Seoul Yongsan Dakgalbi Restaurant ‘Ogeunnae Dakgalbi’

March 11, 2024 82 Views

Dakgalbi, a dish famous in Chuncheon, can also be savored in the capital city of South Korea, Seoul. In Yongsan, you can find a restaurant named ‘Ogeunnae Dakgalbi,’ recognized for its culinary prowess to the extent of being featured in the 2018 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand.

Thanks to its popularity, you can find not only the original location but also a second branch near Yongsan Station. The second branch, being more accessible than the first, adds to the charm. On our initial visit, we started at the second branch, but due to a substantial waiting queue, we decided to take a short walk and ended up at the first branch.

“Seoul Yongsan Dakgalbi Hotspot, Ogeunnae Dakgalbi”

Ogeunnae translates to the old name of “Chuncheon.” Therefore, Ogeunnae Dakgalbi can be understood as “Chuncheon Dakgalbi.” While the second branch boasts a modern and clean atmosphere, the first branch exudes an old, charming ambiance. The building itself carries a vintage vibe, contributing to the overall nostalgic feel of a well-established eatery.

Ogeunnae Dakgalbi is situated near ‘Ddaeng Ddaeng Geori,’ blending seamlessly with the vintage charm of the old railway scenery. On the day of my visit, the sky cooperated beautifully, allowing for picturesque photos against the backdrop of the sky.

“Interior featuring a mix of table and floor seating”

The first branch of Ogeunnae Dakgalbi has a unique seating arrangement with half the space designated for traditional floor seating and the other half for tables. Visiting on a Sunday evening, it was bustling with people, with the second branch having 18 parties waiting. Fortunately, the first branch had only one party ahead, making our wait relatively short.

While the table seats were fully occupied, we found a spot on the floor to enjoy our meal. Despite the compact space, the old-fashioned charm created a time-traveling sensation.

“Diverse menu featuring Dakgalbi, Buckwheat Noodles, and more”

The restaurant naturally centers around “Dakgalbi” but offers a variety of dishes, including buckwheat bibim noodles, potato pancake, and more. The main menu includes:

Main Dishes

Dakgalbi: KRW 14,000
Buckwheat Bibim Noodles: KRW 8,000
Buckwheat Cold Noodles: KRW 8,000
Potato Pancake: KRW 7,000
Steamed Egg: KRW 6,000
Cheese Steamed Egg: KRW 9,000

Sides

Cheese Side Dish: KRW 4,000
Sweet Potato Side Dish: KRW 2,500
Rice Cake Side Dish: KRW 2,500
Ramen Side Dish: KRW 2,500
Udon Side Dish: KRW 2,500
Japchae Side Dish: KRW 2,500

Additional Options

Stir-fried Rice with Roe: KRW 4,000
Fried Rice: KRW 3,000
Rice Ball: KRW 3,000
Plain Rice: KRW 1,000

“Dakgalbi: KRW 14,000”

On this day, three hearty eaters, including myself, visited. Given our hearty appetites, we opted for four servings of Dakgalbi right from the start, instead of the standard three. We also added a serving of Japchae side dish. Additionally, we decided to try the Cheese Steamed Egg as a side, which, although tasty, proved a bit challenging to eat due to the abundance of cheese.

“Chuncheon Dakgalbi cooked on a hot plate”

After a short wait, our order arrived, starting with Chuncheon Dakgalbi. The key was to thoroughly scrape and stir the ingredients from the bottom since the generous seasoning made it tricky to enjoy if not mixed well from the beginning. Luckily, the first branch had a slightly stronger heat than the second, saving us some time as the meat cooked faster.

The crucial point was to continue stirring until the meat was thoroughly cooked, resulting in a deliciously chewy texture. The taste was indeed commendable, explaining why this place earned recognition in the Michelin Guide.

“Fried Rice: KRW 3,000”

After enjoying the Dakgalbi, we naturally proceeded to order fried rice. We ordered two servings for two people, each priced at KRW 3,000. Later, I noticed there was an option for roe fried rice, which carries a KRW 1,000 difference. Although the difference seems subtle, I heard the roe fried rice is more flavorful. If I have the chance to visit again, I would definitely give it a try.

This restaurant provides an opportunity to savor the taste of Chuncheon Dakgalbi without traveling to Chuncheon. Additionally, the romantic railway scenery at ‘Ddaeng Ddaeng Geori’ adds to the overall experience.

“Seoul Yongsan Ogeunnae Dakgalbi”