The Gwanghwamun area can be considered one of Seoul’s representative office-dense areas. It also symbolizes Seoul’s economy.
During lunchtime, you can see numerous office workers heading out for their meals. Various restaurants are scattered throughout the underground shopping areas of major buildings.
“Gwanghwamun Lawyers’ Association Building Underground Mall, Sundubu Specialist”
Even in the underground mall of the Gwanghwamun Lawyers’ Association Building, you can find some restaurants. Compared to other buildings nearby, it’s not a place with many restaurants, so it has a relatively quiet and calm atmosphere. “Daehan Sundubu” can be found here.
Daehan Sundubu is known for making their own tofu. They make fresh tofu every day to serve for meals. As a sundubu (soft tofu stew) specialty restaurant, naturally, the menu consists only of dishes related to sundubu. However, due to the recent sharp rise in prices, the cost of food has increased significantly. Dishes that used to be 8,000 won just two years ago are now 12,000 won or 13,000 won. The menu offered at Daehan Sundubu includes:
- Sanche Nammul Bibim Soban: 13,500 won
- Gogi Damun Sobanjeongsik: 16,000 won
- Tofu, Seaweed Namul Tofu Sobanjeongsik: 17,000 won
- Tteomeokneun Ssambap Jeongsik (Vegan Tofu Gang Doenjang Salad): 13,000 won
- Monggeul Monggeul Baek Sundubu: 12,000 won
- Real Haemul Sundubu: 13,000 won
- Budaesundubu Jjigae: 13,000 won
- Kimchi Kongbijjigae (Home-style): 12,000 won
- Mushroom Perilla Soup Sundubu: 15,000 won
“A Vintage-Styled Store, Decorated but Unassuming”
The overall atmosphere of the store gives off a feeling of being both decorated and unassuming, following the current trend. While not particularly spacious, it’s not too narrow either. There is one large hall and one small hall. Orders can be placed through the kiosk provided in the store. After placing your order, you will be assigned a seat to enjoy your meal. Various small items are displayed throughout the store, allowing you to enjoy browsing around.
“Baek Sundubu: 12,000 won, Haemul Sundubu, Budaesundubu Jjigae: 13,000 won”
The menu we ordered that day was the Baek Sundubu, Haemul Sundubu Jjigae, and Budaesundubu Jjigae. The prices, at 12,000 won and 13,000 won for sundubu jjigae, are relatively high. However, perhaps because the food is made using freshly made tofu every day, it gives off a very clean feeling. Rather than being heavily seasoned, it feels like the ingredients are the focus. However, for the Budaesundubu Jjigae, I expected it to have additional ingredients like ramyeon noodles, but it didn’t, which was a bit disappointing.
Generally, when it comes to sundubu jjigae, portions tend to be small. However, here, they are generous with the portions, so even though the price is somewhat high, you won’t feel disappointed by the portion size.
Overall, while it may be a bit pricey, the subtle lighting creates a nice atmosphere. The food is clean and tidy, making it a good place to visit when you’re in the mood for sundubu jjigae.
“Seoul Gwanghwamun Sundubu Restaurant, Urban Tofu Shop X Daehan Sundubu”
- Address: 1st Floor, Lawyers’ Association Building, 13 Saemunan-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone Number: 02-725-0717
- Operating Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, (Sat) 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Closed on Sundays.