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656-3 Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Doce Mexican

Seoul Forest vs Seongsu

Doce Mexican is conveniently located just 7 meters from Exit 2 of Seoul Forest Station. Seongsu and Seoul Forest are often grouped together as part of the same neighborhood, but they have slightly different vibes. Seongsu is known for its trendy cafés and a mix of industrial and artistic spaces, while the Seoul Forest area is often associated with larger buildings and residential spaces. But many restaurants and cafés in Seongsu are just a short walk from Seoul Forest, making it easy to hop between the two hotspots.

Walking from Seoul Forest Station to Doce Mexican

If you’re using the subway, take Exit 2 at Seoul Forest Station of the yellow Bundang Line. Once you exit, you will immediately see a building called ‘Seoul Forest ForHu.’ Walk toward this building and as you reach the corner, turn left to find the entrance to Doce Mexican.

Menu

Doce Mexican offers a variety of Mexican dishes including fajitas, tacos, burritos, quesadillas. Most of these dishes are in the 10,000 KRW range, making this place an excellent budget-friendly option in the expensive Seoul Forest area. The restaurant also serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with an impressive selection of beers, making it a great spot for both lunch and dinner.

What I Ordered

The pork tacos were served on a soft tortilla, topped with fresh cabbage, tender pulled pork, shredded cheese and a generous amount of sour sauce. I loved the savory smokiness of the pulled pork while the combination of sour sauce and lime juice also added a refreshing contrast. It was definitely impossible to eat these tacos clean, but the messiness always makes my taco experience more authentic.

The burritos featured a similar combination of ingredients as the tacos but was wrapped in a larger tortilla with the addition of rice. I requested no rice and extra vegetables, making it more like a salad wrap than a burrito. The fresh cabbage added a nice crunch and as it was already wrapped, it was much easier to eat without making a mess.

The shrimp burrito was loaded with whole shrimp, providing a great texture with each bite. I also added cilantro to complete my Mexican experience with a bright herby flavor. The pork burrito had the same pulled pork from the taco so I recommend ordering a different protein (ie. chicken or steak) for your taco and burrito to add more variety.

You can also customize your meal with additional toppings like guacamole, salsa, and cilantro. While it wasn’t available on the self-order tablet, I could also ask the staff for further changes like substituting rice with more vegetables. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for those with dietary preferences or restrictions.

Vibe & Atmosphere

Collaboration with Illustrator Daye Kim

Doce Mexican’s overall concept showcases its collaboration with the famous Korean illustrator, Daye Kim. Kim is known for her warm and playful illustrations and has worked with big brands like Nike, Naver, and Incheon Airport. Her cheerful and vibrant artwork blended perfectly well with the restaurant’s bright orange walls, creating a lively atmosphere that also complements the bold flavors Mexican dishes.

Although the restaurant isn’t very spacious, the large windows filled the space with plenty of sunlight. FYI the name ‘Doce’ means ’12’ in Spanish, symbolizing the brand’s dedication towards creating delicious experiences throughout the 12 months of the year. This philosophy seems to align well with the restaurant’s casual and comfortable ambiance.