Craving authentic Vietnamese pho in Seoul? You’re in luck! The city boasts incredible spots serving steaming bowls of fragrant broth, silky noodles, and tender meat. As a foreigner, navigating Seoul’s pho scene can be overwhelming, so I’ve curated the top 5 must-try spots with English-friendly services and unforgettable flavors.
1. Phở Bằng (Gangnam)
📍 Location: Near Gangnam Station (Exit 11). Easy to spot!
🌟 Why It’s Special: Their 24-hour simmered beef bone broth is legendary—rich, clear, and aromatic. Perfect after a night out!
🍜 Must-Try: Phở Tái Chín (rare + well-done beef combo).
✅ Foreigner-Friendly: English menu, staff speak basic English.
2. Emoi Pho & Banh Mi (Itaewon)
📍 Location: Itaewon’s main street. Ideal for multicultural vibes.
🌟 Why It’s Special: Vegan/vegetarian options shine here! Their mushroom pho broth is umami magic.
🍜 Must-Try: Classic Beef Pho or Tofu Pho for plant-based lovers.
✅ Foreigner-Friendly: Fluent English staff, digital menus in 4 languages.
3. Phở for You (Hongdae)
📍 Location: 5-min walk from Hongik University Station.
🌟 Why It’s Special: Customizable bowls! Choose noodle thickness, broth saltiness, and 10+ toppings.
🍜 Must-Try: Spicy Chicken Pho (Korean-Viet fusion kick).
✅ Foreigner-Friendly: Order via tablet (English/Korean), budget-friendly.
4. Little Saigon (Jongno)
📍 Location: Insadong alley—hidden gem near palaces.
🌟 Why It’s Special: Family-run spot with homemade rice noodles and fresh herbs. Feels like Hanoi!
🍜 Must-Try: Bún Bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup—adventurous pick).
✅ Foreigner-Friendly: Owner speaks English, explains dishes warmly.
5. Phở Daks (Yeonnam-dong)
📍 Location: Trendy Yeonnam-dong (next to Hongdae).
🌟 Why It’s Special: Chic industrial décor + duck pho—crispy skin, tender meat in light broth.
🍜 Must-Try: Duck Pho or Summer Rolls with peanut sauce.
✅ Foreigner-Friendly: Instagrammable, English signage.
✨ Pro Tips for Foreigners ✨
- Broth Wisdom: Seoul’s pho leans less sweet than Southern Vietnamese styles. Add lime/chili to taste!
- Herb Etiquette: Thai basil, bean sprouts, and lime come on the side—mix in as you eat.
- Peak Times: Avoid 12-1 PM (lunch rush). Evening waits are shorter.
- Payment: Cards accepted everywhere, but carry cash for small stalls.
Final Thoughts
From Gangnam’s 24-hour classics to Itaewon’s vegan delights, Seoul’s pho scene rivals Saigon itself. Each spot offers a unique twist, so explore beyond just beef noodles! Slurp happily, and don’t forget to say “Cảm ơn” (thank you) to your servers 😊.
Have a pho place I missed? Share your faves in the comments! 🥢