You can find a variety of food at Gangneung Jungang Market. Located adjacent to Wolhwa Street, you can purchase a wide range of food items at the central market and enjoy them at Wolhwa Street.
- Gangneung Jungang Market: Gangneung Central Market: Sampling a Variety of Delicacies
“The SoMeori Gukbap Alley of Gangneung Jungang Market”
At the entrance of Gangneung Jungang Market, you’ll find many shops selling food that both tourists and young people would enjoy. As you venture further into the market, you’ll come across the “SoMeori Gukbap” alley. Among the various SoMeori Gukbap eateries here, the most renowned is “Gwangdeok Restaurant.”
During previous trips to Gangneung, I dined at Lim Gye Sikding located next to Gwangdeok Restaurant. However, on this trip to Gangneung, I decided to visit “Gwangdeok Restaurant” at least once.
“What is SoMeori Gukbap?”
SoMeori Gukbap is a traditional Korean dish known for its rich and flavorful broth, tender meat, and hearty ingredients. The name “SoMeori” literally translates to “cow head,” indicating that the dish primarily features cuts of beef from the head. These cuts are simmered for an extended period to extract maximum flavor, resulting in a robust and aromatic broth. Alongside the beef, you’ll find various ingredients such as vegetables, garlic, and green onions, all contributing to the dish’s savory profile. The tender beef pieces and other components create a comforting and satisfying meal, making SoMeori Gukbap a popular choice among locals and visitors alike in Korea’s culinary scene.
“Famous for SoMeori Gukbap, Gwangdeok Restaurant”
Gwangdeok Restaurant is the most well-known eatery in the SoMeori Gukbap Alley. Here, they serve various dishes, including “SoMeori Gukbap.” The menu options are as follows:
“Main Dishes”
- SoSun-i (Beef Head Meat Slices): 11,000 KRW
- SoMeori Gukbap (Beef Head Soup): 10,000 KRW
- SoMeori Gukbap (Special): 12,000 KRW
- Dak Gukbap (Chicken Soup): 10,000 KRW
- Dak Gukbap (Special): 12,000 KRW
- Sundae Gukbap (Sundae Soup): 9,000 KRW
- Sundae Gukbap (Special): 11,000 KRW
- Naejang Gukbap (Intestine Soup): 10,000 KRW
- Naejang Gukbap (Special): 12,000 KRW
“Side Dishes”
- Gwangdeok Special (Assorted Platter): 40,000 KRW
- Suyuk (Boiled Pork): 30,000 KRW
- Jeopsi Sundae (Sundae on a Plate): 15,000 KRW
- Dwaeji Naejang (Pig’s Intestines): 20,000 KRW
“SoMeori Gukbap (Special): 12,000 KRW”
On this day, I intentionally visited this place from afar to have SoMeori Gukbap, so naturally, I ordered SoMeori Gukbap. There were basic and special options available, and I chose the “Special.” While it was 2,000 KRW more expensive, it came with a more generous portion of meat, allowing for an even heartier meal.
Without a doubt, I could taste the depth of flavor that makes this place the most famous eatery in the SoMeori Gukbap Alley. As I plan future trips to Gangneung, I can’t help but think of Gwangdeok Restaurant’s SoMeori Gukbap, given its exceptional taste.
However, since it’s located within the market, finding it might be a bit challenging. Nevertheless, compared to larger markets, Gangneung Jungang Market is relatively compact, so locating it shouldn’t be too difficult.
“Gangneung Jungang Market, Gwangdeok Restaurant Jungang Market Branch”
- Address: 22-3 Gangwon-do, Gangneung-si, Jungang Market-gil
- Phone: 033-642-6851
- Business Hours: (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun) 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed for break from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
- Closed on Tuesdays