not Korean meal, however can be one of the best food option near Seoul Station.
Seoul Station is a central hub in Seoul, intersecting various rail and bus routes, also surrounded by traditional office districts.
Luon is a convenient spot to visit while waiting for a train.
Additionally, many hotels are located around Seoul Station like Four Points Hotel, making it an excellent option for those seeking quality restaurants near Seoul Staion.
Index
- Operating Hours and Times to Avoid
- Recommended Menu at Luon
- Features of Luon
- Menu
- Overall Review
- Google Map and Naver Map links
1. **Operating Hours and Times to Avoid**
**Luon’s Operating Hours:**
– Daily 11 AM – 10 PM
– Closed on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of each month
Since Luon is located near Seoul Station, in one of Seoul’s business districts, it’s advisable to avoid the lunch rush hour of office workers from 12 PM to 1 PM. Visiting during these hours might result in long waiting lines.
2. **Recommended Menu at Luon**
I tried the “Luon Pho”, known for its rich and savory broth that isn’t overly greasy. The meat is fresh, without the typical smell. It’s popular among Koreans who may not be familiar with Southeast Asian cuisine.
The most popular menu item is the “Stir-Fried Beef Pho”. Unlike Luon Pho, this dish features meat cooked directly over flame, offering a unique smoky taste. It’s highly recommended by visitors and is the restaurant’s signature dish.
3. **Features of Luon**
Luon is characterized by its variety of decorations, interior design, and particularly its lighting. I initially mistook it for a lighting store when I passed by. Although taste and lighting might seem unrelated, the visual appeal enhances the dining experience.
The owner of Luon is friendly and might even remind you of a movie star, which could be an interesting point to check out for yourself.
4. **Menu**
The menu titles at Luon are in English, but descriptions are only in Korean. You can use Google Translate to understand the content, but I will provide photos and some translations, however, it might be slightly inaccurate.
The Price Range of Luon: 12,000 KRW ~ 20,000 KRW
These translations are based on the items listed and visible prices.
Please note that some descriptions are brief due to the limited information provided on the menu.
First Photo:
– **PHO**
– **Luon Pho** – Vietnamese traditional rice noodles flavored with various herbs in thick broth, carefully brewed for 24 hours.
– **Beef Brisket Pho** – Pho with tender beef brisket.
– **Stir-Fried Beef Pho** – Stir-fried Pho noodles with beef in a flavorful sauce.
– **”Spicy” Stir-Fried Beef Pho** – Spicy version of the stir-fried beef Pho.
Second Photo:
– **SPECIALITY**
– **Banh Mi Sot Vang** – Banh Mi with a special Vietnamese stew.
– **Bun Cha** – Grilled pork and noodles with herbs, a traditional dish of Hanoi.
– **Banh Khot (Vietnamese Savory Mini Pancakes)** – Miniature fried pancakes with shrimp, served with vegetables and dipping sauce.
– **SIDE**
– **Vietnamese Fried Spring Roll** – Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables and meat.
– **Breaded Shrimp Fry (With Sriracha-Mayo Sauce)** – Fried shrimp with a spicy and creamy sauce.
– **Vietnamese Fresh Spring-Roll** – Fresh spring rolls with shrimp and vegetables.
– **Sir-Fried Water Spinach** – Water spinach stir-fried with garlic.
**Third Photo:**
– **GRANITA**
– **Coconut Apple Mango Granita**
– **Coffee Granita**
– **SODA**
– **Coke**
– **Zero Coke**
– **Sprite**
**Fourth Photo:**
– **BEER**
– **Bia Hanoi** – A traditional Hanoi beer.
– **Saigon Special** – A premium beer from Saigon.
– **Tiger Beer** – A popular Asian beer.
– **Cass/Terra** – Korean beers.
– **GIN & TONIC**
– **Luon’s Signature**
– **Hendrick’s**
– **Tanqueray No.10**
– **Bombay Sapphire**
– **HIGHBALL**
– **Suntory Whiskey**
– **Jim Beam Whiskey White Label**
– **Jim Beam Whiskey Black Label**
– **Earl Grey Highball**
5. Overall Review
As a Korean, my impression of Luon is very positive.
The interior is spacious and clean, the owner is friendly, and most importantly, the food tastes great.
If you find yourself in a tricky situation for dining near Seoul Station, I highly recommend visiting Luon.
6. Google Map and Naver Map links
Google Map
Naver Map
Comments and feedbacks are always welcomed!
I hope this helps with your travels in Korea. 🙂