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A Delicious Birthday Journey to Bundong for Exceptional Sundae and Gukbap

Birthdays mean different things to different people. For some, it’s a huge party; for me, it’s about enjoying the simple pleasure of truly delicious food with good company. This year, on April 17th, my search for the perfect birthday meal led me off the beaten path to Bundong, a neighborhood in Seoul known for its authentic flavors.

While many seek out trendy spots in central Seoul, I’ve often found that the most memorable tastes are found a little further out. This belief was certainly confirmed today. I visited a particular restaurant in Bundong that specializes in sundae (Korean blood sausage), pig’s head meat (meorigo-gi), and sundae gukbap (blood sausage soup).

The Restaurant and Its Story

The restaurant, whose full name I’m not entirely sure of but is known for its “Jeonju” style and serves Sundae, Seonji (blood), Pi Sundae (pig blood sausage), and Chueotang (loach soup), is located in Bundong. It’s a bit of a distance from the city center, past areas like Mia, Suyu, and Samyang-dong. Interestingly, I learned from the owner that they recently opened a small branch near the Gangbuk-gu Office intersection, spurred by regular customers who found the original location a bit far. Despite the new opening day for the branch, I chose to visit the original Bundong location today as it tends to be quieter, allowing for a more focused culinary experience. The owner mentioned that a loyal customer had actually recommended their restaurant online years ago, hoping more people would discover their delicious food. It’s heartwarming to see such dedication from both the owners and their patrons.

Indulging in the Feast

We started with Modum Sundae (assorted sundae). This is where the star, Pi Sundae (blood sausage made primarily with pig’s blood and other fillings), truly shines. While Pi Sundae can be divisive – some people absolutely love it, while others find it challenging – if you appreciate it, this place does it exceptionally well. The flavors are deep and authentic, unlike the more common, simplified versions you might find elsewhere.

Beyond the sundae itself, the accompaniments were outstanding. The pig’s head meat was flavorful, particularly the fatty, melt-in-your-mouth sections. But the real game-changer was the sauce and the way we were encouraged to eat it.

• The Sauce: A unique mixture of saewoo-jeot (fermented shrimp paste), gochugaru (chili powder), onions, chili peppers, and scallions. What’s remarkable is that the saewoo-jeot here is surprisingly not overly salty, making the sauce incredibly balanced and addictive.
• The “Risotto” Method: This was a revelation! Following a tip, I mixed warm rice with some of the blood/filling from the pi sundae and then added a generous amount of that special saewoo-jeot sauce mixture. The result? An incredibly rich, flavorful, and unique rice dish that honestly tasted like a gourmet risotto. It was so good, I’d confidently bet money on its deliciousness and even suggested it would pair wonderfully with red wine – something you wouldn’t typically associate with sundae restaurants!
• The Gukbap: The sundae gukbap broth was clean, deep, and utterly satisfying. It felt like a truly traditional, well-made soup – simple yet profound. Even after enjoying the assorted sundae and pig’s head meat, the gukbap was a comforting and delicious conclusion (or continuation!) to the meal.

A True Gem Worth the Trip

This restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a testament to dedication and passion for traditional Korean food. The flavors are honest, the ingredients are high quality, and there’s a clear effort made in every dish, from the meticulously prepared sundae to the balanced sauces and the deeply flavored soup.

General Rating: While there’s no official star rating, my personal rating is extremely high, especially for lovers of authentic Korean sundae and gukbap, particularly pi sundae. It’s a place I would strongly recommend traveling to, even from other parts of Seoul, if you appreciate this type of food done right. It stands out from the more commercialized options and offers a truly rewarding culinary experience. The owner’s heart and effort are palpable in the taste.

Today’s birthday meal here in Bundong was truly the best sundae gukbap experience I’ve had in the past year. It was simple, heartfelt, and incredibly delicious – the perfect way to celebrate.