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Yongin’s Hidden Gems: Discover Must-Try Local Restaurants – Ttoganjip Edition

Are you tired of the same old tourist traps? Looking for authentic local eats in Yongin, South Korea, beyond just Everland and Caribbean Bay? Join us as we explore “Ttoganjip” (또간집) restaurants – places locals love and revisit – in Yongin, as featured on the popular Korean web series!

The Quest for Yongin’s Ttoganjip

Our journey begins with a humorous attempt to enter Everland, only to be hilariously denied access beyond the parking lot. But fear not, because this unexpected turn leads us to a delightful culinary adventure in Yongin! The mission: to uncover restaurants that Yongin locals truly cherish and frequent – the “Ttoganjip.”

First Stop: Mom’s Touch Knife-Cut Noodles (엄마손칼국수)

Recommended by a friendly Everland employee, our first stop is Mom’s Touch Knife-Cut Noodles (엄마손칼국수). Don’t let the simple name fool you. This place is a Yongin institution, beloved by locals for generations.

Atmosphere & Ambiance

While unassuming, Mom’s Touch exudes a cozy, local vibe. It’s the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret, yet is clearly popular and thriving, indicated by the fresh, clean tables and updated interiors.

The Star Dish: 칼국수 (Kal-guksu)

The menu is straightforward: Knife-Cut Noodles (칼국수), Sujebi (수제비 – hand-pulled noodles), and rice. We opted for their signature 칼국수, priced at ₩9,000. What arrives is a generous bowl of hand-cut noodles in a rich, steaming broth, topped with simple shredded seaweed and served with two types of kimchi – fresh-made 겉절이 and aged kimchi.

What makes it special? It’s not your typical seafood or anchovy-based kal-guksu broth. This broth is surprisingly deep and savory, reminiscent of gomtang or seolleongtang (Korean beef bone soups). It’s a comforting, almost meaty flavor that’s incredibly satisfying. The noodles are plentiful and have a perfect chewy texture. For an extra kick, you can add chili paste (다데기) and fresh chili peppers.

Verdict

Mom’s Touch Knife-Cut Noodles is a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Yongin flavor. It’s simple, comforting, and incredibly delicious – a true local gem that’s considered “Everland-level” good by some! Expect a hearty and flavorful meal that will warm you from the inside out.

Second Stop: Myeongtae Life (명태인생)

Next up, recommended by a Yongin pharmacist, is Myeongtae Life (명태인생), specializing in Myeongtae Jorim (명태조림) – Spicy Braised Pollock. This restaurant is located in an area with many eateries, suggesting its popularity and prime location for dining.

Ambiance & Service

Myeongtae Life is spacious and well-maintained, a testament to its popularity. The staff is welcoming, and you might even get lucky with a personal demonstration of how to best enjoy their signature dish!

The Star Dish: 명태조림 (Myeongtae Jorim)

We ordered the 명태조림 (large size). The dish features generous portions of pollock braised in a spicy, flavorful sauce, served with bean sprouts and seaweed sheets. A fantastic bonus is the self-service side dish bar with unlimited rice – perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce!

How to enjoy it: Wrap a piece of pollock, bean sprouts, and sauce in a sheet of seaweed for a perfect bite. The pollock is cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside and surprisingly tender and moist inside, almost like fresh 生태 (Saengtae – fresh pollock). The sauce is savory, spicy, and incredibly addictive, making it a “rice thief” (밥도둑)!

Verdict

Myeongtae Life is a paradise for lovers of spicy and flavorful Korean cuisine. The Myeongtae Jorim is exceptional, and the unlimited rice and side dishes make it a truly satisfying and value-for-money experience. Highly recommended by Yongin locals, it’s a place where you’ll likely find yourself wanting to return.

Final Stop & Ttoganjip Winner: Sansarang (산사랑)

Our final destination, and crowned as the ultimate Yongin Ttoganjip, is Sansarang (산사랑). Recommended by a local mother as a “healing” place and a birthday tradition, Sansarang is nestled deep in the mountains of Yongin, offering a truly unique dining experience.

Atmosphere & Location

Reaching Sansarang is an adventure in itself, taking you up winding mountain roads. The location is breathtakingly serene, surrounded by lush greenery. Despite its remote mountain-top location, Sansarang is incredibly popular, even requiring a KakaoTalk waitlist! The atmosphere is tranquil and restorative – a true escape from the city bustle.

The Star Dish: 한정식 (Hanjeongsik)

Sansarang specializes in Hanjeongsik – Korean Set Menu. For just ₩19,000 per person, you get an astonishing 22 side dishes! The spread is incredibly generous and diverse, featuring homemade tofu hotpot (두부전골), braised Atka mackerel (임연수 조림), grilled Atka mackerel (조기구이), bulgogi (돼지불고기), and much more, all served with 돌솥밥 (Dolsotbap – stone pot rice).

What makes it exceptional? Sansarang prides itself on using fresh, homemade ingredients. They make their own tofu, ferment their own jang (soy sauce and paste), and even grow some of their vegetables. The braised Atka mackerel (임연수 조림) is a standout dish – incredibly tender and flavorful, with a classic, home-style taste. The tofu hotpot is also exceptional, featuring rich and savory homemade tofu. Every dish feels lovingly prepared and bursting with natural flavors.

Verdict

Sansarang is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The stunning mountain setting, the incredibly generous and delicious homemade Hanjeongsik, and the overall feeling of warmth and care make it a truly special place. It’s a place that evokes memories of home-cooked meals and provides genuine “healing.” Sansarang is officially crowned Yongin’s Ttoganjip!

Yongin: More Than Just Everland

This Ttoganjip journey proves that Yongin is a culinary destination worth exploring. Beyond the theme parks, there’s a vibrant local food scene waiting to be discovered. From the comforting kal-guksu at Mom’s Touch to the spicy delight of Myeongtae Life and the soul-soothing Hanjeongsik at Sansarang, Yongin offers a diverse and delicious culinary landscape. So, next time you’re in Yongin, venture beyond the usual tourist spots and discover these incredible local “Ttoganjip” restaurants – you won’t be disappointed!

Restaurant Information (General Location):

• Mom’s Touch Knife-Cut Noodles (엄마손칼국수): Cheoin-gu area, Yongin (near Everland parking)
• Myeongtae Life (명태인생): Suji-gu area, Yongin (restaurant district)
• Sansarang (산사랑): Mountainous area of Yongin, Gogiri area

General Rating: All restaurants are highly rated and loved by locals as “Ttoganjip”.

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