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The weather today is absolutely perfect. Seriously, days like May 12th are peak days for enjoying a hearty bowl of Gamjatang. Let me introduce you to a truly delicious Gamjatang place I recently discovered. I’d like to share my experience at Chewon Gamjatang.

Discovering Chewon Gamjatang

Stepping into this restaurant felt like finding a hidden gem. It’s a cozy spot, and the owner mentioned they’ve been here for nine years. What’s truly remarkable is the quality of the food despite the restaurant’s small size.

In recent years, it feels like many popular Korean dishes, like Sundaeguk (blood sausage soup) or Gamjatang, have become somewhat standardized. Most places are good, but they tend to taste quite similar. I remember saying this even about Gamjatang at other top restaurants – they’re all delicious, but the flavors can be a bit uniform, like the place in Namyeong-dong near Samgakji.

What Sets Chewon Gamjatang Apart?

Chewon Gamjatang stands out because it has a distinct personality, a unique flavor that reminds me of older, beloved spots like Ilja Tang, which used to be in the old Bangbae-dong Cafe Street (unfortunately, it closed down). Unlike places that quickly ladle out pre-boiled soup, Chewon simmers the soup longer in the pot right at your table. This process develops a rich, slightly complex, and incredibly flavorful taste – that “꼬리꼬리” (slightly funky/rich) depth that makes it so addictive.

The Delicious Details

• Meat Quality: The pork bones here are incredibly tender. They use Canadian pork bones, which might surprise some, as many assume only domestic bones yield the best soup. But as I’ve found with other great Gamjatang places (like one in the Mia-ri area that uses European pork), the origin doesn’t matter as much as the quality and preparation. The meat falls right off the bone.
• Rich Broth: The broth is the heart of the dish, and Chewon’s is exceptional. It’s deep, flavorful, and has that wonderful starchiness develop when ingredients like noodles are added and simmered.
• Sudong (Hand-Pulled Dough): They also serve delicious Sudong, which is a fantastic addition to the soup, soaking up all the flavor.
• Perfect for Takeout: Because they only prepare a specific amount each day, the quality is consistently high. The owner mentioned they make only as much as they can serve, implying freshness. Takeout here is said to be generous and just as delicious.

The Chewon Gamjatang Experience

The restaurant is small, with only about five tables, suggesting that they likely focus heavily on takeout. The atmosphere is cozy and focused on the food itself. The flavors are robust, with a nice kick that can be adjusted.

One of the joys of eating Gamjatang here is customizing it as you go. Adding perilla seed powder and pepper towards the end transforms the soup, giving it an entirely new, exciting dimension, almost like a spicy kick that fellow food lovers will appreciate.

They also offer ramen noodles and fried rice to finish off the meal, a classic Korean way to enjoy leftover soup base. The fried rice, especially after simmering noodles in the broth first, is simply divine.

Final Recommendation

While many Gamjatang places are good these days, Chewon Gamjatang has that unique factor, a taste that evokes nostalgia and feels genuinely different from the rest. It’s not just good; it feels special. It has a unique charm compared to some other modern, clean restaurants, which are also great (like the one in Majang-dong that uses excellent meat), but lack this particular character.

It’s located near the old Bangbae-dong Cafe Street area. While I can’t give a specific street address, finding this small, dedicated spot is worth the effort. Based on my experience and the reaction of others trying it, this place is definitely one of the top contenders for the best Gamjatang in Seoul right now. It felt like a true “soup of life,” a powerful boost.

If you’re in Seoul and craving authentic, flavorful Gamjatang that stands out from the crowd, make sure to seek out Chewon Gamjatang. It’s a taste you won’t forget.