A Slice of Osaka in Seoul

Fugetsu originally started in Korea Town (Tsuruhashi) of Osaka Japan, and has since expanded its popularity across both Japan and Korea. It has earned a following for its signature okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake), yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), and various teppan dishes. FYI there are two main types of okonomikayi in Japan: Osaka-style, where all the ingredients are mixed directly into the batter and Hiroshima-style, which layers the components separately. And true to its roots, Fugetsu specializes in Osaka-styled okonomiyaki with bold, comforting flavors with various DIY topping options.

Location

21-5 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung District, Seoul
Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Fugetsu Myeongdong branch is conveniently located just steps away from the Myeongdong Cathedral and the main shopping streets. And despite being in a tourist-heavy district, it stands out for attracting just as many locals.

Menu & Pricing

Tsuruhashi Fugetsu’s menu features a variety of okonomiyaki options from the classic pork okonomiyaki to the seafood version, generally priced in the ₩15,000 range. For those seeking a heartier meal, the “modern yaki” variations incorporate egg noodles into the okonomiyaki, with the addition of ₩3,000 to any okonomiyaki of your choice.

In addition to okonomiyaki, the restaurant offers a selection of yakisoba priced between ₩12,000-₩22,000, with 3 main flavors: classic, sio(salt), and shoyu(soy sauce). Donpeiyaki (or egg rolls) is also a popular side dish of the restaurant, adding to the variety of traditional Japanese flavors available. For groups, Fugetsu provides a selection of set menus for 2-4 diners. On my visit I chose the Pork Set for two which included a pork okonomiyaki, pork yakisoba, and pork donpeiyaki (egg roll).

What I Ordered

At Fugetsu, the staff cooks your okonomiyaki directly on the teppan (hot plate) at your table so you can watch the process live: from mixing the batter to shaping and flipping the pancake with practiced precision. I added cheese as a topping, which the staff folded right into the batter. Once finished, the outer layer retained a slight sear from the teppan while the inside stayed soft and fluffy, with the melted cheese creating a delicious pull with every bite. Topped with a glossy sweep of okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, bonito flakes, it had the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

It’s important to note that while the okonomiyaki at Fugetsu is made fresh to order, it takes about 20 minutes to cook. That’s why I highly recommend ordering yakisoba to compensate for the wait time—yakisoba is pre-stir-fried in the kitchen and served much quicker.

I topped my pork yakisoba with a sunny side-up, which arrived with the perfectly runny yolk to coat the thick noodles. And because they serve the noodles directly on the hot teppan, the bottom part of the noodles gradually forms a smoky + crispy crust as it gets seared, adding more texture and depth as you eat.

The donpeiyaki (Japanese-style pork egg roll) was also served relatively quickly and worked well as a lighter contrast to the bold flavors of the other two dishes. It was a simple yet comforting dish featuring grilled pork belly slices wrapped in a thin omelette, then drizzled with a bit of sauce and mayo. The omelette had a soft and silky texture, while the grilled edges of the pork created a rich crispness.

Vibe & Atmosphere

As expected from a popular restaurant in Myeongdong, the vibe at Fugetsu is casual but energetic. The space has a nostalgic izakaya look with warm-toned orange seats and personal teppan griddles embedded in the tables. One of the most appealing features of the space is its booth-style seating with partitions between tables, allowing guests to dine spaciously and privately within their own group. The constant sizzling in the air and the smell of grilled cabbage also added to the lively mood and rhythm.

Using CatchTable to Wait Remotely

Even on weekdays, Fugetsu Myeongdong can rack up queues. But fortunately they support CatchTable (캐치테이블), Korea’s most popular dining reservation and queueing app.

I used the app’s remote waiting function, which allows you to add your name to the waitlist without physically being at the restaurant. I joined the queue as the 7th in line while I was still on the way, and by the time I arrived at the location I was already at the top of the list. The app gives real-time updates, estimated wait times, and notifies you when it’s your turn—an absolute must-have if you want to save your shopping time.