Tucked in Seoul's multicultural Haebangchon neighborhood near Mount Namsan, Shucos brings Guatemala's vibrant street food to the city. The restaurant specializes in shucos, toasted buns loaded with grilled meats, guacamole, cabbage, and an array of sauces that transform the classic hot dog.
Shucos, a compact restaurant in Seoul's Haebangchon area, focuses on Guatemala's iconic street food. Positioned next to Mount Namsan, it blends urban and natural surroundings, with interiors featuring Spanish music and photos of Guatemalan heritage that evoke the historic city of Antigua. The four-story venue offers varied seating options, from quiet nooks to window tables and rooftop spots, while outdoor areas provide views of the mountain and western Seoul skyline.
The star dish, shucos—known as 'dirty hot dogs'—features toasted buns stuffed with grilled meats like sausage, longaniza, or steak, topped with guacamole, cabbage, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chimichurri, and a signature green spicy sauce. This creates a smoky, creamy, tangy profile with crunch, priced between 10,000 won ($7) and 13,000 won. Elote loco, a spiced corn on the cob coated in mayonnaise, ketchup, cheese, and seasonings (10,000 won), delivers sweet and bold flavors. Chicharrones, crispy pork cracklings with guacamole, chili powder, and lemon (8,000 won), offer an addictive, simple side.
The beverage selection includes authentic Guatemalan coffee, beers, cocktails, and sodas, with the Corona Margarita standing out for pairing with the hearty fare. The owner, raised in Guatemala before moving to Korea, launched Shucos to share nostalgic flavors and build cultural ties. In Guatemala, shucos are late-night street cart staples symbolizing social gatherings. He stated that he aimed to introduce genuine Guatemalan cuisine to Korea and foster exchange through food. The spot draws Korean locals, Latin American expats, and tourists, aiming to broaden Guatemalan influence. It operates Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a 2-3 p.m. lunch break, and is pet-friendly. Check @shucos_seoul on Instagram for details.
