Top 4 Must-Try Century-Old Restaurants in Incheon: A Culinary Journey

Daniel Kim 2026.05.20 Views

Four Time-Tested Eateries in Incheon

Incheon’s top-tier seonjiguk hotspot, Buyeong Seonjiguk
Seolleongtang specialty simmered with beef bones, Incheon Samgangok
Generous portions at the traditional market: Yeonan Pier Minyoung Live Fish Factory (Main Branch)
Oak-smoked duck barbecue, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon Hayarobi

Holding the same spot for 30 years is no small feat. When consistent technique and unwavering standards stack up over time, a place earns the “century-old” reputation. Loyal locals keep returning, and now people queue up — and for good reason. Restaurants that trade flash for depth reveal their worth more clearly. Today, we spotlight long-running Incheon eateries that truly capture the city’s flavor.

Incheon’s top-tier seonjiguk hotspot, Buyeong Seonjiguk

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Buyeong Seonjiguk in Sungui-dong serves seonjiguk — the hearty Korean blood-curd soup — made from fresh ingredients. The menu ranges from the basic seonjiguk to versions with beef tripe, old-style recipes, and beef offal, and you can add extra blood curd or leafy greens. The bowl arrives generously packed with ingredients; the broth is clean and spicy rather than greasy, offering depth on its own. Add a bit of Cheongyang chili pepper for a brighter kick. House-made kimchi and kkakdugi pair perfectly, and a tangy seasoned pepper side can make a bowl of rice disappear in no time — simple, satisfying, and full of charm.

Seolleongtang specialty simmered with beef bones, Incheon Samgangok

class=wp-image-54402 — Provided by the owner

class=wp-image-54403 — Provided by the owner

With roughly 60 years of history, Samgangok boils beef bones until the broth turns milky white and serves generous portions of tender meat. Beyond seolleongtang, the menu includes dogani-tang (beef knee soup), oxtail soup, and hangover soup. The complimentary yogurt after your meal adds a comforting, nostalgic finish.

Generous portions at the traditional market: Yeonan Pier Minyoung Live Fish Factory (Main Branch)

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class=wp-image-46594 — ji_su_0303 on Instagram

Minyoung Live Fish Factory at Yeonan Pier has a 45-year tradition of making sushi from thick cuts of fish. They insist on using only live fish delivered straight from the pier every morning, so you’re getting premium sushi made from top-notch ingredients. Now in its third generation, this longstanding spot offers a wide variety of sushi at fair prices. The menu might not read “cheap” at first glance, but when you taste the quality, it’s an unbeatable value. Because they only offer takeout, turnover is quick and you rarely wait long.

More from Siksin: Minyoung Live Fish Factory (Main Branch)

✔Location

37 Yeonanbudu-ro 33beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon

✔Hours

Daily 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

✔Prices

Omakase sushi (14 pieces) 20,000 KRW (~$15.00), Fresh salmon sushi (14 pieces) 19,000 KRW (~$14.25)

Oak-smoked duck barbecue, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon Hayarobi

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class=wp-image-44542 — all_be_yummy on Instagram

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Hayarobi specializes in oak-fired grilling and is tucked into Gyeyang-gu. The menu features duck, native chicken, and domestically raised female goat dishes. Nestled below Gyeyang Mountain, the lush surroundings give you a relaxed, almost countryside vibe. Housed in a converted home, the space feels cozy — like a mini countryside retreat. The signature duck barbecue is marinated in wine and garlic, seared over oak, and subtly finished with oak smoke. You finish it on the tabletop grill and wrap the tender slices in fresh, pesticide-free greens from their garden — a plate disappears before you know it. The duck is silky, delicate, and clean-tasting. For an extra 5,000 KRW (~$3.75), you can add duck soup, a spicy, warming broth that makes a perfect finish. The place also has a jokgu (foot-volleyball) court, an outdoor barbecue area, and private rooms, so it’s ideal for gatherings.