Skip to content Who this is for
This is for anyone looking for a unique dining experience in Seoul, particularly those who enjoy spicy Korean dishes with a twist. It’s also for fans of the original Hwangridan-gil restaurant, Shilla Myun. If you’re visiting Lotte World Mall and want to try something beyond the usual mall fare, this is for you.
Overview
Shilla Myun (신라제면) has opened a branch at Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, bringing its signature “Kalnakji” (spicy stir-fried octopus with noodles) from Gyeongju’s Hwangridan-gil to the capital. Known as the originator of this dish, Shilla Myun offers a flavorful experience with a unique blend of spices, reminiscent of masala, and a satisfying level of spiciness. While the octopus can be a bit chewy, the overall taste, especially when mixed with bibimbap or paired with their crispy potato pancake (gamja-jeon), is highly praised.
Travel tips
Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours. The Lotte World Mall branch uses a Tableling system for reservations, and wait times can extend over an hour. It’s recommended to order in advance while waiting. Consider trying the bibimbap as an alternative to the potato pancake if you prefer something less oily. The restaurant’s ambiance, with a mini pagoda, offers a small taste of Gyeongju’s charm.
Places & areas
Practical information
Lotte World Mall
FAQ
What does Shinra Myeon's Kal-nakji taste like?
I heard the wait is long, how long do I have to wait?
Are there any other recommended dishes besides Kal-nakji?
Some reviews say the octopus is chewy, is that true?
The full story
A Culinary Journey to Jamsil: Experiencing Shilla Jemyun's Kalnakji
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, I finally had the chance to visit Shilla Jemyun, a restaurant I had previously given up on due to excessively long waiting times. Shilla Jemyun is renowned as the originator of 'Kalnakji' (spicy stir-fried octopus with noodles) in Gyeongju's Hwangridan-gil.
The Waiting Game
Upon arrival, I registered for a waiting number at the counter. We received number 40. The lunch break had ended, and seating was scheduled to resume at 5 PM, but the queue was already daunting. The estimated waiting time was a considerable 1 hour and 20-30 minutes.
The restaurant opens at 10:30 AM and has a break time.
I managed to capture a few photos of the interior just five minutes before customers were allowed in. Starting from 5 PM, about 20 teams were admitted. While my husband waited, engrossed in a baseball game on his phone, I briefly went to buy some chimney bread. We received a notification via KakaoTalk at 6:25 PM. Shilla Jemyun takes food orders while customers are waiting.
The Meal: Kalnakji and More
Almost every table seemed to order the potato pancake along with the Kalnakji. Unlike the typical potato pancakes I'm used to, this one resembled potato chips. I heard that younger generations like to place the Kalnakji on top of the potato pancake. Because it was fried, it had a greasy texture. We had initially ordered it but canceled it when we were called to our table, opting for the bibimbap instead. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the bibimbap, so I felt changing the order was the right decision.
It was wonderful to be able to enjoy Shilla Jemyun's Kalnakji in Seoul's Jamsil, a taste of Gyeongju's Hwangridan-gil. Wishing everyone good health!
Practical Information
Shilla Jemyun Jamsil Lotte Mall Branch
Address: 6th Floor, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Map: https://naver.me/GYGGOPWo
