The Gwanghwamun area is known as one of Seoul’s prominent business districts, offering a plethora of dining options nearby.
One such restaurant, “Chef Park Chan-il’s Gwanghwamun Pork Soup,” is located near Gwanghwamun Station, just across from the Chosun Ilbo building.
“Renowned Chef Park Chan-il’s Establishment: Gwanghwamun Pork Soup”
Gwanghwamun Pork Soup is a well-known establishment operated by Chef Park Chan-il, a celebrity chef who often appears on TV and is particularly famous for “Rokanda Mongro.” While originally specializing in Italian cuisine, Chef Park gained attention when he ventured into the realm of Korean pork soup.
“Authentic Seoul-Style Pork Soup”
The menu at Gwanghwamun Pork Soup is refreshingly straightforward, featuring dishes like pork soup, boiled pork slices, cold noodles, and hot noodles. Prices are quite reasonable, with the basic pork soup priced at 9,000 KRW and the special size at 12,000 KRW.
Considering the recent surge in prices, these rates are considered quite affordable, especially considering that most restaurants in the Gwanghwamun area charge between 10,000 KRW to 12,000 KRW for a meal.
The signature dish at Gwanghwamun Pork Soup is undoubtedly the pork soup, which offers a slightly different experience compared to the typical “pork soup” we are familiar with.
It features a clean broth with pork and green onions, resembling the pork soup at Okdongshik, a restaurant in Hapjeong. The distinctive aspect is that although it has a hint of chicken broth aroma, it actually doesn’t use chicken broth at all. Instead, it relies on black pork meat to achieve its rich flavor.
“A Cozy Atmosphere with a Touch of Nostalgia”
The restaurant’s size is neither notably large nor small, offering a moderate dining space. During lunch hours, you may find a line forming, but the restaurant’s size and the quick consumption nature of pork soup allow for a rapid turnover.
The overall ambiance exudes a retro charm with a touch of nostalgia, rather than a modern feel.
Right in front of the restaurant, there is a spacious parking lot, separate from the restaurant itself. While there may be a parking fee, the convenience of not having to wander around in search of parking is a definite plus.
“Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Selection”
Gwanghwamun Pork Soup is also a restaurant selected by the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand. A visit and a taste of their dishes will easily explain why this establishment received such recognition.
For a warm bowl of hearty soup, Gwanghwamun Pork Soup is the place to be in Gwanghwamun.
“Seoul Gwanghwamun Pork Soup, Gwanghwamun Pork Soup”
- Address: 1st Floor, 53 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-738-5688
- Operating Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Break Time) 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Closed on Sundays