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Discover the Best Restaurants Near Gimpo Airport, Seoul

Often, airports are seen as mere transit points, but what if there were culinary treasures hidden just a stone’s throw away? Beyond the gates of Gimpo Airport (GMP), a vibrant food scene awaits, offering authentic Korean flavors perfect for a pre-flight meal or a welcoming feast upon arrival. Forget bland airport food; we’ve explored the neighborhoods of Gonghang Sijang, Gaehwasan, and Banghwa-dong to bring you a definitive guide to nine fantastic eateries.

Gonghang Sijang Station: Authentic Local Flavors

Hwaseok First Sundaeguk Jip (화석 첫 번째 순대국집)

Location: Gonghang Sijang Station (One stop from Gimpo Airport, 15-minute walk)
Rating: Highly Recommended – A true local gem for traditional Korean comfort food.

Operating for 40 years, Hwaseok First Sundaeguk Jip has a wonderfully old-school vibe. We tried both their classic Sundaeguk and the Gopchang Sundaeguk. The Gopchang Sundaeguk was incredibly rich and savory with a spicy kick, packed with chewy and tender tripe. For those who prefer a milder taste, the regular Sundaeguk offers a clean, savory perilla seed flavor with a gentle spice, devoid of any tripe aroma. A standout feature is their incredibly soft boiled pork head meat, which pairs perfectly with the deliciously ripe kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi). This is the kind of heartwarming soup you’d crave on a lazy day, a quintessential local spot.

Gonghang Kalguksu (공항칼국수)

Location: Gonghang-dong (15-minute walk from Gimpo Airport)
Rating: Excellent – Especially for its unique and unforgettable fried rice.

This 45-year-old institution boasts a spacious interior adorned with countless celebrity autographs. Their basic Mushroom Kalguksu features a deep, savory, bone-broth-like soup that is perfectly seasoned. But the real star here is the “terrifyingly garlicky” kimchi, which is subtly sweet and has delightful bits of garlic, complementing the noodles perfectly. However, a visit here is incomplete without ordering the Bokkeumbap (fried rice). Prepared with a dramatic tableside show, the aroma of sesame oil fills the air. It’s an elevated fried rice experience, perfectly balanced with egg, sesame oil, savory seaweed, and carrots. As they say, “If you didn’t eat the fried rice, you didn’t really eat here.”

Gaehwasan Station’s Hidden Gems

Wonjo Naju Gomtang (원조 나주곰탕)

Location: Gaehwasan Station
Rating: Excellent – Ideal for those who appreciate a clear, non-stimulating broth.

A venerable spot, Wonjo Naju Gomtang has served its famous beef bone soup for 28 years. While once known for hour-long queues, the wait is now more manageable. The broth here is remarkably mild, clear, and subtly flavored – almost like the Pyongyang Naengmyeon of gomtang. It’s a clean taste that grows on you, perfect for sustained enjoyment without being overwhelming. The soup comes generously loaded with incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef slices (suyuk), and you can order chewy dogani (beef kneecap) as a special. Don’t forget their delightful sweet and salty suyuk stir-fry and the perfectly sour kkakdugi. This gomtang is a soothing, comforting experience, even better on a second visit.

Banghwa-dong Yaeopjip (방화동 야업집)

Location: Banghwa-dong (next to Wonjo Naju Gomtang)
Rating: Excellent – Generous portions, great value, and delicious.

This long-standing establishment is a local favorite, especially for delivery. We ordered the Vegetable Gopchang (stir-fried tripe with vegetables) and Makchang (grilled pork intestines). The Vegetable Gopchang was incredibly clean-tasting, perfectly chewy with absolutely no gamey smell, and deliciously spicy with plenty of cabbage and glass noodles. The Makchang was crispy, almost fried, also free of any off-flavors, and served with a delightful sweet teriyaki sauce and soft mayonnaise. The combination of spicy Gopchang and crispy Makchang was fantastic. Portions are so generous that you might have to skip the traditional fried rice at the end!

Banghwa-dong: A Culinary Hotspot

Sinseong Gisashikdang (신청기사식당)

Location: Banghwa-dong
Rating: Unique & Delicious – A must-try for an adventurous Korean meal.

This 45-year-old “driver’s restaurant” (gisashikdang) offers ample parking and opens early, making it great for breakfast. Their special menu item is the Bulkkot Baekban, a truly unique dish that combines bulgogi (marinated beef) with ganjang gejang (marinated raw crab) in a bubbling stew. It sounds unconventional, but the spicy, flavorful crab marinade beautifully enhances the sweet bulgogi. Alongside a self-service selection of side dishes, including freshly made, warm japchae, this dish is a revelation when mixed with rice. It’s a special taste experience where delicious marinated crab is cooked to perfection, creating an unforgettable meal.

Wonju Chueotang (원주 추어탕)

Location: Banghwa-dong (next to Sinseong Gisashikdang)
Rating: Excellent – For a clean, rich, and authentic loach soup.

Serving for about 14 years, Wonju Chueotang offers a spacious and clean environment. Their Chueotang (loach soup) is wonderfully thick and rich. Add fresh chives, garlic, and plenty of perilla seeds for an incredibly savory, almost porridge-like taste. Complementing the soup are generous side dishes, including freshly made geotjeori (fresh kimchi) and wonderfully sour, well-fermented seokbakji (cubed radish kimchi), plus complimentary half-boiled eggs. Don’t miss the crispy Mikkuraji Twigim (fried loach), which tastes like savory fried fish. This spot provides a hearty, authentic, and impeccably clean chueotang experience.

Gyodong Jjamppong (교동짬뽕)

Location: Banghwa-dong (one of two top Jjamppong spots)
Rating: Good & Distinctive – For a unique, smoky, and slightly sweet Jjamppong.

This isn’t a chain, but an independent establishment with a long history. Their Jjamppong stands out with its pronounced smoky flavor and a unique addition of sweet, bulgogi-like meat, which adds a distinct character. We also tried their Sundubu Jjamppong Bap, a milder version with tofu, and the intriguing Pabap. Pabap is a delightful dish featuring shredded scallions, two fried eggs, and smoky, stir-fried beef, reminiscent of a Korean-style gyudon (beef bowl). Both the Jjamppong and Pabap offer unique flavor profiles that are likely to appeal to many, especially if you enjoy smoky and savory-sweet notes.

Samonim Jjamppong (사모님 짬뽕)

Location: Banghwa-dong (another of the top Jjamppong spots)
Rating: Excellent – Especially for its unparalleled handmade dumplings.

A beloved local spot, Samonim Jjamppong offers a spacious dining area and a focused menu. Their Jjamppong is intensely flavorful, with a strong smoky essence, rich meat, and seafood broth. It’s a bolder, saltier, and more stimulating taste compared to Gyodong Jjamppong, and the portion size is incredibly generous. However, the true showstopper here is their Handmade Mandu (dumplings). These plump, crispy-fried dumplings are a revelation, packed with a savory and subtly spicy filling (carrots, chili). They are truly “next level,” surpassing even dumplings from Busan’s Chinatown. While the Jjamppong is excellent, these dumplings are an absolute must-try – a culinary experience that will linger long after your visit, reminiscent of Namdaemun Market’s famous Japchae Hotteok.

Goseong Makguksu (고성 막국수)

Location: Banghwa-dong
Rating: Excellent – For authentic 100% buckwheat noodles and refreshing taste.

Though not visited on this particular cold-weather tour, Goseong Makguksu is a summer hotspot known for long queues. This restaurant specializes in Makguksu made with 100% buckwheat noodles – a rarity that results in pleasantly chewy yet easily breakable strands. It’s served with a sweet and sour dongchimi (radish kimchi) broth on the side, and a unique feature is the accompanying myungtae chomuchim (spicy seasoned pollock). The pollock, with its slightly fermented, sweet, and sour notes, perfectly complements the simple, savory buckwheat noodles, creating a refreshing and memorable dish. A definite must-revisit in warmer weather!

Your Culinary Journey Near Gimpo Airport Awaits!

From hearty Sundaeguk to unique Jjamppong and unforgettable dumplings, the neighborhoods around Gimpo Airport are brimming with incredible dining options. Whether you’re craving traditional Korean comfort food or something adventurous, these nine spots offer a delicious detour from your travels. Happy eating!