If you head north from Pohang Jukdo Market, you’ll come across a street called “Ggotmalo.” This street is located near Pohang Central Academy Theater and the Central Police Station in Jungang-dong, Pohang.
In the past, this area used to be the economic and cultural hub of Pohang. However, due to urban planning changes and the resulting urban consolidation, vacant spaces and unused shops emerged. In response, in 2016, as part of Pohang’s Cultural City Creation Project, the city began the “Wondosim Cultural Arts Creation Zone Project” here. This initiative attracted individual and group artists in the fields of painting, crafts, ceramics, music, performance, and sculpture, who set up in 14 buildings. Through a citizen competition, the area was reborn under the name “Dream Road”
“Renowned as Baek Jong-won’s Alley Restaurant”
It has gained attention relatively recently, partly because it became the stage for Baek Jong-won’s Alley Restaurant. I intended to dine at a restaurant featured in Baek Jong-won’s Alley Restaurant in Ggotmalo. However, without a reservation, we couldn’t have a meal, so we had to give up.
While exploring around Ggotmalo, we discovered a promising restaurant and decided to have our meal there. That’s how we ended up at “Godang,” which has a vintage feel.
“A Restaurant with a Great Atmosphere in a Wooden Building”
Godang is located in an old wooden building. The building is well-maintained and exudes a nostalgic atmosphere, making it quite noticeable even from a distance.
The main dishes they offer are “Dakgaejang” (spicy chicken stew) and “Chueotang” (loach soup). In the evening, it transforms into a pub. Here is the menu at Godang:
- Chueotang: 8,000 won
- Dakgaejang: 8,000 won
- Pajeon / Buchujeon (Green onion pancake): 13,000 won
- Meoktaejeon (Pollock pancake): 15,000 won
- Chueo Maeuntang (Spicy loach soup): (Regular) 20,000 won, (Large) 30,000 won
- Chueo Twigim (Fried loach): (Regular) 20,000 won, (Large) 30,000 won
- Insam Twigim (Fried ginseng): (Regular) 20,000 won, (Large) 30,000 won
“This time, I ordered ‘Chueotang’ for 8,000 won.”
This visit was meant for a quick lunch, so I ordered “Chueotang.” There are two main types of Chueotang, the Namwon-style and the Gyeongsang-do style, and the Chueotang served here follows the Gyeongsang-do style. Given that Pohang is also in Gyeongsang-do, it seemed like a natural choice.
Overall, it’s a calm and pleasant place. It’s suitable for a simple lunch, and I also think it would be a great spot to come in the evening for Pajeon and a drink. The wooden building is particularly impressive.
“Pohang Ggotmalo Dakgaejang & Chueotang Restaurant ‘Godang'”
- Address: 73-8 Buljong-ro, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37736, South Korea
- Phone: 054-248-9196