Yewonine Mangwon-dong Pub Review: Cozy & Delicious Eats

Mangwon-dong Eatery & Mapo-gu Office Station Pub

Yewonine

Photos/Words ©minimanimoo

Hello, fellow food adventurers!

It’s minimanimoo, your guide to Seoul’s most delectable dining spots!

Not long ago, after wrapping up a delightful first round with friends in Mangwon-dong, we were on the hunt for the perfect second spot. As we strolled through the charming backstreets, we stumbled upon a true hidden gem: a pub that captured our hearts with its incredible ambiance, mouth-watering bar snacks (known as 'anju' in Korea), and surprisingly affordable prices!

Today, I’m excited to share my honest, personal review of Yewonine, a fantastic spot I wholeheartedly recommend as a top Mangwon-dong restaurant and a stellar pub near Mapo-gu Office Station. If you’re looking to enjoy some amazing anju and a great drink in a wonderful atmosphere, keep reading!

Yewonine Business Information

How to Make a Reservation

Reservations at Yewonine can be made by phone. The interior is quite cozy and intimate, making it perfect for small groups looking to chat and enjoy drinks. If you're planning a larger gathering or a company dinner, I highly recommend calling ahead to check availability and make a reservation!

Exterior / Interior

Yewonine is incredibly easy to find, just a stone's throw from Mapo-gu Office Station, Exit 5. Out front, you’ll spot some colorful chairs where you can relax or wait for your table.

A signboard outside displays the menu, so you can peek at the offerings before stepping inside.

Push open the door, and you'll enter a small, incredibly cozy space with about 4-5 tables.

The walls are adorned with charming posters and artwork, giving it the rustic, welcoming feel of a traditional Korean 'pocha' (tent bar) while maintaining a uniquely comfortable and artistic vibe.

Menu & Our Order

Yewonine is an indoor 'pocha' where the talented owner personally cooks a variety of delicious dishes fresh to order. From hearty stews to unique fried specialties, there's something for everyone.

To order, simply tell the owner directly. Keep in mind that if you're only ordering side dishes, you'll need to order at least two!

Our Order:

·Clam Fish Cake Soup: ~$12

·Flat Bibim Mandu (Spicy Mixed Dumplings): ~$11

·Soft Tofu Fries: ~$11

·Soju/Beer: ~$4 each

Our Experience

As we settled in, the familiar red tables, characteristic of a traditional 'pocha,' greeted us warmly. What truly surprised us was the selection of board games available right on the table! It was a fun and fresh way to pass the time while we waited for our food, keeping us entertained with a few casual games.

For a complimentary appetizer, we received classic macaroni crackers. Despite the humid weather, they were incredibly crispy – so addictive! We couldn't stop reaching for them. We were also touched when the owner brought us a complimentary plate of sugared tomatoes. Such a thoughtful gesture!

First to arrive was the steaming hot fish cake soup, bubbling away in a large earthenware pot. The pot was generously filled with clams and chewy fish cakes.

This was our first time trying the combination of clams and fish cake soup, and we were so curious! The plump clams were perfectly cleaned, and the chopped green chilies added a wonderfully refreshing and spicy kick to the broth. It was truly the best anju to pair with a cold bottle of soju!

Who knew we'd find Daegu-style bibim mandu (spicy mixed dumplings) at a Seoul indoor pocha? The dish featured plenty of crispy, golden-brown flat dumplings alongside a vibrant medley of vegetables tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce.

Wrap the crunchy dumpling skin around the crisp, spicy, and sour vegetable mix, and take a bite – it’s an instant flavor explosion that truly wakes up your palate!

Our previous dishes were so satisfying that we decided to order the Soft Tofu Fries as an extra. It's hard to imagine frying delicate soft tofu, isn't it? But as soon as it arrived, topped with a generous flurry of bonito flakes swaying gently, it looked absolutely amazing!

Beneath the thinly fried, crispy exterior, the soft tofu simply melted in our mouths. And combined with the owner's perfectly seasoned, savory special sauce, it was an absolutely exquisite and unique delicacy.

Overall Impression

Stumbling into Yewonine in Mangwon-dong was a delightful surprise! It's an indoor 'pocha' that perfectly blends a cozy, charming atmosphere with the owner's exceptional cooking skills and fantastic value. We were thoroughly impressed!

✔️ Super convenient, just a 1-minute walk from Mapo-gu Office Station

✔️ Delicious and affordable 'anju' (bar snacks)

✔️ Cozy, comfortable atmosphere with board games

If you're in Mangwon-dong or near Mapo-gu Office Station and looking for a great second-round spot with a fantastic ambiance and delicious food – a true hidden gem – why not enjoy a refreshing drink at Yewonine?

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