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Experience the Legend: Original Golbaengi in Hwagok-dong

Step into a piece of Korean culinary history at Original Golbaengi (원조골뱅이), nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu, near Kkachisan. This isn’t just any restaurant; it’s the very birthplace of a culinary empire, the original headquarters that spawned 50 successful franchises across Korea. What makes it so special? It’s the brainchild of none other than the famous YouTuber, ChampD, who poured his heart and soul into creating a dining experience centered around an unbelievably addictive whelk broth.

ChampD’s Genesis: From Kitchen to YouTube Star

Before ChampD became a household name on YouTube, he was a passionate restaurateur. Original Golbaengi was his first foray into the food industry, a venture driven by his love for whelks and a desire to craft the perfect recipe. He personally developed every dish, from the signature whelk stews to the unique dipping sauces. This very location in Hwagok-dong still retains the original interior he painstakingly designed and built with his own hands over a decade ago, a testament to its rich tradition and his personal journey.

ChampD’s dedication to this restaurant was so profound that its success even allowed him to buy his first home. Yet, after years of running multiple successful branches, he found himself with free time and a longing for a new challenge, which ultimately led him to start his now-famous YouTube channel in 2017. He eventually entrusted his beloved restaurants to his managers, choosing to embark on a new path, but his legacy lives on in every bubbling pot of whelk stew at Original Golbaengi.

The Unforgettable Flavors: A Broth That Will Blow Your Mind

Original Golbaengi is renowned for its signature dishes: Tong Golbaengi (Whole Whelks) and Baek Golbaengi (White Whelks), both served in a broth so exceptional, it’s often described as “crazy good.”

The Legendary Broth

The secret lies in the broth, a refreshingly clear, savory liquid with a katsuobushi (bonito flakes) base, infused with hearty radishes. It’s light, non-greasy, and incredibly flavorful, boasting a clean, spicy kick that warms you from the inside out. ChampD proudly states that the whelks’ high protein content contributes to its ability to minimize hangovers – a claim often validated by satisfied customers! The restaurant serves two distinct types of whelks: large West Sea whelks and East Sea white whelks, each offering a unique texture and flavor profile when simmered together.

Beyond the Stew: Whelk Salad and Kimchi Kalguksu

• Golbaengi Muchim (Spicy Whelk Salad): A generously portioned, vibrant salad featuring tender whelks tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce with fresh vegetables. It’s perfectly balanced and addictive, especially when paired with thin wheat noodles (somyun).
• Kimchi Kalguksu (Kimchi Noodle Soup): A must-try finale! After savoring the whelks, order a bowl of Kimchi Kalguksu. The noodles are cooked directly in the flavorful leftover broth, enriched with kimchi, creating an unparalleled comfort dish that completely transforms the meal.

The ChampD Touch: Secrets to a Perfect Experience

ChampD’s meticulous attention to detail extends to every aspect of the dining experience. You’ll find custom-developed dipping sauces, far superior to standard gochujang, perfectly optimized to complement the whelks. And for those who enjoy a drink with their meal, prepare to be amazed: the soju and beer are kept at near-freezing temperatures, especially at opening, offering a refreshingly icy kick that makes every sip incredibly satisfying – a truly essential “honey tip” for summer dining.

The restaurant’s ambiance is deliberately set: cool in summer (to enhance the hot stew experience) and a comfortable 20°C in winter (to encourage steady drink sales without making patrons too warm too quickly). It’s a masterclass in creating an inviting and irresistible environment.

Visit the Original: Location & Special Offer

Original Golbaengi is located in Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul (near Kkachisan Station). It remains a highly rated, critically acclaimed establishment, cherished by locals and now introduced to a wider audience by its founder, ChampD.

Exclusive Offer! For the entire month of July, ChampD is personally offering a special gift: visitors to the Hwagok-dong branch who mention “I came because of ChampD” will receive one free bottle of soju per table! This is a rare opportunity to taste the legacy from the source and enjoy a drink on the house.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of ChampD or simply a food enthusiast seeking an authentic and unforgettable Korean dining experience, Original Golbaengi in Hwagok-dong is an absolute must-visit. Come for the legendary broth, stay for the unique flavors, and immerse yourself in the rich history of a true culinary pioneer.