If you’re ever wandering through the cozy streets of Ikseondong, Seoul, you might just stumble upon a little restaurant called 북촌손만두 (Bukchon Sonmandu). It’s tucked away south of Exit #6 of Anguk Station, but once you find it, you’re in for a treat—not just for your taste buds but for your soul too.
One September evening, as I wandered through the streets of Ikseondong, I stumbled upon this cozy spot. Upon entering, I discovered that the mandus (dumplings) were handmade by an older couple. The place has that old-school, homey feel to it, with wooden floors and a cozy, no-fuss vibe, and you can tell the couple has been doing this for years. It’s the kind of place that feels like a hug.
But here’s the twist: As I walked in, I noticed something that made me stop for a second. The chef, an older man, was busy preparing mandus in the kitchen, but the music playing in the background wasn’t the usual K-pop or traditional Korean songs you might expect. No, it was something a little different— it was boleros*. I couldn’t believe my ears! It was the same kind of music my grandparents used to listen to, the classics from the 60s and 70s.
I couldn’t help but wonder how this chef ended up with such a unique playlist. Did he learn about these songs through someone? Or maybe he just discovered them on his own? It was one of those small mysteries that made the experience even more interesting.
Of course, the mandus were as amazing as everyone says. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, each bite was a comforting reminder of why this place has incredible online reviews. But what truly made this meal unforgettable was the atmosphere. It felt like a little bridge between cultures, with Korean dumplings and Spanish-language songs playing in the background, coming together in the same space. It was a small, unexpected detail that turned a simple meal into something much more meaningful.
It reminded me that the world’s not as big as it sometimes seems. Here I am, on the other side of the world, walking through a random street and eating at a place I found randomly, yet listening to a little piece of home while I’m eating.
If you ever find yourself in Ikseondong, craving some delicious mandus and an experience that feels like home, 북촌손만두 (Bukchon Sonmandu) should be on your list. It’s a place that leaves you with a story to tell—and maybe, just maybe, a few Spanish songs stuck in your head.
*Boleros = Boleros are romantic, slow-tempo songs in Spanish, often expressing heartfelt emotions of love and longing.
