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Discovering Changwon’s Hidden Culinary Gems: A Foodie’s Guide to Must-Visit Restaurants

Changwon, a major city in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, is revealed as a treasure trove of 맛집 (matjib), meaning delicious restaurants, in this exciting food journey. Often overshadowed by larger metropolitan areas, Changwon is bursting with culinary delights waiting to be explored. Join us as we uncover some of the must-visit restaurants in Changwon, based on local recommendations and revisited favorites.

Ultra Jjamppong: A Fiery Noodle Soup Experience

Our first stop is Ultra Jjamppong, a restaurant celebrated for its exceptionally clean and flavorful Jjamppong. Jjamppong is a Korean spicy noodle soup, and Ultra Jjamppong takes it to another level with its rich, smoky broth achieved through stir-frying vegetables and seafood to perfection. What sets this place apart is the noodles themselves – fresh, chewy, and perfectly complementing the soup. Forget your typical expectations of Jjamppong; Ultra Jjamppong offers a refined, non-greasy experience that will leave you craving more. Don’t miss their signature dish, the basic Jjamppong, to truly appreciate the essence of their culinary expertise.

General Rating: Highly Recommended for Jjamppong lovers.

Cheongchun Kitchen: Beyond Salad – A Delightful Fusion of Flavors

Next, we venture into Cheongchun Kitchen, a place that might surprise you. Initially introduced as a salad restaurant, Cheongchun Kitchen is so much more. Their signature “Cheongchun Salad” is a massive bowl brimming with fresh vegetables, pasta, various toppings, and a unique, flavorful dressing combining yogurt and mayonnaise, enhanced with nuts and lemon. It’s far from a typical diet salad; it’s a hearty, delicious meal in itself, perfect for sharing.

But the culinary adventure doesn’t stop at salads. Cheongchun Kitchen also boasts an incredible Seafood Tomato Spaghetti, made with fresh, homemade tomato sauce that tastes distinctly different from commercially prepared sauces. The freshness of the tomatoes combined with the umami of the seafood creates a truly exceptional pasta dish. And for those who love a bit of spice, their Cheese Tteokbokki is a must-try. Described as an “adult tteokbokki,” it’s a sophisticated take on the popular Korean spicy rice cake dish, with a rich, deep flavor profile, hints of sweetness from pumpkin, and a satisfying spicy kick. The value for money at Cheongchun Kitchen is unbelievable, with generous portions and affordable prices across their menu.

General Rating: Excellent for variety, taste, and value.

Suje Homemade Donkatsu: The Unique Tteokbokki Donkatsu Experience

Our final destination is Suje Homemade Donkatsu, located in Sangnam Market. This is where we encounter a truly unique dish: Tteokbokki Donkatsu. Forget the usual Donkatsu topped with Tteokbokki sauce; here, the Tteokbokki is inside the Donkatsu! This intriguing creation features finely chopped Tteokbokki within a crispy, old-school 경양식 (gyeongyangsik – Korean-style Western food) Donkatsu. The first bite is an unexpected burst of flavors – the crispy Donkatsu, the familiar Donkatsu sauce, and then the spicy-sweet taste of Tteokbokki, along with chewy, minced rice cakes. It’s a surprising and delightful combination that you won’t find anywhere else. The restaurant itself has a nostalgic, old-fashioned 분식점 (bunsikjeom – snack bar) atmosphere, adding to its local charm.

Location: Sangnam Market (상남시장), Changwon.

General Rating: Unique and worth trying for adventurous eaters.

Conclusion: Changwon – A Foodie Destination Worth Exploring

Changwon proves to be a city brimming with culinary surprises, offering a diverse range of delicious experiences. From the fiery depths of Ultra Jjamppong to the fusion flavors of Cheongchun Kitchen and the novelty of Suje Homemade Donkatsu’s Tteokbokki Donkatsu, Changwon’s 맛집 scene is ready to impress. If you find yourself in Changwon, be sure to venture beyond the usual tourist trails and discover these hidden gems for an authentic and unforgettable Korean food adventure!