Seoul Deoksugung Kang Doenjang Restaurant “Gung’s Kangjang Jib”

April 30, 2023 300 Views

Around Gwanghwamun and City Hall in Seoul, you can find a variety of restaurants. The Gwanghwamun and City Hall area is not only a representative office-dense area of Seoul but also a prominent tourist destination, as it is home to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace.

It’s a place where office workers and tourists mix, and you can find restaurants, cafes, and more tempting them throughout.

“Seoul City Hall, Deoksugung Area Kangjang Jib”

I had the opportunity to have a meal around Seoul City Hall after a long time. After considering where to eat, I ended up at a restaurant called “Kangjang Jib,” located at the entrance of Deoksugung Stone Wall Road.

Kangjang can be considered a type of “Kang Doenjang,” and this restaurant offers various dishes ranging from Kang Doenjang to dishes like stir-fried pork.

“A Place for Hearty Meals”

The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor, so you have to go up the stairs. While the space is not very large, it exudes a cozy atmosphere. The prices are also reasonable. At around 7,000 KRW per serving, considering the cost of living in the Gwanghwamun and City Hall area, it falls within an affordable range. (Please note that prices may have increased since 2021.)

Here are the menu items you can find at Gung’s Kangjang Jib:

Kangjang: 7,000 KRW
Spicy Tofu: 7,000 KRW
Stir-Fried Pork: 8,000 KRW
Stone Pot Bulgogi: 8,000 KRW
Tofu Salad: 8,000 KRW
Fish Cake Soup: 8,000 KRW
Mini Chive Pancake: 5,000 KRW
Buckwheat Pancake: (Large) 14,000 KRW, (Small) 7,000 KRW
Native Chicken Baeksuk (for 3): 50,000 KRW
Native Chicken Spicy Stew (for 3): 50,000 KRW

It feels like a kind-hearted ajumma (middle-aged lady) is running the restaurant. You’ll need to handle things like taking your food and clearing your table yourself. However, in return, the servings are generous. If you need more rice, you can ask for it, and you can help yourself to side dishes to your heart’s content at the self-service counter.

“A Place to Dine with a View of Deoksugung Palace”

Another point is that if you sit by the window, you can enjoy your meal while looking at Deoksugung Palace through the window. It’s a special atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal while gazing at the roof of Daehanmun Gate, the entrance to Deoksugung Palace.

While the store may be small, it’s a restaurant where you can have a very satisfying meal at a reasonable price. It offers great value for your money.

“Seoul City Hall Kangjang Jib, Gung’s Kangjang Jib”