Hwangjanggun Galbitang Restaurant
If you’re in the neighborhood of Seonggeon-dong for dinner and not really in the mood for the same old samgyeopsal (삼겹살) (grilled pork), try out Hwanjanggun (황장군) sometime. This place has been a favorite of ours years. Yeah, I know I throw that word “favorite” around a lot, but we go here about once a week, so that’s saying something.
Hwangjanggun's kun mandu (large Korean dumplings)
Hwangjanggun’s got a pretty diverse menu. They serve some of the best mandu (만두), or dumplings, I’ve had in Korea. I’m a big fan of their naengmyeon (냉면), or cold buckwheat noodle soup, but it’s not really the best fare for winter really. For something warm and hearty, they serve a mean galbijim (갈비찜): beef rib stew with potatoes, bell peppers and onions. It starts at about 17,000 won, for two people and it come both with and without the spicy sauce.
Hwangjanggun's spread, complete with side dishes
My wife’s crazy about their yeongyang gablitang (갈비탕), which is a savory beef soup with ginseng, spring onion and jujubes. It comes with the hot sauce on the side and you can add it to taste. You do have to work with your food with this one as the soup is served with chucks of meat still on the backbone. Prying these off with chopsticks can be a bit challenging. I suggest wearing dark colors.
Yeongyang Galbitang (Korean beef soup)
Aside from the galbijim, most dishes here are a reasonable 6,000 or 7,000 won. Hwangjanggun has both floor seating and tables and chairs, which is great for folks not used to sitting on the floor.
Hwangjanggun English Map (click to enlarge)
Directions: From the Shiwae Bus Terminal, turn right and go north on the road next to the river. At your 2nd or 3rd light, you’ll get to your first bridge (a walking bridge, lit up with rainbow lights after sun down). Turn right, going away from the bridge. Go straight through the first light and it’s on your right….
Or, you can just give the taxi driver a copy of the card below.
Hwangjanggun Business Card (click to enlarge)
