Although located in the heart of the city and often seen as a pricey entertainment district in Seoul, Sinchon offers a variety of delicious and high-quality meals for under 10,000 won. From Korean, Japanese, and Chinese dishes to Vietnamese flavors, you can enjoy a satisfying meal in this vibrant neighborhood without breaking the bank.

맛있는순두부&김치찜 (Masinneun Soft Tofu)

This is the place I trust every time I finish a long day of classes with an empty stomach and a thin wallet. Even the pickiest eaters will find something enjoyable here. As the name suggests, the main menu features soft tofu stew (sundubu jjigae) and kimchi stew (kimchi jjim) with various types of meat and sides. In addition to the main dish, all the side dishes (banchan) are refillable for free, including rice, different types of kimchi, seaweed, and you can even add a soft-boiled egg to your hot stew.

What makes this place even more convenient is that it’s open 24 hours, so no matter how late your study session runs, you can still come by and enjoy a hot meal.

Price: 8,000 won - 10,000 won

Place: 5-56 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

옛날쌀국수 (PHO XUA)

As a Vietnamese student living in Seoul, I highly recommend Pho Xua if you're craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The standout dish here is, of course, pho, but their rice and noodle dishes are also incredibly tasty, bringing back memories of Vietnam’s rich culinary traditions. The owners and chefs are Vietnamese, so you can trust the quality and authenticity of the food. They’re also friendly and open, so don’t hesitate to ask for any special requests.

Price: 8,000 won - 10,000 won

Place: 5-64 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

싸움의고수 신촌점 (Ssaumui Gosu Sinchon Branch)

One of my go-to spots when I'm craving bossam (Korean boiled pork belly) is Ssauem-ui Gosu. For just 7,000 to 10,000 won, you can enjoy a satisfying bento box filled with rice, meat, soup, and various types of kimchi. However, be warned—if you're sensitive to spice, avoid dishes with a chili pepper symbol or anything labeled with the word 싸움 (which means "fight")—I learned the hard way, and it took me quite some time to finish my meal due to the intense spiciness.

Price: 7,000 won - 10,000 won