Traditional Korean Restaurant ‘Solnamugil Doenjang Art’ in Seoul Daehangno

March 2, 2023 521 Views

The area around Hyehwa Station in Seoul is commonly known as Daehangno. It earned this name because Seoul National University’s campus was once located here. As the location of Korea’s first universities, Sungkyunkwan University and Seoul National University, it naturally came to be called Daehangno.

Currently, Daehangno is famous for its small theater performances. Even within Daehangno, the area is further divided, including in front of Sungkyunkwan University, Daemyeong Street, Solnamugil, the small theater district, and Maronnier Park. Daehangno itself is quite extensive, so it’s also subdivided into smaller areas.

“Seoul Daehangno Gourmet Street: Solnamugil Doenjang Art”

In particular, the section known as Solnamugil within Daehangno is home to various restaurants. This street is densely packed with restaurants where you can have a meal at a reasonable price. Among them, “Solnamugil Doenjang Art” stands out as a prominent presence guarding Solnamugil in Daehangno.

The imposing sight of a large building entirely dedicated to the restaurant is immediately noticeable. It seems that the three floors of the building are allocated for the restaurant. This allows them to accommodate a large number of guests at once.

“A Place that Feels Like Having a Meal at Home”

Upon entering the restaurant, you don’t feel like you’re entering a typical restaurant, but rather, it gives the impression of entering a house. The actual building exudes the atmosphere of a hanok (traditional Korean house) that has been renovated into a family home. Thanks to this, you don’t just spend time in a restaurant; you feel like you’re invited to a friend’s house for a meal.

“Menu at Solnamugil Doenjang Art”

As can be inferred from the name of the restaurant, the dishes are based on “doenjang” (soybean paste). In addition to main dishes like Doenjang Bibimbap, Ganjang Gejang Bibimbap, and Yangnyeom Gejang Bap, you can also enjoy dishes such as Saengul Pajeon (green onion pancake with fresh oysters), Modum Haemul Pajeon (various seafood pancake), Amjaeji Bokkeum (stir-fried spicy anglerfish), Bugeo Jjim Gui (steamed dried pollack), Hanchi Hoe (mackerel sashimi), Sun Nokdu Bin dae Ddeok (mung bean pancake), Buchu Jeon (chive pancake), and Dotori Muk (acorn jelly).

“Main Dishes”

Doenjang Jeongsik (set menu): ₩12,000
Ganjang Gejang Jeongsik (set menu with soy sauce marinated crab): ₩28,000
Yangnyeom Gejang Jeongsik (set menu with spicy marinated crab): ₩28,000

“Dishes”

Amjaeji Bokkeum (Large): ₩25,000
Amjaeji Bokkeum (Small): ₩20,000
Sun Nokdu Bin dae Ddeok: ₩18,000
Bugeo Jjim Gui: ₩19,000
Hanchi Hoe: ₩25,000
Modum Haemul Pajeon: ₩28,000
Saengul Pajeon: ₩25,000
Buchu Jeon: ₩15,000
Dotori Muk: ₩15,000
Cheongpo Muk: ₩15,000

“Doenjang Jeongsik (set menu): ₩12,000”

During this visit, I opted for the straightforward Doenjang Jeongsik. With three people in our group, we ordered our meals and also got a portion of Buchu Jeon.

Even with just ordering the Doenjang Jeongsik, you get a variety of banchan (side dishes). They offer a generous and healthy meal with about ten basic side dishes. Additionally, they provide neatly arranged doenjang for mixing with bibimbap. By mixing it with ingredients like chives and lettuce, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

Offering reasonable prices, Solnamugil Doenjang Art is a place that provides a simple yet atmospheric dining experience. As a restaurant that has stood guard at the entrance of Solnamugil in Daehangno for a long time, it’s a great place to use for gatherings with friends.

“Seoul Daehangno, Traditional Korean Restaurant, Solnamugil Doenjang Art”