Key summary: 'Seollem in Seoul, Yajang Edition' takes place on October 23, 2026 (17:00–22:30) at 상봉먹자골목. Applications open from September 30, 2026 through October 14, 2026 at 17:00. On-site you can enjoy outdoor-table menus such as jokbal (braised pig’s trotters) and bossam, gopchang (intestines), samgyeopsal (pork belly) and shabu; a prudent per-person budget is about 6,000–50,000 KRW depending on the type of venue you choose.
Event essentials (who, when, where, how) - Date & place: October 23, 2026, 17:00–22:30; 중랑구 상봉먹자골목 (detailed location to be announced). - Application period & eligibility: Online applications accepted 2026.09.30–2026.10.14 until 17:00. Eligible applicants are Seoul-registered residents aged 25–45, unmarried (first marriage), who are economically active (employees, business owners, freelancers, etc.). - Selection & notification: 100 participants will be selected by random draw (50 men and 50 women); selected applicants will be notified individually on October 19, 2026. - Required documents (to be submitted with application): 주민등록초본 (resident registration abstract), 혼인관계증명서(상세) (detailed marriage certificate), and one proof of economic activity such as a certificate of employment, business registration certificate, or income certificate.
(The above application details are summarized from the Seoul city announcement and multiple press reports.)
How to choose what to eat at 상봉먹자골목 - Who this guide is for: people planning to apply as unmarried participants for a dating-oriented event, and visitors who plan to eat at the Yajang that evening or afterward. - Trade-offs: A "shared table with atmosphere" (grilled meat, jokbal/bossam) helps conversation and matching but tends to cost more for two people; "individual/simple" options (one-person shabu, snacks, sushi) are cheaper and easier to move between stalls but may offer less privacy or stable seating. - Simple decision rules: 1) If it’s a first meeting and conversation is the priority: choose jokbal/bossam (shared set) or a grilled-meat (samgyeopsal) place. (Typical 2-person set expected around 40,000–60,000 KRW.) 2) If you want low pressure: choose 1-person shabu, snacks, or sushi (around 6,000–15,000 KRW per person). 3) If you prioritize atmosphere and have more budget: choose salmon/sushi or course-style restaurants (over 30,000 KRW per person possible).
Recommended menu comparison (on-site selection criteria)
| Menu type | On-site strengths | Estimated per-person cost (based on local examples) | Ordering / short conversation tips (Korean) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jokbal / Bossam sets | Good for sharing, supports conversation; strong outdoor vibe | 2-person set typically 40,000–60,000 KRW (varies by shop) | “이거 반반으로 하나 주세요.” / “쟁반국수 하나 소 사이즈 추가할게요.” ("Half-and-half set, please." / "Add one small jjanban-guksu, please.") |
| Samgyeopsal (grill) | Fun to grill together; popular with soju/beer combos | Around 15,000 KRW per serving (varies by shop) | “생삼겹살 2인분 주세요.” / “불 조절 괜찮으세요?” ("Two portions of fresh pork belly, please." / "Is the heat okay?") |
| Gopchang / Makchang | Bold flavors; pairs well with soju | Per-serving prices vary, commonly 10,000–20,000 KRW | “곱창 하나와 공깃밥 하나 주세요.” ("One gopchang and one bowl of rice, please.") |
| 1-person shabu / sushi | Low-pressure for individuals or early-date meetings; price variation is smaller | 1-person menus typically 6,000–25,000 KRW | “1인 샤브 1인분이요.” / “초밥 모둠(소) 하나요.” ("One-person shabu, please." / "One small sushi set, please.") |
(The cost ranges in the table are aggregated estimates from shops around 상봉먹자골목 and 상봉역. Actual menus and prices vary by establishment; check the on-site menu.)
Useful ordering phrases, budget tips, and dietary/allergy notes - Basic ordering phrases (in Korean): - Seating / party size: “저희 둘이에요.” / “자리 있어요?” ("We are two." / "Is there a table?") - Ordering: “(메뉴명) 2인분 주세요.” / “세트로 주세요.” ("(Menu) two servings, please." / "I'll take the set.") - Side additions: “쟁반국수(소) 하나 추가요.” / “공기밥 하나 주세요.” ("Add one small jjanban-guksu." / "One bowl of rice, please.") - Payment / splitting: “계산은 따로 할게요.” / “계산서 나눠주세요(나눠서 계산할게요).” ("We'll pay separately." / "Please split the bill.") - Budget tips: - For a date, prepare about 15,000–25,000 KRW per person for a typical meal; for a light meal you can manage with 6,000–10,000 KRW per person. - Outdoor tables accept card and cash; when ordering extra items or taking out, small cash (10,000–30,000 KRW) can be convenient. - Allergy and dietary notes: - Common allergens and strong-flavor ingredients in 상봉먹자골목 shops include pork, beef, seafood, garlic, onion and chili. If you need vegetarian, halal, kosher, or strict seafood-free options, contact the shop ahead or choose single-person options such as shabu or snack stalls. - Outdoor seating can retain smoke and food smells; if sensitive to odors on clothing/hair, consider indoor seating or takeout.
Day-of checklist & variables (for applicants and visitors) - Applicants: meet the application deadline (Oct 14, 17:00) and prepare required documents (resident registration abstract, marriage certificate, proof of economic activity). - On the day: the event starts at 17:00, so plan for dinner time; some Yajang shops operate until midnight. - Location & spots: organizers may announce a precise gathering point or participating shops later—check official announcements before the event. - Weather & seating: the event is outdoors; be aware of possible rain, strong wind and possible backup/cancellation or venue changes.
When these recommendations change - Recommendations are subject to the organizer’s final detailed notice (exact meeting point and participating shop list) and actual on-the-day business conditions (shop temporary closures or long waits). Also adjust choices based on personal allergies, alcohol preferences and budget limits.
Sources and verification: This guide was prepared by cross-checking the Seoul city announcement (내 손안에 서울) and multiple press reports, together with local shop reviews and average spending data around 상봉먹자골목. Event details and on-site menus/prices may change; check the organizers’ final notice and local menus before making final choices.