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Pungja’s Wonju Food Tour: Discovering Hidden Gems on “Another Visited Place”

Popular Korean YouTuber Pungja recently embarked on a culinary adventure in Wonju for her show “또간집 (Another Visited Place),” and it was a rollercoaster of delicious discoveries and surprising twists! Forget the usual tourist traps; Pungja dived deep into the local scene, exploring hidden 맛집 (matjib – 맛있는 집, delicious restaurants) recommended by Wonju citizens and revisiting her own cherished childhood spots. Let’s dive into her Wonju food journey!

First Stop: 장군본가 (Janggun Bon-ga) – Peach Bulgogi Unlike Anything You’ve Tasted

Pungja’s Wonju tour kicked off with a truly unique recommendation: 장군본가 (Janggun Bon-ga), famous for its 복숭아 불고기 (Peach Bulgogi). Yes, you read that right – peach and bulgogi! Initially skeptical, even Pungja was intrigued by this unheard-of combination. Located near Chiaksan Mountain, 장군본가 turned out to be a local favorite, especially among families.

Peach Bulgogi Experience

The dish features tender Hanwoo beef, specifically brisket and chuck flap tail, marinated in a peach-based sauce and topped with fresh peach slices. Served on a traditional Korean griddle, the 복숭아 불고기 is a visual and gustatory surprise. Pungja described the taste as an unexpected harmony – the sweetness of the peach enhancing the savory beef without overpowering its original flavor. She also raved about the 복숭아 피클 (Peach Pickle), made from firm peaches, and the peach-based dipping sauce, highlighting the restaurant’s creative use of peaches.

Key Features:

• Unique Peach Bulgogi (복숭아 불고기)
• Hanwoo Beef (Korean Beef) – Brisket and Chuck Flap Tail
• Homemade Peach Pickle (복숭아 피클)
• Peach Dipping Sauce

Rating: To be determined (Pungja seemed impressed but the overall Wonju episode ended with a “pending” status).

Location: Near Chiaksan Mountain, Wonju, Gangwon Province.

Next Up: 신혼부부 (Shin-hon Bu-bu) in Wonju Central Market – A 30-Time Revisit!

Venturing into Wonju Central Market, Pungja sought out 신혼부부 (Shin-hon Bu-bu), a restaurant she confessed to having visited over 30 times since childhood! Despite its name meaning “Newlyweds,” this eatery, run by a long-married couple (now more like “Golden Agers”), is a beloved local institution, especially famous for its budget-friendly and generous portions.

Kimchi Fried Rice, Jjolbokki, and Donkatsu – A Classic Trio

Pungja’s must-order menu at 신혼부부 is the “Kimchi-Katsu-Tteok” combo: 김치볶음밥 (Kimchi Fried Rice), 돈까스 (Donkatsu – Pork Cutlet), and 쫄볶이 (Jjolbokki – Chewy Tteokbokki). The 쫄볶이, a chewier version of tteokbokki, stood out with its incredibly chewy rice cakes and classic, slightly sweet and spicy sauce. The 김치볶음밥 was praised for its nostalgic, aggressively flavorful taste, reminiscent of school days, packed with cheese and a half-boiled egg. Even the thin, old-school 돈까스, reminiscent of 경양식 (gyeongyangsik – Korean-style Western food) restaurants, soaked in a fruity, gravy-like sauce, received high praise.

Key Features:

• Affordable and Generous Portions
• Classic Korean Snack Foods
• Must-Try Trio: Jjolbokki, Kimchi Fried Rice, Donkatsu
• Nostalgic, Old-School Flavors
• Located in Wonju Central Market

Rating: Highly Recommended as a “또간집” (Another Visited Place) by Pungja, especially for its value and nostalgic flavors.

Location: Wonju Central Market, Wonju, Gangwon Province.

Central Market Showdown: 고향칼국수 (Gohyang Kal-guksu) – The Dark Horse

In a surprising twist, a local challenged 신혼부부‘s reign by recommending 고향칼국수 (Gohyang Kal-guksu), also in Central Market. This led to a 맛대맛 (matdaemat – taste vs. taste) competition! 고향칼국수 is known for its handmade knife-cut noodles (손칼국수 – Son Kal-guksu) and homemade 항아리 김치 (Hangari Kimchi – Jar Kimchi).

Handmade Kal-guksu and Kimchi

Pungja revisited 고향칼국수 after 15 years and was instantly transported back by the familiar aroma of the 칼국수 (Kal-guksu). The noodles, unevenly cut by hand, had a unique, chewy texture, almost like 수제비 (Sujebi – Korean Pasta Soup). The clear broth and generous use of seaweed and sesame oil provided a comforting, traditional flavor. The 김치, a fresh,겉절이 (geotjeori – freshly made kimchi) style with a sweet and spicy kick, was also a highlight. Pungja even demonstrated her unique way of enjoying 칼국수 – by mixing it with soy sauce, seasoning paste, and chili peppers, turning it into a 비빔 칼국수 (Bibim Kal-guksu – Mixed Noodles).

Key Features:

• Handmade Knife-Cut Noodles (손칼국수)
• Homemade Jar Kimchi (항아리 김치)
• Traditional, Comforting Kal-guksu Flavors
• Option to enjoy Bibim Kal-guksu style
• Located in Wonju Central Market

Rating: Pungja personally preferred 신혼부부 due to overall taste and value, but acknowledged 고향칼국수‘s strengths in traditional 칼국수 and handmade elements. It’s a strong contender, especially for 칼국수 lovers.

Location: Wonju Central Market, Wonju, Gangwon Province.

Final Stop: 대복추어탕 (Daebok Chueo-tang) – First Time for Loach Soup?

On a local vendor’s recommendation, Pungja bravely tried 추어탕 (Chueo-tang – Loach Soup) for the first time at 대복추어탕 (Daebok Chueo-tang). This restaurant serves a unique, non-traditional 추어탕 in a hot pot with a side of 돌솥밥 (dolsotbap – stone pot rice).

Unique Chueo-tang Experience

Served in a hot pot rather than the usual earthenware bowl, 대복추어탕’s version was a surprise. Pungja noted its resemblance to 오리탕 (oritang – duck soup) in appearance and aroma, with a 된장찌개 (doenjang jjigae – soybean paste stew)-like scent. While she appreciated the gourmet 돌솥밥, she found the 추어탕 itself not to her personal taste, describing it as less intense than she expected and not her style of soup.

Key Features:

• Unique Hot Pot Style Chueo-tang
• 돌솥밥 (Dolsotbap – Stone Pot Rice)
• Non-Traditional Chueo-tang Flavor

Rating: Not Pungja’s personal favorite; “보류” (Pending) for “또간집.” May appeal to those seeking a milder, less traditional 추어탕.

Location: Wonju, Gangwon Province.

Wonju Verdict: Pending!

Despite revisiting her childhood favorite and discovering unique local spots, Pungja surprisingly put Wonju on “보류” (pending) status for “또간집.” While acknowledging the deliciousness and value of places like 신혼부부 and the unique experience at 장군본가, she seemed to reserve her “또간집” title for places that resonate even more strongly with her personal taste. However, her Wonju food tour definitely highlighted some fantastic hidden gems worth exploring! If you’re in Wonju, be sure to check out these 맛집 and decide for yourself!