RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Guatemala's shucos redefine the hot dog
Shucos storefront / Korea Times photo by Kim Sur-hyun
By Kim Sur-hyun
When it comes to Latin American food, Mexican restaurants tend to dominate the spotlight, with many well-known taco spots across the city. However, Central American cuisine has yet to fully establish itself in Korea — and that is exactly why Shucos feels so exciting.
Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America, has now joined Seoul’s diverse culinary landscape through this small but vibrant restaurant dedicated to one of its most beloved street foods, the shuco.
A taste of Guatemala with a view
Located next to Mount Nam in central Seoul’s multicultural Haebangchon neighborhood, Shucos is perfectly situated where the city meets nature, much like Guatemala itself.
Shucos / Korea Times photo by Kim Sur-hyun
As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by a warm and rustic atmosphere, the space filled with Spanish music. The restaurant spans four floors, each with its own unique design yet maintaining a cohesive feel. Whether you prefer a quiet corner, a lively table by the window or a rooftop view, the thoughtfully arranged seating, window-facing chairs and cozy sofas create intimate spaces throughout.
The outdoor seating area is particularly charming. On one side, you can admire the mountain view, while the other overlooks western Seoul. It’s a perfect setting to enjoy hearty food while soaking in the cityscape.
The walls are carefully decorated with photographs reflecting Guatemalan culture and heritage. Surrounded by these details, I genuinely felt transported to Guatemala, specifically the historic and vibrant city of Antigua.
Elote loco (corn on the cob) and chicharrones (crispy pork cracklings) / Korea Times photo by Kim Sur-hyun
The menu: Guatemalan street classics
Of course, I had to try every dish on their menu.
The word "shucos" comes from the Guatemalan word for "dirty," and they are often described in English as "dirty hot dogs." But these are not your typical hot dogs. If you’re expecting a soft hot dog bun with a sausage inside, that’s not what you’ll find here. Shucos are served in larger toasted buns and generously filled with sliced grilled meat such as sausage, longaniza (a type of Spanish sausage), steak or a mix of all three. They are then filled with fresh guacamole, cabbage, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and sometimes chimichurri, a garlic and herb sauce. One highlight is their homemade green spicy sauce, which adds a bold and authentic kick.
The combination of smoky, creamy and tangy flavors and a crunchy texture gives shucos a complex taste. Each bite was rich, slightly messy and deeply satisfying, exactly what great street food should be. The price of a single shuco varies, ranging from 10,000 won ($7) to 13,000 won.
I also tried the popular elote loco, a beloved Guatemalan corn on the cob that costs 10,000 won. Coated with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, cheese and spices, its flavors were bold yet balanced. The corn itself was perfectly cooked and naturally sweet, pairing beautifully with the layered seasonings.
Shucos and cocktails / Korea Times photo by Kim Sur-hyun
We finished with chicharrones, crispy pork cracklings served with guacamole and seasoned with chili powder and lemon. The crunch combined with the creamy, tangy dip made for a simple yet addictive side dish that is only 8,000 won.
The drinks menu stays true to its roots as well. Shucos offers authentic Guatemalan coffee, and the drink menu extends to beer, cocktails and sodas. One of their most popular drinks is the Corona Margarita, a refreshing combination perfect for pairing with the richness of its street food.
If you are looking to explore beyond the usual taco spots and discover something new, Shucos offers a refreshing and flavorful introduction to Guatemala right here in Seoul.
Bridging Guatemala and Korea
The owner of Shucos was raised in Guatemala, and his childhood memories stayed with him long after moving to Korea. Driven by nostalgia and a desire to share his heritage, he opened Shucos to recreate the flavors and atmosphere of Guatemalan street food culture.
In Guatemala, shucos are typically sold from street carts late at night, especially outside bars and in busy public areas. More than just food, they represent a social experience, bringing people together over something simple yet delicious.
A wall is decorated with pictures of Guatemala. Korea Times photo by Kim Sur-hyun
When asked why he chose to open Shucos in Seoul, the owner explained that he wanted to introduce authentic Guatemalan cuisine to Korea and create a cultural bridge through food. The restaurant attracts curious Korean diners, foreign residents from Latin America and international tourists seeking bold tastes. His goal extends beyond selling food; he hopes to expand Guatemalan culture in Korea through its cuisine.
Shucos is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a lunch break from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant is pet-friendly, making it a welcoming spot for those visiting with their dogs. Follow @shucos_seoul on Instagram for more information.
Kim Sur-hyun is a Korea Times intern.