Black broth chicken ramen bowl and chicken dumplings, from Ramura in Seoungsu, Seoul. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)
The Seongsu district in Seoul has become one of the city’s most popular destinations for cafes, shopping and dining, but Ramura stands apart by building an entire ramen experience around chicken rather than traditional pork-based broths.
Located among renovated industrial buildings and trendy storefronts, the restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with ample side-by-side seating that works equally well for solo diners seeking a quick meal or couples enjoying a casual outing.
Prices range from 9,000 won to 18,500 won, or $5.82 to $11.95, placing Ramura comfortably within reach of most service members looking for a quality meal while exploring one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods.
I ordered the black broth chicken ramen for 17,500 won along with the chicken skin dumplings for 9,500 won, a combination that packed each bite full of flavor.
Ramura, a tasty chicken ramen shop in the center of Seongsu, Seoul. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)
The dumplings arrived first and featured marinated chicken wrapped in savory chicken skin rather than traditional dumpling wrappers, a crispy exterior that delivered a satisfying crunch while maintaining a juicy and flavorful center.
The ramen itself felt less like a bowl of noodles and more like a carefully constructed tasting experience, with a delicate selection of chicken bites that contribute a different flavor and texture profile.
The bowl utilized every part of the chicken with baked drumstick alongside slices of marinated chicken breast, slow-roasted soy-marinated chicken thigh and a nest of shredded chicken that cradled three marinated quail eggs in the center.
Despite the amount of protein packed into the dish, the broth remained surprisingly light while delivering a richness and balance.
Service was fast with virtually no wait for either the food or a table during my visit, though the restaurant also uses the Catch Table application to help manage lines during busier periods.
The staff were English-friendly and accustomed to helping international visitors navigate the menu, making the experience approachable for service members and families spending a day in Seoul.
At roughly a 90-minute train ride from Camp Humphreys, Ramura is not an everyday dinner stop, but its unique approach to chicken ramen makes it well worth the journey for anyone exploring Seongsu.
Ramura is located atop Noi restaurant, in Seongsu, Seoul. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)
Ramura
Location: 328-74 Seongsu-dong, Seoul
Directions: From Seonsu Station, exit 3, walk south for 10 minutes.
Time: Open daily 11 a.m. to 3p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Prices: Ranges from 9,000 won, or $5, to 18,500 won, or $11.95
Dress: Casual
Information: Online: tinyurl.com/3wwr95zx
