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Tsuru Tsuru: honest review of the house-made mazesoba and ramen near Sungshin Women's University (Seoul)
Tsuru Tsuru is a Japanese ramen and mazesoba spot near Sungshin Women’s University and the Seongbuk-gu Office that makes its own noodles, and it is an easy recommendation for a garlicky tonkotsu or a mild, satisfying mazesoba. If you want Japanese-feeling comfort food in the neighborhood, it is worth a stop.
Where it is
Tsuru Tsuru Mazesoba sits on the 1st floor at 41, Samseongyo-ro 24-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, close to Sungshin Women’s University and the Seongbuk-gu Office. The entrance is dressed with cute drawings and little objects that feel brought straight from Japan, and the whole place has a quietly strong Japanese mood. Inside there are counter seats right in front of the kitchen plus regular tables, and there is even a spot to hang your coat at the tables. We went on a rainy weekend and it was still pretty busy.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 11:00 to 20:30 (break time 15:00 to 16:00, last order 20:00). Saturday to Sunday 11:00 to 19:30 (last order 19:00).
What to order
The menu runs from mazesoba and spicy mazesoba to tonkotsu ramen, spicy tonkotsu, kuromayu (black garlic oil) tonkotsu, shoyu ramen, and cold soba. There is a full-topping option for a heartier bowl, sides like seasoned egg (ajitama) and extra chashu, topped rice bowls, and even a yuzu highball that sounds like a great match for the mazesoba.
The kuromayu tonkotsu ramen arrives with a wave of savory garlic aroma that genuinely whets the appetite. The noodles are thin, the soft kind that soaks up broth well, and the broth itself is much richer and deeper than expected, with that familiar, clean garlic flavor Koreans tend to love. It hit the spot on a rainy day.
The mazesoba you mix up yourself first. The noodles are a medium thickness, neither too thick nor too thin. There is a generous amount of green onion, so anyone who loves that scallion flavor and aroma will be happy, and the amount of sauce is just right, enough to mix in rice at the end without feeling soupy. As for heat, this is the mildest mazesoba the reviewer has had: you can spot a few tiny flecks of chili powder, but it is close to not spicy at all. There is shichimi on the table if you want to add some.
The vibe
Small details make the place charming. On the tables you will find shichimi, yuzu-scented pickled radish, ginger, and a kombu vinegar that actually has real kelp inside it. Because Sungshin Women’s University is right there, they even keep hair ties on hand, and there is a posted guide on how to enjoy mazesoba properly. Tip: join the Naver receipt-review event and they give you a seasoned egg (the reviewer skipped it out of laziness).
Verdict
Garlicky, comforting tonkotsu and a mild, well-balanced mazesoba that is great mixed down to the last spoonful of rice. Next time the reviewer wants to try the spicy mazesoba. If you are hunting for a ramen or mazesoba spot near Sungshin Women’s University, Tsuru Tsuru is worth a visit.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tsuru Tsuru?
Tsuru Tsuru Mazesoba is at 41, Samseongyo-ro 24-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on the 1st floor, near Sungshin Women's University and the Seongbuk-gu Office.
What are Tsuru Tsuru's opening hours?
Monday to Friday 11:00 to 20:30 (break 15:00 to 16:00, last order 20:00), and Saturday to Sunday 11:00 to 19:30 (last order 19:00).
What should I order at Tsuru Tsuru?
The house-made mazesoba and the kuromayu (black garlic oil) tonkotsu ramen are the standouts. There are also spicy mazesoba, regular and spicy tonkotsu, shoyu ramen, and cold soba, with a full-topping option and add-ons like seasoned egg and chashu.
Is the mazesoba spicy?
No. Compared with most Korean-style mazesoba, this is the mildest the reviewer has tried, almost no heat. There is shichimi on the table if you want to add spice yourself.