Pigs' feet, knife-cut noodles, Chinese fare: Seoul names new 'oraeggage' heritage eateries

Seoul is inviting residents and visitors to hunt down hidden long-running eateries and explore the charm of the city's back alleys through "Oraeggage Week 2026."

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Saturday that the event will run through Wednesday, centered on 15 newly designated "oraeggage" — or long-standing local shops — across four northeastern districts: Gwangjin-gu, Dongdaemun-gu, Seongdong-gu and Jungnang-gu.

"Oraeggage" means "a shop that has been around for a long time and that we hope will stay around even longer." Since 2017, the city has been identifying shops in the lifestyle, traditional crafts and food sectors that carry Seoul's unique history and stories, nurturing them as tourism assets. With 15 new additions this year, the total number of designated oraeggage in Seoul has reached 150.

This year's newly selected spots include Seongsu Jokbal, Daedo Restaurant Wangsimni Main Branch, Hyeseong Kalguksu, Yeonghwajang, Songlim Restaurant and Yennal Halmoni Bunsik. Their signature dishes span a wide range — pigs' feet, grilled beef, knife-cut noodle soup, Chinese cuisine, pork bulgogi and tteokbokki.

The event is designed to let participants explore Seoul's diverse neighborhoods as if on a journey, with the oraeggage as their anchor points. Both locals and tourists can experience the stories behind each shop alongside the distinctive character of the surrounding area.

Through Sunday, a pop-up booth introducing all 15 newly designated oraeggage will operate at the Eoulrim Plaza of Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Visitors who view the exhibition and complete a mission can receive oraeggage-themed keyrings and other gifts.

An in-person visit program is also on offer. Guests who visit at least two of the 15 new oraeggage, place an order and collect a verification stamp can enter a prize draw. From 5 p.m., evening drink coupons redeemable at 13 participating stores will be distributed in partnership with Kakao and Lotte Chilsung Beverage.

A back-alley travel program pairs oraeggage visits with nearby attractions. Participants follow one of five themed routes covering the four districts, visit at least three nearby landmarks alongside an oraeggage, and then post verification on SNS.

Full details on how to join each program are available through the KakaoTalk reservation channel and the official oraeggage Instagram account.

"We hope this event gives both residents and tourists a fresh chance to discover Seoul's long-cherished eateries and the appeal of its alleyways, while also breathing new energy into local commercial districts," said Cho Seong-ho, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Tourism and Sports Bureau.