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Anyang, a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, is often praised by its residents for being a great place to live. But does it also boast a vibrant and delicious food scene? Our recent exploration delved into Anyang to find out, seeking out the “ttojip” or “ganjip” – those cherished local spots that residents swear by but might hesitate to reveal for fear of them becoming too famous.

Locals in Anyang possess a strong sense of pride, particularly when it comes to their city’s culinary offerings. Recommendations poured in during street interviews, suggesting that Anyang holds many hidden gastronomic treasures. Our mission was clear: uncover these beloved local favorites.

Why Anyang? More Than Just Food

Beyond the promise of delicious food, Anyang residents highlighted the city’s liveability. Convenient access to Seoul (under an hour) and large, well-maintained parks were often mentioned as reasons for their attachment to the area. This blend of convenience and quality of life creates a strong local community, which often nurtures unique and beloved food establishments.

Culinary Gems of Anyang

Madang Chicken – An Old-School Delight

The first highly recommended spot we visited was Madang Chicken. Stepping inside felt like entering a nostalgic neighborhood pub. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, exactly the kind of place locals frequent for a casual meal and a drink.

Recommended dishes included the Hot Fried Chicken and the classic Yangnyeom (seasoned) Chicken, often ordered half-and-half. But the truly unique recommendation was “Chirongji” – a combination of chicken and Nurungji (scorched rice). The host was ecstatic upon tasting the chicken, describing the exterior as incredibly crispy, almost like a snack, while the meat inside was tender and perfectly seasoned with a subtle spiciness. It was praised for being far superior to many franchise options. The Chirongji proved to be a surprisingly delightful pairing, adding a unique texture and nutty flavor to the savory chicken. Madang Chicken is definitely a must-try for its authentic old-school vibe and delicious, unique chicken dishes.

Location: Anyang, South Korea
General Rating: Highly Recommended by Locals and Host (Exceptional)

Okdol Yang Gopchang – Gopchang Perfection

Another top recommendation led us to Okdol Yang Gopchang, a restaurant specializing in Gopchang (beef intestines). The host’s anticipation was high, as locals raved about this spot.

Upon arrival, the simple, traditional exterior hinted at the focus on quality inside. The standard Gopchang was the main draw, but the complimentary Seonjijangguk (ox blood soup with dried cabbage) served as a basic side dish also received high praise for its rich flavor. The host was particularly impressed by the complete lack of any unpleasant odor often associated with Gopchang, highlighting the exceptional freshness and meticulous preparation. The Gopchang itself was described as incredibly clean, tender, and packed with rich, creamy “곱” (the internal contents). The texture of the outer skin was also noted as perfect – neither tough nor rubbery, contributing to the overall savory experience. A unique way to enjoy it, wrapping the Gopchang with grilled Chadolbagi (brisket) and chives, was also explored and highly enjoyed. This spot was so good, the host declared it a reason in itself to visit Anyang.

Location: Anyang, South Korea
General Rating: Highly Recommended by Locals and Host (Outstanding)

Other Anyang Spots

While exploring, we also received recommendations for Jeongtong Chuncheon Dakgalbi (Authentic Chuncheon Dakgalbi), praised by a local for being better than Dakgalbi in Chuncheon itself, and Geobugi Sikdang (Turtle Restaurant), known for its Kimchi Duruchigi. Unfortunately, both were inaccessible during the visit – Jeongtong Chuncheon Dakgalbi was closed for the day, and Geobugi Sikdang was under construction. These mentions further solidify Anyang’s reputation among its residents for having numerous worthy culinary destinations.

A Bonus Gem: The Must-Have Sunscreen

During the Anyang trip, the host also enthusiastically highlighted a personal favorite product: Dr.G Brightening Up Sun+. Introduced by a representative, this sunscreen was lauded as a “celebrity secret item” for achieving clear, radiant skin. Key features mentioned included its ability to provide a natural tone-up effect without a white cast, leaving the skin looking smooth and luminous like pearl or jade.

It’s a mineral sunscreen, recommended for sensitive skin and suitable for daily use without irritation. Its popularity was underscored by its impressive sales record and consistent awards at Olive Young for six consecutive years. A special offer was even presented: two 50ml tubes, normally totaling 64,000 KRW, were available for a limited time at just 19,000 KRW with free shipping, plus complimentary 2ml samples. The host’s genuine excitement and personal use of the product highlighted its quality and value.

Conclusion

Anyang proved to be a city with passionate residents and a hidden world of delicious food. From crispy old-school fried chicken to perfectly prepared, savory Gopchang, the local recommendations lived up to their hype. While some recommended spots couldn’t be visited this time, the success rate with Madang Chicken and Okdol Yang Gopchang makes it clear that Anyang is a worthwhile destination for any food lover seeking authentic Korean flavors beyond the typical tourist trails. Plan your visit and ask a local – you might just discover your own “ttojip”!