Hangang Ramen, Seoul
Quick Summary: Eating instant ramen by the Han River is one of Seoul’s most beloved local rituals — and one of the cheapest, most satisfying things a first-time visitor can do. This guide covers 6 convenience stores across the most iconic Hangang parks, each with its own atmosphere, view, and reason to visit. From the legendary floating 7-Eleven at Yeouido to the Lotte Tower night view at Jamsil, here’s where to go, what to order, and what to know before you show up.
1. GS25 Apgujeong 376 (GS25 압구정376점) — Quiet Gangnam-Side Ramen with Cheongdam Bridge View
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) — A calm, less-touristed option on the Gangnam side of the river, ideal if you’re coming from Apgujeong or Cheongdam.
📌 About the Place
The GS25 Apgujeong 376 branch sits inside Jamwon Hangang Park, on the south side of the Han River between Youngdong Bridge and Banpo Bridge. This park is well known among locals as a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the larger and busier Yeouido or Ttukseom parks. The area is easily accessible from Apgujeong-dong and Sinsa-dong in Gangnam, making it a natural stop if you’ve been exploring Garosu-gil or the Cheongdam area and want to end the evening at the river. The park itself is also one of the spots where seasonal flowers bloom along the riverside path in spring.
🍜 What to Order
- Shin Ramyun (신라면) ⭐ The Classic — The benchmark. Spicy, bold, deeply savory. If you’ve never done Hangang Ramen before, start here.
- Jin Ramyun (진라면) — Milder and slightly sweeter than Shin. A better choice if you’re heat-sensitive. The GS25 original Hangang Ramen product is based on Jin Ramyun.
- Egg + Cheese Add-On — Pick up a soft-boiled egg and a cheese slice at the counter. The cheese melts into the broth and makes the whole thing noticeably richer.
📍 Address: Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울 서초구 잠원동, 잠원한강공원 내)
🚇 Access: From Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 3, ttake Maeul (local community) bus Gangnam 11 toward the Han River, or walk approximately 15–20 minutes south along Apgujeong-ro toward the riverside. Nearest entrance is off Olympic-daero / Jamwon-ro.
🕐 Hours: Open 24 hours
✅ Tip: This park is less crowded than Yeouido or Ttukseom on weekends. Arrive around sunset for a peaceful experience without the weekend rush. Spring visitors will find seasonal flower paths along the riverside walk.
2. 7-Eleven Yeouido Hangang Branch 1 (세븐일레븐 여의도 한강1호점) — The Floating Iconic 7-Eleven Every Tourist Needs to Visit
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) — The most famous Hangang Ramen spot in Seoul. A floating 7-Eleven on the Han River with induction ramen cookers right outside, an unobstructed river view, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you understand why people come back to Seoul.
📌 About the Place
This 7-Eleven sits on a floating dock on the Han River inside Yeouido Hangang Park — one of the most accessible and beloved parks in Seoul, famous for the cherry blossom festival in spring and the Bamdokkaebi Night Market in summer. The store is connected to the park by a small walkway and is perched directly above the water. Outside the store, electric induction ramen cookers are mounted on a counter facing the river, which means you cook and eat with nothing but open water in front of you. It was this very location — and 7-Eleven’s wider rollout of ramen machines across all their Hangang branches from 2011 — that helped popularize the Hangang Ramen culture Seoul now knows. The address most commonly shared online is 서울 영등포구 여의동로 330.
🍜 What to Order
- Han River Ramen Set (한강라면 세트) ⭐ The Signature — Available for around ₩4,000. The cashier provides a large heat-safe paper bowl. The cooker outside handles the water and timing automatically. Add an egg or cheese slice for roughly ₩500–₩800 more.
- Buldak Ramen (불닭볶음면) — For visitors who want serious heat. The stir-fry-style sauce noodles are a different format from regular broth ramen — less soup, more intense.
- Neoguri (너구리) — Rich, umami-forward seafood broth. A good middle ground between Shin Ramyun’s spice and Jin Ramyun’s mildness.
📍 Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 여의동로 330)
🚇 Access: Seoul Subway Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station, Exit 2 or 3. Walk straight toward the river — the floating 7-Eleven is visible from the park entrance, approximately 5 minutes on foot.
🕐 Hours: Open 24 hours
✅ Tip: Sunset and golden hour (roughly 6–7 PM in summer) are the most scenic but also the busiest. If you want the view without the crowd, come after 9 PM on a weekday. There is also a fried chicken shop directly across from the 7-Eleven — a classic chimaek (chicken + beer) pairing is well within reach.
3. GS25 Hangang Banpo Branch 2 (GS25 한강반포2호점) — Ramen with the World’s Longest Bridge Fountain as Your Backdrop
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) — The most dramatic setting on this list. Pair instant ramen with a front-row seat to the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain — the world’s longest bridge fountain, recognized by Guinness World Records.
📌 About the Place
GS25 Hangang Banpo Branch 2 is located inside Banpo Hangang Park, on the southern bank of the Han River, in the Seocho district. The park itself is a popular evening destination for couples and locals, largely because of the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain — 380 water jets that illuminate the Han River in synchronized colored light from April through October each evening. The GS25 here is close to the main lawn area that fills up during fountain shows, making it the most strategically located convenience store for combining ramen with a proper Seoul night spectacle. Note that the GS25 Sebitseom branch inside the floating island complex does not sell ramen or cup noodles — this branch (Branch 2) is the one you want for the full Hangang Ramen experience.
🍜 What to Order
- Shin Ramyun ⭐ The Classic — The go-to. Reliable, warming, and exactly right for a breezy riverside evening.
- Jin Ramyun Mild — Lighter broth, slightly sweet. A good option if you’re eating with someone who doesn’t do spice.
- Triangle Kimbap (삼각김밥) Side — Pick one up at the counter as a side. Tuna mayo or bulgogi varieties are the most popular with ramen.
📍 Address: Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울 서초구 반포동, 반포한강공원 내)
🚇 Access: Line 3, 7, or 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station, Exit 8-1. Walk toward the Han River following signs for Banpo Hangang Park — approximately 10–15 minutes on foot. Bus 405 or 8340 also stops directly at the park.
🕐 Hours: Open 24 hours
✅ Tip — Fountain Schedule 2026: The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain runs April 1 to October 31. Evening shows at 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, and 21:00 (each lasting 20 minutes). The 20:00 and 20:30 shows are the most impressive as the sky is fully dark. Check weather conditions before you go — shows are cancelled during rain or strong wind.
4. CU Hangang Renaissance Jamsil Branch (CU 한강르네상스 잠실점) — Ramen with Lotte World Tower Lighting Up the Sky
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) — One of Seoul’s most visually impressive ramen backdrops: the Lotte World Tower — at 555 meters, one of the world’s tallest buildings — dominating the skyline above you while you eat.
📌 About the Place
This CU branch sits inside Jamsil Hangang Park, located between Jamsil Iron Bridge and Yeongdong Bridge on the south side of the river. The park is directly adjacent to Jamsil Sports Complex, Lotte World, and Olympic Park — making it easy to combine with a visit to Seoul Sky (Lotte Tower observatory) or Seokchon Lake. At night, the tower is illuminated against the horizon, and the combined effect of the bridge lights, river, and the tower in the distance creates one of the city’s most photogenic urban views. This CU branch is also notable for offers a massive selection of instant ramen with automated cookers.
🍜 What to Order
- A Ramen from the Ramyun Library ⭐ The Unique Option — Browse the wall of over 200 ramen varieties. Trying something unfamiliar is part of the experience. Ask the staff if you need help reading labels.
- Shin Ramyun — Always available as the reliable fallback.
📍 Address: Gobun-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울 송파구 고분로 2 잠실누에나루 선착장 인근)
🚇 Access: Seoul Subway Line 2 to Jamsilsaenae Station, Exit 7. Walk straight approximately 300 meters to the T-intersection, cross through the tunnel into Jamsil Hangang Park, walk to the river’s edge, then turn left and walk about 200 meters. The CU is at the bottom of a short outdoor staircase near the E-land Cruise dock.
🕐 Hours: Open 24 hours
✅ Tip: This park is considered less crowded than Yeouido or Ttukseom on weekends and is recommended specifically if you want a more relaxed picnic experience with a spectacular skyline. Lotte Tower’s illumination is best viewed from the riverbank grass facing north.
5. CU Hangang Renaissance Ttukseom Branch (CU 한강르네상스 뚝섬점) — Ramen at Seoul’s Most Active Riverside Park
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) — Ttukseom Hangang Park is one of the busiest and most energetic parks along the river — cycling paths, water sports, summer pools, a drone light show, and one of the most lively evening atmospheres in Seoul.
📌 About the Place
Ttukseom Hangang Park is set in the Gwangjin district between Jamsil and Seongsu, in an area that also borders the trendy Seongsudong neighborhood. It is consistently one of the most visited parks along the Han River and is particularly popular with younger Seoulites. The CU Renaissance Ttukseom branch, along with the GS25 Branch 1 (see below), serves the park’s ramen-hungry visitors. The park’s atmosphere — especially in summer when the outdoor pool, kayaking, and paddleboarding are running — is notably more active than quieter parks like Jamwon. Note that the only convenience store in the Ttukseom area with outdoor tables and chairs is the 7-Eleven on the Hangang Arirang floating restaurant; the CU here has the ramen machine but less seating infrastructure.
🍜 What to Order
- Shin Ramyun ⭐ The Classic — The machine-cooked version tastes better than you expect. Water temperature and timing are calibrated specifically for this format.
- Jin Ramyun Mild — If you want a calmer broth after an active day at the park.
- Kimbap Roll + Ramen Combo — Grab a full kimbap roll alongside your ramen. The combination is the standard Hangang meal combo and costs under ₩8,000 total.
📍 Address: Ttukseom Hangang Park, 704-1 Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울 광진구 자양동 704-1 뚝섬한강공원 내)
🚇 Access: Seoul Subway Line 7 toJayang (Ttukseom Hangang Park) Station (formerly Ttukseom Resort Station), Exits 2 & 3. The park entrance is approximately 30 meters from the exit. The CU Renaissance branch is inside the park.
🕐 Hours: Open 24 hours
✅ Tip: Convenience stores around Ttukseom fill up fast around 6–7 PM on summer show days (the Hangang Drone Light Show and other seasonal events run here). Grab your ramen before the evening crowd arrives. The cycling path along the river is also excellent — bike rentals are available near the park entrance for under ₩3,000 per hour.
6. GS25 Hangang Ttukseom Branch 1 (GS25 한강뚝섬1점) — The Second Ttukseom Option with BHC Chicken Next Door
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) — A second solid ramen option inside Ttukseom Hangang Park, made more useful by the BHC fried chicken outlet in the same building — your chimaek (chicken + beer) setup is right there.
📌 About the Place
GS25 Hangang Ttukseom Branch 1 is a 10-minute walk from Ttukseom Park Station and serves as one of three GS25 locations within the Ttukseom park area. What makes this branch worth a specific mention is the BHC Chicken outlet located in the same building — one of Korea’s most popular fried chicken chains — which means you can grab ramen from the GS25 and fried chicken from BHC and have a full riverside meal without leaving the building. This pairing (ramen + fried chicken by the river) is not a tourist invention; it is a standard Friday evening move for locals. The park’s outdoor setup with grass, benches, and the riverside cycling path completes the picture.
🍜 What to Order
- Shin Ramyun ⭐ The Classic — Same machine format as all other Hangang park convenience stores. Nothing fancy, consistently good.
- Neoguri Seafood Ramen — The thick, kelp-forward broth is excellent for evening visits when the river air is cool.
- BHC Chicken (Next Door) — Order the Huraideu (후라이드, plain fried) or Bburinkle (뿌링클, cheese seasoned) and pair it with your ramen for the full chimaek experience.
📍 Address: Ttukseom Hangang Park, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울 광진구 뚝섬한강공원 내 — 10분거리 from Ttukseom Park Station)
🚇 Access: Seoul Subway Line 7 to Jayang (Ttukseom Hangang Park) Station (formerly Ttukseom Resort Station), Exits 2 & 3. This branch is approximately a 10-minute walk from the station exit into the park.
🕐 Hours: Open 24 hours
✅ Tip: GS25 Branch 2 (adjacent to Exit 3 of Ttukseom Park Station) is closer to the station if you’re in a hurry, but Branch 1 gives you the BHC access. Both branches have ramen machines. Use Naver Maps rather than Google Maps for navigation inside the park — Google Maps has limited accuracy in Korean parks.
Quick Comparison: Which Hangang Ramen Spot Is Right for You?
For the most iconic and photogenic experience, the floating 7-Eleven at Yeouido is the one. If you want ramen with a world-class fountain show, GS25 Banpo Branch 2 is the best-timed combination. CU Jamsil offers the most unique ramen selection (Ramyun Library’s 200+ varieties) plus the Lotte Tower skyline. CU and GS25 at Ttukseom are the right call if you want an active, energetic park atmosphere with the bonus of fried chicken next door. And if you want a quiet, uncrowded Gangnam-side experience, GS25 Apgujeong 376 at Jamwon Park is the most undervisited option on this list.
Every spot on this list is open 24 hours, costs under ₩5,000 for a full ramen bowl, and requires nothing more than knowing how to press a button on a ramen machine. If you need help, point at what you want — the cashier will handle the rest.
Everything You Need to Know About Hangang Ramen: A Quick Guide for First-Timers
How the Ramen Machine Works
Korean Hangang convenience stores use electric induction ramen cookers mounted on an outdoor counter. The process is simpler than it looks:
- Pick up a ramen packet from the store shelf (Shin Ramyun, Jin Ramyun, Neoguri, Buldak, and others are all available).
- At the counter, add optional toppings: raw egg (₩500), cheese slice (₩500–800), sausage, or kimchi.
- The cashier gives you a large heat-safe paper bowl.
- Open the ramen packet, place noodles and seasoning powder in the bowl.
- At the outdoor machine, press the button corresponding to your ramen type — the machine dispenses exactly the right amount of water and sets the cooking time automatically.
- Wait 3–4 minutes. Stir at the 2-minute mark if you added an egg. Crack and mix when done.
- Take your bowl to the riverside grass and eat.
What to Bring
A picnic mat (or rent one from vendors at the park entrance), chopsticks (the store provides disposables), and a trash bag — always clean up after yourself. Wet wipes are useful. A phone charger is worth having; you will take photos.
Navigation Note
Use Naver Maps rather than Google Maps when navigating inside Hangang parks. Google Maps has limited functionality and accuracy in Korea for park-interior navigation.
Best Time to Go
Evening visits — sunset through 10 PM — are the most atmospheric. Spring and autumn have the most pleasant temperatures. Summer evenings are busy but worth it. Winter ramen by the river is a local thing too, though it requires better planning for warmth.
Why Hangang Ramen Is Worth Doing Even If You Don’t Love Instant Noodles
The food is not the point — or rather, it’s only part of the point. Hangang Ramen is one of those experiences where the context transforms the content. The same instant noodles you might eat from a cup at home become something different when you’re sitting on a grass bank with the Han River reflecting the city lights, people around you doing the same thing, and a bowl of steaming broth warming your hands. Seoul takes this seriously enough that it’s been reproduced in a branded product, in K-drama scenes, and in the memories of most repeat visitors.
All six spots on this list are within reach of the Seoul subway system, cost almost nothing, and are open around the clock. Whether you’re here for a week or an afternoon, at least one of them should be on your itinerary.
There’s a moment that almost every visitor to Seoul describes the same way: sitting on the grass by the Han River at night, a steaming bowl of ramen in hand, city lights reflecting off the water, and a quiet sense that this is exactly where you’re supposed to be. That moment doesn’t require a reservation, a translation app, or a big budget. It requires a convenience store, ₩4,000, and about four minutes.
Hangang Ramen (한강라면) started as a simple idea — cooking instant noodles on electric ramen machines at convenience stores inside Seoul’s riverside parks — and turned into a full-blown cultural institution. The machines do the work: you choose your noodles, the cashier hands you a large paper bowl, and the cooker dispenses exactly the right amount of water and cooks it to the right time. What you do after is up to you. Most people take it outside, find a patch of grass near the water, and sit.
“If you want to recreate that unforgettable Han River ramen flavor right in your own kitchen, give this recipe a try:
https://firstkfood.com/how-to-make-korean-han-river-ramyeon-at-home/“
