In Seoul, instant ramen is more than a meal; it’s an experience. In fact, the South Korean city’s Han River is lined with convenience stores where locals build their own steaming bowls of broth and wheat noodles to take to “ramen picnics” at parks along the water.

The tradition inspired South Korea native Jenny Suk and her family to open six-month-old Hangang Ramen in Aurora, a fast-casual restaurant that offers more than 60 types of instant noodles. “We wanted to bring a slice of that culture here,” says Danny Pyo, Suk’s son and one of the eatery’s managers. Inside, shelves hold colorful packages of noodles (starting at $6) in flavors as varied as smoky black bean, fiery seafood, rich beef bone broth, and cheesy carbonara.

5280 March 2025
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At Hangang Ramen, patrons simmer their bowls at induction-stove-equipped cooking stations, customizing with free and upcharge add-ins such as kimchi, tofu, sliced sausages, and green onions. Round out your meal with other Korean staples—pouches of fruit-infused iced teas, house-made onigiri, gimbap (rice, veggies, meats, and other fillings rolled in seaweed)—then dig in at a white plastic table to the soundtrack of upbeat K-pop.

Read More: The 10 Best Korean Restaurants in Denver and Aurora

This article was originally published in 5280 March 2025.
Patricia Kaowthumrong
Patricia Kaowthumrong
Patricia is 5280’s former food editor. Follow her food reporting adventures on Instagram @whatispattyeating.