In the Gwanghwamun area of Seoul, you can find various restaurants scattered throughout. Especially during lunch hours, when many office workers gather, it’s common to see people lining up at almost any restaurant.
You can find restaurants in the underground shopping areas of major buildings around Gwanghwamun. While there aren’t a lot of restaurants in the underground shopping area of the King’s Garden 4th Complex, there are a decent number.
“Gwanghwamun, Damibapsang: Lunch with Nature’s Touch”
The first restaurant you’ll see as you enter the underground shopping area of King’s Garden 4th Complex is “Damibapsang,” also known by the name “Damibabsang.”
Damibapsang’s concept is “well-made, healthy lunch boxes made with fresh and wholesome ingredients.” While you can order for delivery or pickup due to its nature as a lunch box service, you can also visit the physical store for a sit-down meal.
“The Noticeable Green of Damibapsang”
The offline store of Damibapsang is particularly noticeable for its green color scheme. From the entrance to the walls, everything is painted in shades of green, even the water is served in green bottles.
This choice of green, which symbolizes nature, might be an indication that natural elements ultimately lead to a “healthy diet.”
“Diverse Korean Menu Offerings at Damibapsang”
At Damibapsang, you can savor various Korean dishes. They offer dishes like Nokcha Jeyuk Bokkeum (Green Tea Pork Stir Fry), Beoseot Bulgogi (Mushroom Bulgogi), Dubu Steak (Tofu Steak), Damdamsam Jeongsik (Balanced Meal with Various Sides), Hwangtae Gui Jeongsik (Grilled Dried Pollack Meal), Jadam Deokgalbi (Special Grilled Short Rib Patties), Chamchi Dubu Steak (Tuna Tofu Steak), and more. (For detailed menu information, you can visit their website.)
For instance:
- Nokcha Jeyuk Bokkeum: KRW 11,000
- Beoseot Bulgogi: KRW 12,000
- Dubu Steak: KRW 12,000
- Damdamsam Jeongsik: KRW 13,000
- Hwangtae Gui Jeongsik: KRW 13,000
- Jadam Deokgalbi: KRW 13,000
- Chamchi Dubu Steak: KRW 13,000
- Kkodari Jorim: KRW 11,000
- LA Galbi Special Meal: KRW 18,500
- Bulgogi Bibimbap: KRW 10,000
- Yeondubu Bibimbap: KRW 10,000
- Ureonggang Doenjang: KRW 10,000
- Tteokgalbi Bibimbap: KRW 10,000
- Avocado Myeongran Bibimbap: KRW 11,000
- Sigol Doenjang Jjigae: KRW 9,000
- Chadolbagi Doenjang Jjigae: KRW 10,000
- Mukeunji Kimchi Jjigae: KRW 10,000
- Sigol Doenjang + Godeungeo Gui: KRW 13,000
“Mukeunji Kimchi Jjigae: KRW 10,000”
During this visit, I deliberated on which dish to order from the diverse menu and ended up choosing Mukeunji Kimchi Jjigae. Priced at KRW 10,000 for a single portion, it’s not overly burdensome considering the recent rise in prices.
A well-balanced meal is provided, including various banchan (side dishes) like salad, kimchi, spinach, and corn salad. The kimchi jjigae itself is generously filled with meat and well-fermented kimchi, making it a satisfying and unassuming meal.
It’s a great place for a neat and balanced meal, perfect for a light lunch during lunch hours.
“Seoul Gwanghwamun Restaurant: Damibapsang”
- Address: B112, B2F, 23 Saemunan-ro 3-gil, Kyunghee Palace Morning 4th Complex, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-720-6858
- Operating Hours: (Mon-Fri) 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
- Website: Link