The Gwanghwamun area in Seoul is a representative office-dense district. Thanks to this, you can find various restaurants and cafes to cater to the needs of office workers.
Moreover, because this area has long been a hub for offices in Seoul, you can also find old restaurants that have been guarding this place for a long time. The restaurant I visited this time, called “DukGam,” is one of those time-honored places in the Gwanghwamun area.
“Located West of Gwanghwamun Square, DukGam”
You can find DukGam near exits 1 or 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. When you come out of the exit and walk westward, you’ll come across a Starbucks. You can find DukGam on the 1st floor of the small building to the right of Starbucks. Generally, during lunchtime, you’ll always find a line of people, and just by seeing the line, you can intuitively sense that this place is “DukGam.”
“Gwanghwamun Ddukbaegi Gamjatang, DukGam”
“DukGam” is an abbreviation for “Ddukbaegi Gamjatang” (Korean pork bone stew in a hot pot). As you can infer from the name, it’s also the signature menu of this place. The representative dish, DukGam, is priced at 10,000 KRW per serving, which is quite reasonable considering the recent sharp rise in prices. Not only is it affordable, but the portion is also generous, making it a satisfying meal.
In addition to the signature dish, they offer other menu items as follows:
“Meal Menu”
- DdukGam (Ddukbaegi Gamjatang): 10,000 KRW
- Kimchi Stew: 9,000 KRW
- Hwangtae (Dried Pollack) and Bean Sprout Hangover Soup: 9,000 KRW
- Domestic Cold Kongguksu (Chilled Soybean Noodle Soup): 10,000 KRW
“Main Menu”
- Gamjatang (Small): 28,000 KRW
- Gamjatang (Medium): 38,000 KRW
- Gamjatang (Large): 46,000 KRW
- Haemul Dduk Jim (Seafood and Pork Bone Stew, Small): 33,000 KRW
- Haemul Dduk Jim (Medium): 43,000 KRW
- Haemul Dduk Jim (Large): 50,000 KRW
- Kimchi Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly): 16,000 KRW
- Kimchi Moksal (Pork Neck): 16,000 KRW
- Kimchi Stew Hot Pot: 28,000 KRW
- Ggongchi Kimchi Hot Pot: 30,000 KRW
- Tofu Kimchi: 19,000 KRW
- Assorted Meat: 32,000 KRW
“Ddukbaegi Gamjatang: 10,000 KRW”
The menu I ordered this time is the representative dish, Ddukbaegi Gamjatang. When you order Gamjatang, you’ll be served with kimchi and pickled radishes. After a short wait, a hearty pot of Gamjatang, rich with meat, along with a sauce for dipping the meat, will be served.
Each serving is intended for one person, and there are chunks of meat with bones interspersed, adding to the enjoyment of the meal. Additionally, a half-piece of potato is placed on top as both a garnish and decoration.
“An Atmosphere of Old-world Charm”
The interior of the restaurant exudes a sense of old-world charm. There are no separate rooms; it’s a restaurant with a typical atmosphere. It’s a place that offers great value for 10,000 KRW, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal. During lunchtime, you’ll always find a line of people waiting, indicating why this place is so popular.
“Gwanghwamun: DukGam in Gwanghwamun”
- Address: 21 Saemunan-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Postal Code 03175)
- Operating Hours: 24 Hours
- Phone Number: 02-722-5894