Noryangjin Restaurants for Students and Civil Service Exam Candidates

Noryangjin is located in Dongjak District, south of the Han River, and was once a major transportation hub where boats traveling from Jemulpo stopped to rest. Today, centered around Noryangjin Station, the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market lies to the north, while the graves of the Six Martyred Ministers are between Noryangjin Station and Hangang Bridge. A water intake facility for Noryangjin Waterworks once stood at the southern end of Hangang Bridge, but a small park has now been created there. Although commercial districts have developed in residential areas, the large number of exam takers has increasingly shaped Noryangjin's commercial character around their needs. With no nearby university and easy access to larger business districts such as Yeouido, Yongsan, and Jongno, it had been difficult for a commercial district to develop here.

Noryangjin's Surprisingly Low Prices Compared with Other Regions

Although Seoul is said to have a higher cost of living than other regions, prices in Noryangjin are low. This is a phenomenon arising from the characteristics of exam takers, who do not earn an income. The food court at the Line 9 station is also famous for its affordability, and many items cost less than they do at large supermarkets. Products that exam takers commonly seek out, particularly bottled water, are inexpensive. Noryangjin has long specialized in affordable street food due to the neighborhood's character. However, as Seoul authorities cracked down on and removed street vendors in districts across the city, street stalls disappeared and Cupbap Street was established, while the influence of social media made its inexpensive street food famous nationwide.

Noryangjin, a Place for Students and Civil Service Exam Candidates

Food in Noryangjin is inexpensive and can be eaten quickly. This is because many exam takers want to fill up on cheap food without spending much time. Noryangjin's best-known food is cupbap, or rice served in a cup. It contains few vegetables and is essentially fast food that can be eaten quickly, so it is not recommended for those who prioritize health and quality. Cupbap is popular among civil service exam candidates because it is inexpensive, tasty, and filling enough for a meal. Noryangjin was famous for its rows of cupbap stalls, but many were removed in early 2013 following numerous complaints.

[FamTimes = Reporter Kang Yoon-jung]