Aburasoba in a Gwangjin Back Alley: Longme Is Worth the Wait

If you've never had aburasoba before, this is a solid place to try it. Longme (롱메) is a small ramen specialist in Gwangjin District, Seoul — not the area tourists usually end up in, which is exactly the point.

What to Expect

Aburasoba is broth-less ramen. Instead of soup, the noodles sit in a soy-based oil sauce at the bottom of the bowl — you toss everything together before eating. Think of it like a dry noodle dish, closer to Japanese mazesoba or even a very umami-forward lo mein. It's rich, it's heavy, and done well, it's genuinely addictive.

Longme does exactly this. One long bar counter facing an open kitchen. You watch the whole process from your seat, which is either satisfying or anxiety-inducing depending on how hungry you are. The vibe is Japanese izakaya-alley, stripped down — no frills, no decorative plants, no ambient playlist you'd screenshot. Just counter seating, good ventilation smells, and the sound of noodles being prepared.

What to Order

Curry aburasoba (1,100 won / approx. $8) — This is the one. The curry sauce version has a depth that the basic doesn't, and it apparently has a reputation for being the kind of thing you think about afterward. Multiple regulars mention it specifically, and honestly, the flavor profile — roasted, slightly spiced, oil-coated noodles — earns that.

Basic aburasoba (10,000 won / approx. $7.50) — If curry isn't your thing, start here. The soy-oil base is well-balanced enough that it doesn't feel like you're eating straight grease, which is the trap a lot of places fall into with this style.

The complimentary rice finish — This is the move. When you're done with your noodles, ask for the service rice (they'll offer it). Mix it into the remaining sauce at the bottom of the bowl. This is not a tourist tip — this is just what people do here.

One actual tip: if the richness starts to feel like too much midway through, there's a small bottle of kelp vinegar (dasima vinegar) on the counter. A few drops cuts through the oil immediately. Don't skip this — it rescues the last third of the bowl.

Atmosphere & Vibe

Small. Like, genuinely small. The whole restaurant is essentially one counter. It's not uncomfortable, but if you need personal space to enjoy a meal, manage expectations. Solo diners and pairs do well here. Groups of three or more will find it awkward.

The open kitchen setup means you're watching someone cook your food the entire time, which gives it an energy that bigger restaurants don't have. Some reviews mention the staff can be a bit checked-out — one person had to ask for a bottle opener after ordering beer. It's not hostile, just efficient to the point of sparse. Adjust accordingly.

Practical Info

• Address: 서울특별시 광진구 긴고랑로8길 79 / 79 Gingorang-ro 8-gil, Gwangjin District, Seoul, South Korea
• Google Maps: Open in Maps
• Nearest subway: Gunja Station (Lines 5 & 7), 6-minute walk
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM / 5:00–9:00 PM | Closed Mondays
• Price range: Around 10,000–11,000 won per person
• Spice level: Mild (curry version has warmth, not heat)
• Vegetarian: No
• Halal-friendly: No (pork-based ingredients likely in sauce)
• Reservations: Not available
• Good for groups: No — counter seating only

Before You Go

Peak lunch and dinner hours can mean a 30–60 minute wait outside. If that sounds brutal to you, arrive right at 11:00 AM or 5:00 PM when they open — that's the only way to walk straight in. Monday is closed, so don't plan around that.

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