Mohyeji Monjayaki Jongno Review 2026: Seoul vs. Tokyo Dining
Discover Mohyeji Monjayaki in Jongno, Seoul! Get the scoop on waiting times, menu recommendations, and how it compares to Tokyo's original. Perfect for authentic Japanese food lovers.
Japan
Jongno Moheji

Hello, I'm Taksajang, your travel blogger :)
Moheji Monjayaki, a dish you once had to visit Tokyo to savor.
But now, you can enjoy it right here in Jongno!
Jongno Moheji, which had incredible queues until last month.
But today, when I visited for weekday lunch, there was zero waiting time.
Even during a lunch hour packed with office workers?

🚨 Today's Travel Log
This is an honest review of a Jongno restaurant in Seoul, based on my personal experience and paid for with my own money. (As of October 2026)
Today, I'm excited to share all about Jongno Moheji's waiting situation, menu recommendations, and even how it compares to its Tokyo counterpart.
Jongno Moheji is the first Korean branch of Moheji, the renowned Monjayaki specialty restaurant from Tsukishima, Tokyo, now open in Jongno 3-ga.
I highly recommend it for those who want to get a taste of Monjayaki before a trip to Japan, or for anyone missing the flavors of Tokyo.
⭐️ Today's Travel Difficulty ★☆☆
If you visit for weekday lunch, you can enjoy it without any waiting worries. **Remote waiting is also available after 11 AM!**

1. Jongno Moheji: Waiting & Essential Information

To be honest, there was a lot of buzz since it first opened.
With waits of over two hours,
and no remote reservations possible.
But three months later,
the waiting situation for Jongno Moheji Monjayaki
has completely changed!
I visited at 12:30 PM on a weekday for lunch.
It's an area bustling with office workers,
but I walked right in with absolutely no wait.


For those of you who hesitated because of the long queues,
now's the time! Go check it out right away.
📍Location: 42 Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
✔️ Business Hours: Daily, 11 AM ~ 2 AM the next day
(Thurs, Fri, Sat close at 5 AM the next day)
📍 Moheji Jongno 3-ga
1st and 2nd Floors, 42 Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
2. Jongno Moheji: Menu Recommendations

Moheji is a Monjayaki specialty restaurant from Tokyo,
offering not only Monjayaki but also other iconic Japanese dishes like Yakisoba, Okonomiyaki, and various grilled items.
Prices are around ~$15.

They offer seafood, pollack roe, plum, curry, clam, and lamb options, with additional toppings like cheese, green onions, bean sprouts, natto, and umeboshi available.
With so many menu options,
please refer to the Naver Moheji information for full details.
What I tried this time were
the popular recommended dishes: Pollack Roe & Rice Cake Monja and Squid Ink Monja.

I considered trying Yakisoba or another dish,
but since it's a Monjayaki specialty spot, I decided to go for the signature items!
With that mindset, I ordered two variations.

For drinks, they offer Asahi draft beer, and Whisky Highball, Lemon Sour, Oolong Sour, and more, perfect for enjoying with your meal.
* Preschool children receive one complimentary drink.
3. Pollack Roe & Rice Cake Monja - ~$16

Honestly, no matter which Monjayaki restaurant you go to,
it's hard to go wrong with a mentaiko dish.
So, that's what I ordered!

It comes with two generous portions of mentaiko (spicy cod roe),
a variety of vegetables, and rice.
Plus, chewy tteok (rice cakes)!
The staff prepares it right in front of you on your table's hot plate.
The Mentaiko Tteok Monja was incredibly chewy, with the rice cakes stretching delightfully!

The mentaiko that crisped up on the hot plate elevated the savory, nutty flavor, making me want to scrape up every last bite.

It actually suited my palate even better than the Monja I'd tried in Tokyo.
The savory richness and just-right saltiness make it a dish anyone can enjoy, without any strong preferences or dislikes.
4. Squid Ink Monja - ~$19

Next up was the Squid Ink Monja.
While the black squid ink might seem a bit off-putting at first,
the rich seafood aroma alone tells you it's going to be absolutely phenomenal.

Personally, I found it even more delicious than the mentaiko version.
It tasted like the perfect pairing for a cold beer!

But there's just one thing.
That black ink WILL get stuck in your teeth.
If you're on a first date or still getting to know someone, I definitely don't recommend this menu.
LOL
(It was fine for me since I went with my husband!)
Definitely check yourself in the bathroom mirror after eating!

Many of the surrounding tables were enjoying their monja with beer and sours.
I couldn't partake this time, but I'm definitely planning to enjoy it like a true pub experience next time!

5. Other Must-See Spots Nearby
If you've just enjoyed a meal at Moheji, why not pair it with this unforgettable experience?
The weather lately has been absolutely perfect, making it an ideal time to hop on a Seoul City Tour Bus and explore the city!

You can choose between a daytime tour or a magical night view,
And here's a tip: with autumn approaching and the stunning fall foliage, weekend tours can sell out quickly, so plan ahead!

✅ City Bus Klook Discount Code
6. Moheji: Tokyo vs. Jongno 3-ga – What's Different?

✔️ Squid Ink Monja: While available in Tokyo, Moheji Jongno offers a Korea-exclusive version that includes rice!
✔️ Cooking Style: Just like the main branch, staff will cook it right in front of you. Interestingly, Jongno also has a high proportion of Japanese staff.
✔️ Menu: Japan boasts many branches, and the Maihama theme store, in particular, offers over 50 menu items, providing a much wider array of choices.

✔️ Accessibility: You have to travel to Tsukishima for the Tokyo main branch, but the Jongno location is conveniently right in front of a subway station!
7. Moheji Jongno 3-ga: Your Questions Answered!

Q. How long is the wait at Moheji Jongno?
Based on a visit on a weekday at 12:30 PM in October 2026, there was no wait.
Q. Which Monjayaki menu do you recommend?
If it's your first time, the Mentaiko Tteok Monja is a safe and delicious bet. If you love seafood, I highly recommend the Squid Ink Monja!

Q. Is parking available?
Unfortunately, dedicated parking isn't available.
Please check the 'Modoo-ui Jujang' (Everyone's Parking Lot) app for nearby options before your visit.
I personally parked in the basement of the Orakai Hotel right next door using a day pass!
✅ Today's travel adventure: complete!

I'll be back with even more useful tips and insights in my next travelogue.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below! Happy travels to you all!!
Thank you for reading today's post,
Thank you very much! 🇰🇷
📝 Dive into the next travelogue
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the waiting situation like at Jongno Moheji for weekday lunch in October 2026?
When I visited Jongno Moheji at 12:30 PM on a weekday lunch in October 2026, I was able to enter immediately without any waiting. Unlike the initial opening period when there were waits of over two hours, there were zero people waiting.
What are Jongno Moheji's business hours by day of the week?
Jongno Moheji operates daily from 11 AM until 2 AM the following day. However, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it closes at 5 AM the following day.
What is the difference between Jongno Moheji's squid ink monja and the monjayaki at the Tokyo main branch?
Jongno Moheji's squid ink monja is served in a Korea-exclusive style that includes rice. While the Tokyo main branch also offers squid ink monja, the inclusion of rice is a unique feature of Jongno Moheji.
Are there any special benefits offered to preschoolers at Jongno Moheji?
Yes, Jongno Moheji provides one free drink to preschoolers. This is useful information for families visiting the restaurant.
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