Kyungdong Market Foodie Adventure: Discovering Delicious Duck Roast and Must-Try Pork Ribs at Gamcho Sikdang

Welcome to Kyungdong Market, a vibrant and bustling traditional market in Seoul, overflowing with energy, especially during festival seasons like Seollal (Lunar New Year). Today, we’re diving into the heart of this market to experience some authentic Korean street food and a renowned local restaurant. Join us as we uncover hidden culinary gems, starting with a unique street-side duck roast and culminating in a satisfying pork rib feast at Gamcho Sikdang.

Street Food Start: Makgeolli and Duck Roast for Just ₩10,000

As we navigated through the crowded market, the festive atmosphere was palpable. Instead of heading straight to our main destination, we stumbled upon an intriguing street food stall near the market’s entrance (Section 3 for produce market). What caught our eye was a vendor offering a ‘Makgeolli and Duck Roast Set’ for just ₩10,000! This wasn’t your typical restaurant setup; it was a simple stall with an oven, grilling duck right in the open market air. The aroma was irresistible, and the concept of enjoying duck roast with Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) in the middle of a bustling market was too unique to pass up.

We were warmly welcomed and offered a spot right near the “kitchen” – essentially next to the oven where ducks were being expertly roasted. For just ₩10,000, we received a generous portion of roasted duck and Makgeolli. The duck, oven-roasted in the market itself, was surprisingly delicious – crispy on the outside and tender inside. It was a bit smaller than a half-portion, but for the price, especially including the Makgeolli, it was an incredible deal. The experience of enjoying this set amidst the lively market atmosphere, surrounded by locals also enjoying daytime drinks, was truly special and immersive. It felt like a genuine taste of local market life.

Highlights of the Street Duck Roast:

• Unbeatable Price: ₩10,000 for duck roast and Makgeolli.
• Unique Market Experience: Enjoying delicious food in the heart of Kyungdong Market.
• Freshly Roasted: Duck roasted on-site in an oven, ensuring flavor and crispiness.

Destination: Gamcho Sikdang for Delicious Pork Ribs

After our delightful street food appetizer, it was time to head to our main culinary goal: Gamcho Sikdang. This restaurant, known for its 돼지갈비 (pork ribs), had been highly recommended, and we were eager to try it. Gamcho Sikdang is located within Kyungdong Market, making it easily accessible after exploring the market itself.

Upon arriving at Gamcho Sikdang, we were greeted with a warm welcome, typical of traditional market eateries. We ordered 3 servings of pork ribs and soju. This restaurant has apparently been featured on various Korean food shows, including those hosted by famous food connoisseurs. However, what truly matters is the taste, and we were not disappointed.

The pork ribs at Gamcho Sikdang are cooked over 연탄 (Yeontan), Korean charcoal briquettes, which impart a unique smoky flavor. Unlike restaurants where you grill the meat yourself, Gamcho Sikdang cooks the ribs for you in the kitchen, ensuring they are perfectly cooked and minimizing any lingering smoky smell on your clothes. This also likely contributes to the reasonable pricing and faster service.

The pork ribs were incredibly flavorful, tender, and had that perfect smoky char from the Yeontan grill. They weren’t overly sweet, allowing the natural pork flavor to shine. We enjoyed them with soju, and the combination was classic and satisfying. The side dishes were simple yet complemented the pork ribs perfectly. As a bonus, we were even offered a complimentary 순두부찌개 (Sundubu Jjigae – soft tofu stew), which was hearty and flavorful, though perhaps a bit on the thicker and richer side compared to some lighter versions.

Why Gamcho Sikdang is a Must-Visit for Pork Rib Lovers:

• Delicious Yeontan Grilled Pork Ribs: Smoky flavor and tender texture.
• Reasonable Prices: Great value for money, especially considering the quality and portion sizes.
• Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere: Experience the genuine hospitality of a traditional market restaurant.
• Complimentary Sundubu Jjigae: A generous and flavorful bonus dish.

Location and Rating

Location: Gamcho Sikdang is located within Kyungdong Market (경동시장), Seoul, South Korea. It’s best to navigate to Kyungdong Market and then ask for directions within the market for Gamcho Sikdang, as specific addresses within traditional markets can be less precise on digital maps.

General Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5 stars) – Highly Recommended. Gamcho Sikdang offers a fantastic pork rib experience with delicious food, reasonable prices, and a genuine market atmosphere. The slight deduction is purely subjective and based on personal preference for a slightly lighter Sundubu Jjigae, but overall, it’s an exceptional dining experience.

Final Thoughts

Our food adventure in Kyungdong Market was a resounding success. From the unexpected delight of street duck roast and Makgeolli to the incredibly satisfying pork ribs at Gamcho Sikdang, Kyungdong Market proved to be a treasure trove of delicious and authentic Korean food experiences. If you’re looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots and immerse yourself in local Seoul food culture, Kyungdong Market and Gamcho Sikdang are definitely worth a visit. Come hungry and leave happy!