SEOUL 1988 Innenstadt in Hamburg

Honestly a huge letdown- place is really small with 5 tables inside and 2 outside. Based on the previous reviews I was looking for an authentic Korean spot. Ordered the Mandu and kimchi jjigae. While the Mandu was amazing and reminded me of Mandu in Seoul, the jjigae tasted like a prepackaged spicy tomato soup. The meat was overcooked and the tofu is on the firm side. Didn’t taste fresh or authentic at all. It’s served in a metal pot and came out really fast as if they just reheated it. Also place is cash only which is another downside.

Authentic and super tasty Korean restaurant. Highly recommended. Since the food looked so delicious, I actually forgot to take a photo of it.

They do not accept credit card here. I had to leave my belongings and had to go out looking for an ATM. Kind of embarrassing !!

The Best korean Chicken I have tried by far in Germany. The bibimbap was also really tasty, the service was impeccable!!! The place really cozy and well decorated. Is not that big, but is worth it to wait for a table! Would definitely recommend it.

I can recommend a beautiful restaurant to everyone. I love it weede visit it again. Very, very nice service, very friendly. I love Korean food.

This place has been one of my favorite bimbimbap places for a few years now, but unfortunately the food isn't as tasty compared to my last visits, which were a few months ago. It is very sad to say that the quality of bimbimbap is declining. The meat of the bimbimbap is also reduced from 10+ pieces to just 3 pieces. :(

The food was hot and incredibly tasty – simply a pleasure! The store has a great atmosphere that immediately puts you in the mood. The staff? Absolutely friendly, traditional and professional at the same time. Definitely worth a visit!

Very tasty food, nice service. The waiting times are really annoying, especially because you can't make a reservation and eat out with a large group, but otherwise a top restaurant with really delicious food!

Seoul 1988 is the perfect place if you want to immerse yourself in Korean culture. The restaurant is decorated in authentic Korean street food style, making you feel like you're in Korea - a real highlight! In my opinion, the food was good: freshly prepared and with typical flavors that leave you wanting more. Particularly worth a visit for fans of street food. An authentic experience that I would happily recommend!

By far the best Korean restaurant we have ever been to. The food is consistently top and the service is extremely good. The staff is always nice and accommodating. Plus, you never have to wait long for your food. We really enjoy coming here and can highly recommend it to everyone!

A very authentic Korean restaurant. It was super tasty and I absolutely recommend it!

Insanely good Korean food. Very authentic food and very friendly service. Unfortunately you cannot make a reservation in this small restaurant, but there is a waiting list outside in the evening. But the wait in the cold was definitely worth it.

Very authentic restaurant. Very small, but nice. Food very tasty and of very good quality. Definitely highly recommended!

Very good, the food was very good, too bad they have two different menus, one for the week and one for the weekend. Really nice atmosphere, small but particular place. Too bad the room was cold, I got cold

Very small shop with food that seems authentic to me as a German and also tastes very tasty.

Very authentic shop. Service was very nice and attentive. The food was super tasty.

The food is as amazing and authentic as you can get, but the atmosphere makes it even better. The restaurant recreates the atmosphere of a Seoul street in the 80’s so well that you feel like you’re sitting outside, it’s incredible. It almost needs its own Google Maps listing as an art exhibition. Even if you’re not a fan of Korean food (do these people exist?) it’s worth going just for the atmosphere

Mega tasty, cheap and friendly staff!

Korean Fried Chicken a real recommendation!!

Before you've eaten here, you're probably wondering why there's a queue at this snack bar. The numerous Korean guests indicate that the food is really authentic and I have to say that it is very tasty.

I think one of the best Korean restaurant in town. There are something not 100% authentic or some typical dishes missing in their menu but definitely when I miss Korean food, is the place to visit.

Do you know that feeling when you're drunk? Your body temperature feels like it's 40°, it's a bit dim and you can hardly talk anymore? I had this, triggered by this spiciness in the food. If you can't stand the heat, you should really let us know! The food itself is super delicious! I can really recommend the Dakgalbi, but the price really hurt. 21€! You should definitely make a reservation, my group and I had to wait a long time before we could get in. There is little seating and the tables are small and placed close together. Otherwise it seems pretty chill there. But please work on the prices... I would come so often!

Very good fried chicken. Fast service too but you may need to wait in the long queue as it's quite a small restaurant.

By far best Korean Food in Hamburg, quality is very consistent and never fails to satisfy. The restaurant is a bit small though and might need some waiting to be seated but all in all always a great experience

Super yummy, it's just worth it, especially for lunch.

This is my second visit on this trip. Of course, I highly recommend the Jeyuk deopbab. The taste is good and the quantity is plentiful. Since it is quite spicy, it would be better if you add some non-spicy broth. It is great value for money.

We had to queue outside for 20 minutes. Then we were asked inside to continue waiting at the counter downstairs. At some point we were shown to the table and were finally able to order. We waited over 45 minutes for our food. The tables after us had already all received something. When I pointed this out to the waitress, she apologized very sincerely and gave us two cocktails to make up for it. :) The food tasted very good and so did the colorful cocktail. Unfortunately, the other cocktail wasn't as tasty. The restaurant was very authentically designed. There is a photo box at the exit so you can stick the photos on the walls. The waitress was really nice and she couldn't help it that we had to wait so long and our food was forgotten.

we went there hearing many good things, and ordered their infamous chicken as a starter. it was very hot but super yummy. finally found a restaraunt where 'spicy' is spicy. although I was dissapointed by main course as we ordered squid I think? personally I liked the dumplings though. also the ambience is cute, you get the fell of small streetsude korean Restaurants. very retro.

I have rarely had such a fantastic meal, not only was the food to die for, but also the ambience couldn't be beaten, with the first step into the shop it felt like I had traveled through time to Korea. Really only recommended!

Just 👍 It's a must for us every time we visit Hamburg

The best food and service ever, Hamburg's best chicken

Simply amazing! Please think not staying and sitting over for too long. There are not that many sitting place and it nice for them and for the people waiting not spending too much time after you are done. No worries, you will get enough and will have time to enjoy fully the amazing food.. the fried chicken.. no words 👌

Good .Warm food.Delitious and kind. Among Korean restaurant it willbe top. Recommend to you.

Kimchi-jjigae is good but a bit too spicy. The staffs was nice. Limited tables.

Really authentic and tasty Korean food! Very friendly.

Staff was friendly , place is a little bit small, but so Charmant anyway! And the food’s just yummiii!! I’ll def go back ! 🥰

Lunch with freshly prepared, tasty dishes

It was always my favorite Korean restaurant in Hamburg. However, I had a huge motto in my kimchi and could no longer eat my food as a main course out of disgust. The waitress was super nice, apologized and brought us new kimchi. It can always happen, but somehow I found it so disgusting that nothing went down. There is nothing in compensation :)

The most delicious and authentic Korean food I have eaten in Hamburg so far 😍 The interior design is great too! I'll definitely be back!

The food was delicious and the staff service was very good.

Everything was tip top, I can only recommend it to everyone 🧡but card payment would be nice.

Amazing food, friendly service and good vibes. Will return every time we visit Hamburg.

I was here for the first time. The food is more geared towards the younger generation. I've eaten Korean food before, but here the focus was more on meat and fried foods. But there are also dishes with more vegetables. There were five of us and we all tried each other's dishes. I had the spicy chicken. Personally, there weren't enough vegetables here and it wasn't spicy enough for me. The spiciness of all dishes was rather spicy, including the Buldak chicken, which was advertised as very spicy. In addition, there was a lot of cheese on the spicy chicken, which I didn't think was particularly appropriate. The chicken and sauce was delicious though. As a side dish there was rice, pickled eggs and also kimchi, which I thought was quite good. The service was good for me. They were a bit stressed and easily distracted. The ambience wasn't quite my thing. It's Asian-style, which I thought was good, but it's all very small. Anyone who has ever been to Asia as a European knows that it is authentic when everything is small, but there were five of us that day and everyone at a small table was a bit tiring. I could barely lift my elbows and my legs were pressing against my neighbor's. And these days I'm more of a thinner person. So I probably won't come here again.

Not recommended if you have other choices for Korean food. In case you have to be there, then do not order neither Tteokbokki (spicy sticky rice) which is lack of ingredients, nor Ojingeo Bokkeum (Spicy Squid) which is not chewable as hard rubber. Service lady on that day was really rude. The problem is the service if the food is not ok. No empathy for the customer. Just a that's how we do it. Even if one has a legitimate issue. Read some other one star comments and be warned.

Brilliant food, large portions (!!), super nice service, everything perfect

The bimbibab came in a stainless steel bowl rather than a hot cast iron bowl. That changes the meaning of the dish, that it continues to cook and stays hot. The vegetables were put together very simply and unimaginatively. That was about the first and last visit, the second dish, beef, was boring and nothing special. We had to listen to the guests who had already advised against it. Unfortunately we were deceived by the very good reviews.

The meticulous interior design, reminiscent of Korea, is impressive. Good food for the price.

Great small and very friendly and comfortable. Yummy. Small card. Something special. 😉

I had really delicious Korean food in Germany! I was so busy eating that I couldn’t even take a picture of everything I ordered. The kids say it’s delicious too~

Truly the feeling of being in Korea. While the principle of queuing on a waiting list may hold some people back, it is worth it to enjoy authentic flavors. Having been to Korea a few months earlier, I found comparable flavors here. The service is very friendly with explanations of the dishes. I highly recommend!

Kimchi “pork stew” without pork. Afterwards I was annoyed that I even paid for it. The watery broth tasted like can. I hadn't eaten so badly in a long time. I left the food.

Super friendly staff and really delicious food. Lunch for little money that fills you up and tastes good! The negative is that ONLY cash payment is possible. The ambience is perfect - you feel like you're in Korea. Absolute recommendation!

Poorest service ever encountered in Hamburg. I spent 15 minutes for the meal. As soon as i finished the last bite, they were very pushy and sent me the bill instantly without my request. With the high price and low service quality, you always got better choices.

Extremely good, authentic food!

Really good Korean food in Hamburg. The portions were also huge so we got everything to share it would be hard to finish one plate alone. The service was nice and you can only pay in cash. Would go back again

Authentic Korean food. The food was great. Unfortunately, there are only relatively few seats, which is why you may have to put yourself on a waiting list. Attention: no cash payment!

Very authentic Korean cuisine. Super tasty, but the room is a little too small.

Cool, small shop with friendly staff. You usually have to wait, but it doesn't take long to get a seat. The prices are a bit high, but the portions are really big and tasty. The chicken can be shared between two people.

Best value for lunch! Great portion, good portion and delicious!! My fav is always the fried pork!

I have rarely been to such a sensational restaurant. Everything just fits together here. The food is great, the selection is great and there is also a good selection of beer here. We had dinner here and were treated very well by the friendly staff. The European Championship game from Germany was then broadcast. Meanwhile there was a great atmosphere in the entire establishment. Afterwards there was a karaoke evening. Here you don't have to wait long until the song you want is played and the atmosphere is great - the better and better known the song is, of course. We had a really nice and unforgettable evening here. A clear recommendation. There is also the option to immortalize yourself with a photo.

Delicious! Large selection of Korean dishes, the order was brought very quickly, the staff is pleasant and friendly. Most or all employees speak Korean.

There is no better Korean Fried Chicken in Hamburg, and everything else is of high quality. Great cucumber salad, for example. The only drawback: not a good wine selection

Best Korean in Hamburg, honestly delicious food as well as really friendly people. Thank you so very much.

I came here looking for a Korean restaurant in Hamburg. There were more customers than expected and the food was pretty good. It's a bit inconvenient that they only accept cash.

Yesterday I visited Seoul 1988 Restaurant again and tried the Korean Fried Chicken. It was excellent as always – crispy, juicy and full of flavor. An absolute must for all Korean food lovers! I highly recommend Seoul 1988. The only thing I missed was the Korean beer. Service was a little disorganized but still attentive and quick.

Delicious food, very authentic restaurant. Clear recommendation.

The place is small Food comes out quickly

I am VERY angry with this site: I am gluten intolerant. He told me I could eat 4 dishes and 3 of them were sold out. I only have the option of tofu alone. I wasn't going to eat just that. They haven't been able to offer you ANYTHING else. They didn't even ask me what I wanted to drink. My companions have eaten a dish and we have left so I can eat. I do not recommend this site AT ALL!!!!! I don't know if it's because in Germany people are not intolerant to gluten or what happens, but it is very sad to feel this DISCRIMINATION towards MY CONDITION. I haven't chosen it. I am not gluten intolerant by choice: IT IS A serious DISEASE.

My companion is gluten intolerant and has not been able to have dinner. They offered him four dishes and three were sold out: he only had tofu left... She has not chosen to have this disease, like someone who CHOSES to be vegan. The situation he has had to live in is very discriminating.

Good food with reasonable price, authentic Korean grill! Fried chicken is also great, highly recommend the most spicy one. But the restaurant is a bit crowded and smoky, waitress are too busy. At least they responded us quick slow.

I would say the environment was very unsuitable for summer. It was unbelievable that a male customer had the only fan in the store aimed at him and the store did nothing about it. It's just hot in Germany in summer, but the truth is that many shops have electric fans that are used by everyone. The picture with the chair shows my friend sweating after 20 minutes in the store. The food was okay and tasted the same as before.

Very authentic Korean food. Super tasty for in between meals and the service is super nice. It was raining so hard when we wanted to leave and she offered her umbrella. The portions look small but are completely sufficient and filling. It's a bit inexpensive compared to other Korean restaurants. With a drink you have to expect at least €20 per person. However, there are offers at lunchtime.

A small restaurant, very nice service and very tasty food. The next time we are in Hamburg we will definitely come back. To recommend!!!

The Korean restaurant delivers an authentic dining experience that truly transports you to the streets of Seoul. Each dish bursts with traditional flavors and ingredients, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Korea. However, the true standout is undoubtedly their Korean fried chicken. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and generously coated in a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. It's a culinary masterpiece that keeps you coming back for more. If you're craving authentic Korean cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit! Be aware that reservations are not possible

Their fried chicken is beyond this world 🍗🍗🍗👨‍🚀👩‍🚀🌌🚀🛸

Chill meal. Got some side dishes for free to start, including kimchi, spicy cucumber, and a random thing from the few times we have gone there. Food comes out quite fast and is quite good. They only accept cash thou.

Excellent place to eat Korean food, I will definitely return very very soon. Bring cash, they only accept CASH

small, cute restaurant with a cool atmosphere. nice service. Delicious food, I had Seoul bibimbap and dumplings, both recommended.

Since I came from far away, they gave me refills for side dishes very conveniently. This is a menu item that my husband really likes because he fell in love with the Dakgangjeong and the Dakgangjeong from Sinpo-dong that he ate at highway rest areas in Korea. He loved it because it was so delicious. This is a place I want to visit often. I am so grateful to my aunt’s bosses.

Fantastic food and very kind staff. We had the yangneyom chicken, tteokboki, and cheese dakgalbi, which were all great.

One of the best Korean soups I've had in a long time, I'll happily come back. However, you shouldn't eat there with more than 5 people as the shop is very small.

Very good Korean food, I always get Bibimbap, and it fills me up every time! Plus, the price is cheaper when you eat there at lunchtime. The service is great and the interior of the restaurant is really nice! Despite the restaurant being small, the service is so good that there is never really a long wait :)

Absolutely incredible discovery, excellent cuisine and kindness of the staff. I highly recommend!

Excellent restaurant to discover Korean cuisine Good service, friendly staff and many wonderful dishes

I was there a couple of weeks ago, it was very tasty, I liked it. The service is simply excellent! Very nice waiters. I really liked the food. The atmosphere is great! Today I'm going to go here with my sister and dad.

We had fried chicken. Super recommended! The atmosphere is amusing. The waiter (with curly hair) was very entertaining. You rarely see waiters like him. ;)

Original Korean cuisine. Perfectly cooked.

It's a small shop with a very cozy environment. The sizzling beef was very tasty, with a good balance of sweet and salty. The kimchi and kimchi pancakes are pretty good. The bibimbap was a bit too cold. The fried chicken didn't have a lot of juice, but the seasoning was okay. Overall good

My husband usually likes to leave something on the plate. This time he also 'stole' something from mine. Not because the portions are too small but because it is incredibly tasty. We will be back. Sooo delicious!

The kimchi stew was authentic, even though the kimchi was very sour. The bibimbap is topped with bulgogi and there is a lot of it. Of course it tastes good. The chicken is also around 10 euros, so it seems cheaper than in Korea... I couldn't eat it because I ordered Korean food, so I just looked at it. I want to come back just to eat the chicken. I can recognize this as an authentic Hamburg Korean restaurant. A restaurant with reasonable prices, large portions, and delicious food!! However, the space is small so you may have to wait.

Great food, great service, cozy atmosphere. Be prepared to wait a little since they don’t take reservations.

Excellent food in a great atmosphere - definitely try it out! 😍

I ate Seoul bibimbap for 3 days. I think the taste is better than the bibimbap I tried in Korea. It's also good value for money, so today is my last day in Hamburg and I'm planning to go again.

Delicious food 😍.Fast service 😊

A very cozy, small, original restaurant. The food is incredibly delicious. For some dishes you may wish that they were less spicy. The card has 2 DinA 4 pages, but it has everything you could want. I will now always eat there when I am in Hamburg! I ended up having another portion packed up on site and ate it for three days. You cannot reserve a table, there is a notice on site where you can enter your name and be called as soon as a table becomes available. Pay cash at the end. The waitresses are very friendly and you can communicate very well. The kitchen is very quick, you order and get something to eat quickly. This means that a table becomes available again relatively quickly.

The Korean fried chicken was very tasty. It's a very large portion that can be shared between two people. Unfortunately, the store is not that big, but it has its own charm.

Easy to park, delicious and plentiful! The best Korean food in Hamburg I've been to many places, but this place tastes the best of Korean restaurants! It is so popular that reservations are required. The chicken is especially delicious! There are 4 1988 stores and this is the most delicious!

Super tasty and a great experience. We really enjoy going there

the shop is too small in peak time you have to ask for queue. not many choices of food but perfect for the litte restaurant like this and so tasty

Really nice place. I visited with my friends and the food was really delicious. The only problem was they only accept cash.