The Gwanghwamun area in Seoul is known as one of the city’s major office districts. It houses the Seoul Government Complex, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy, numerous corporate headquarters, and offices of various sizes. As a result, the Gwanghwamun area is always bustling with office workers, especially during lunchtime.
“A Variety of Restaurants in the Gwanghwamun Area”
Due to the high number of people during lunchtime, there are numerous restaurants in the Gwanghwamun area. Many of these can be found in the underground shopping centers of large buildings.
One such restaurant, named Daejanggeum, is located in the basement shopping center of the Gwanghwamun Sidae Building.
“Daejanggeum Decorated with Handwritten Signs”
At Daejanggeum, everything from the menu to the guides is handwritten. The walls are decorated with old-fashioned posters that give off a nostalgic vibe, making it feel as though you have stepped back in time.
The basic price for each menu item is 10,000 won, with some items being slightly cheaper or more expensive. The 10,000 won menu includes the following:
“10,000 Won Menu”
- Pollock Seaweed Soup
- Beef Brisket Spicy Soup
- Pollock Spicy Soup
- Chicken Spicy Soup
- Beef Brisket Kimchi Stew
- Beef Brisket Soybean Paste Stew
- Beef Brisket Soft Tofu Stew
- Beef Rice Bowl
- Fermented Soybean Stew
- Pork Kimchi Stew
- Tuna Kimchi Stew
- Tuna Kimchi Pork Rice Bowl
- Tuna Kimchi Rice Bowl
- Beef Rice Cake Soup
- Pollock Soft Tofu Stew
“Other Price Range Menu Items”
- Beef Brisket Grill: 12,000 won
- Rolled Omelette: 7,000 won
- Beef Brisket Stir-fry: 15,000 won
- Grilled Pollock: 15,000 won
“Beef Brisket Soybean Paste Stew: 10,000 won”
On this day, I ordered the Beef Brisket Soybean Paste Stew. Priced at 10,000 won, it was impressive due to the generous portions of beef brisket and other ingredients.
“Self-Serve Side Dishes”
Another impressive feature of the restaurant is the self-serve side dishes. Customers can help themselves to a variety of side dishes such as kimchi, dried squid, perilla leaves, garlic, and peppers at no extra cost.
However, because the side dishes were so plentiful, I found that I needed an extra bowl of rice, which I had to order separately.
The prices are reasonable, and the menu is good, making Daejanggeum a great place for a meal in the Gwanghwamun area.
“Seoul Gwanghwamun Baekban Restaurant, Daejanggeum”
- Address: 42 Sajik-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone Number: 02-733-0345
- Business Hours: (Daily) 11:00 – 20:00 (Daily Break Time) 15:00 – 17:30