Hyundaiok is a franchise restaurant specializing in kongnamul gukbap (soybean sprout and rice soup). It has become a successful franchise with branches across South Korea.
In 1979, Mrs. Yang Ok-ryeon opened the first Hyundaiok restaurant in Jeonju Nambug Market. In 2008, after receiving the secret recipe from Mrs. Yang Ok-ryeon, it was registered with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and the following year, the main branch was opened in Jungwasan-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeollabuk-do, marking the beginning of the franchise business. As of January 2020, it had opened 146 branches nationwide.
“Characteristics of Hyundaiok’s Kongnamul Gukbap”
At Hyundaiok, they provide eggs and seaweed before the meal. They promote eating by scooping a spoonful of gukbap, placing seaweed on top, and then consuming it. The eggs can also be mixed with soybean sprouts and broth for a delicious combination.
Hyundaiok is a leading restaurant in promoting Jeonju’s gukbap, especially known for its kongnamul gukbap. It has played a role in introducing Jeonju’s cuisine along with restaurants like Sambaekjib.
“In the Area of Seoul Gwanghwamun, Jeonju Hyundaiok”
Hyundaiok can also be found in the Gwanghwamun area, which is a representative office-dense area in Seoul. Between exits 8 and 7 of Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5, you can find an alley filled with restaurants, and Hyundaiok can be found here as well.
“Menu at Hyundaiok”
At Hyundaiok, you can find various menu options. While they are known for their kongnamul gukbap, there are several variations of it depending on the style. The four representative menus are as follows:
- Toreum Applied Style: ₩8,500 (Moderate soup temperature, egg served as a whole)
- Traditional Direct Fire Style: ₩8,500 (Hot soup temperature, egg served in the gukbap)
- Spicy Soup Style: ₩8,500 (Hot soup temperature, egg served in the gukbap)
- Clear Soup Style: ₩8,500 (Hot soup temperature, egg served as a whole)
There are other menu options as well, with prices mostly around ₩10,000. Considering the recent rapid rise in prices and the cost of living in the Gwanghwamun area, it’s a relatively affordable place for a hearty meal.
“Self-Service Bar”
When you order kongnamul gukbap, they provide kimchi, pickled squid, perilla leaves, and seaweed. If you find yourself running out of side dishes or rice during your meal, you can use the self-service bar provided by Hyundaiok to get more. You can get more kongnamul, kimchi, and rice from the rice pot if needed. Thanks to this, you can enjoy a generous meal without feeling lacking.
“Although It Has Two Floors, Only the First Floor Was in Operation”
Hyundaiok had seating on the second floor, but on the day we visited, only the first floor was in operation. The first floor operates as a clean and standard restaurant, providing a simple place for a meal.
Overall, it’s a place where you can have a clean and satisfying meal. It’s relatively affordable for a hearty meal in the Gwanghwamun area. However, it’s quite popular, so if you visit during lunch hours, you’ll often see a long line of people.
“Seoul Gwanghwamun Restaurant, Jeonju Hyundaiok Seoul Gwanghwamun Branch”
- Address: 1F, 19-1 Saemunan-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone Number: 02-6952-4569
- Operating Hours: (Mon-Fri) 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, (Sat, Holidays) 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Mon-Sat, Holidays)
- Closed on Sundays
- Website: http://www.hyundaiok.com/main