YOUTUBE URL: https://youtu.be/Ia8jMB8TIpw

Solo Dining Adventure: A Korean Food Journey in Seongdong-gu

Okay, let’s talk about Korean dining etiquette. Sticking your spoon in your rice bowl? That’s a surefire way to earn a smack from Dad! After a long night of video editing, I treated myself to a solo culinary adventure. I headed out to try a unique food combination. My buddy Seung-yong just went for a walk. I passed this restaurant countless times, but the name ‘왕분식’ (Wang Bunsik) – implying a snack shop – made me think twice about visiting. I confess that I was wrong to assume that a snack shop doesn’t sell alcohol, because usually they do not. But this day was different, I was actually not planning on coming here. It was just past 9:30 AM, and after a long search for a suitable restaurant, I passed by here and saw the sign saying that they sell dishes that go well with alcohol, especially when Seung-yong and I are passing by, concentrating on the bread, I did not notice this at all. Okay, that means they sell alcohol! After working until dawn, my stomach was surprisingly empty so I decided to go for a 돈가스 (Donkatsu – pork cutlet) at Wang Bunsik.

왕분식: More Than Just a Snack Shop

The name might say ‘Bunsik’ (snack shop), but the menu is impressive. They have Donkatsu, 제육볶음 (Jeyuk Bokkeum – spicy pork stir-fry), noodle dishes, and even 파전 (Pajeon – green onion pancake)! You’d expect to see 김밥 (Kimbap – seaweed rice rolls), 떡볶이 (Tteokbokki – spicy rice cakes), and 라면 (Ramyun – instant noodles) on a 분식 menu, right? But who cares? I wasn’t going to order those anyway. As long as they sell 술 (Sool – alcohol), I’m happy! I ordered the 왕돈가스 (Wang Donkatsu – King-sized Pork Cutlet), which was at the top of the menu.

Side Dishes and First Impressions

They served three side dishes: two types of 김치 (Kimchi) and 콩자반 (Kongjaban – braised black beans). Long-time subscribers know how much I struggle with 콩자반. I thought, ‘Maybe my taste has changed since I’ve become more of an adult.’ So, I tried it… and my body still rejected it. The 김치, maybe because of my empty stomach, had a strong, sweet flavor with a slightly spicy and refreshing aftertaste. It was the perfect 김치 to go with Donkatsu! The interior had a slightly vintage feel to it, like an old-school Korean diner. I liked it. What’s great is that if you order Donkatsu here, you’ll get a 칼국수 (Kal-guksu – noodle soup) for free!

The Unexpected Freebie: 매생이 칼국수 (Maesaengi Kal-guksu)

I was shocked when they brought out a huge bowl. I started doubting myself and wondered if I accidentally ordered 칼국수 because of the lack of sleep. But the owner told me that 매생이 칼국수 (Maesaengi Kal-guksu – seaweed noodle soup) comes as a free service. What? I came alone to save them from doing dishes! If I eat with just a knife and fork, they only need to wash a few things. Now, they have to wash the chopsticks and the spoon. Someone might say, ‘Just eat the 칼국수 with a fork and drink the soup.’ I realized that too late. My IQ is the same as my weight. Originally, I was exhausted from working since dawn, so I planned to have a bottle of 소주 (Soju – Korean distilled liquor) with 돈가스 to fill my stomach and go to sleep. But this soothing soup came out of nowhere, and I knew I was going to have two bottles! Look at the amount they give you. Even though it’s a service, the portions are generous. And it’s 매생이 (Maesaengi – seaweed)! I should have had a drink while working! It’s perfect for hangover relief and detox. I even found a couple of 굴 (Gul – oysters) which seems to be a mistake. I felt so lucky!

The prices here are amazing. I had to double-check. The world is so tough, I’m starting to develop trust issues. I want to go back to being a naive kid! But if I did, I’d probably get scammed. There’s so much injustice in the world. To my subscribers, please don’t lose your warmth and humanity. And in that vein, can you lend me ₩10,000?

The Donkatsu Experience

Finally, the 돈가스 arrived! My body immediately responded positively – it looked delicious! I usually just cut 돈가스 with a spoon, which suits my image better. But to properly convey the deliciousness to my subscribers, I’ll use a knife and fork today. The 돈가스 meat is thick, and the presentation is classic. It tastes exactly like the old-school 돈가스. I kept tilting my head while eating, because this two-part set costs only ₩10,000! Those who have lived in this neighborhood for a while might understand, but it reminds me of the feeling I got when I first visited 장수분식 (Jangsu Bunsik) near Konkuk University. Of course, their 돈가스 is different, you need scissors to cut them!

Eating 매생이 (Maesaengi) in winter along with 돈가스, it brings out the masculinity in me! Should I have ordered the red-capped 소주 (referring to a stronger type of soju) to be more macho? No, I must maintain my dignity when eating 경양식 돈가스 (Gyeongyangsik Donkatsu – Korean-style Western food)! 경양식 is just Western food with the ‘light’ adjective on it, referring to a simplified and more casual version of Western cuisine.

Some people might ask why I need to be formal when eating 경양식. Ask them! I don’t have many foreign friends. I was taught to eat the 스프 (Soup) first, then the 돈가스 when eating 경양식 돈가스. I don’t know why, I wanted to eat everything together. I do know Korean dining etiquette. Putting your spoon in your rice bowl will get you slapped by your father! Anyway, with the delicious 김치 and refreshing 매생이 칼국수, I had an unexpectedly generous 돈가스 meal. It was a great way to start the morning. I’m so full! This was 왕분식 in Seongdong-gu. After finishing video editing all night, a delicious 술상 (Sulsang – meal with alcohol) is so rewarding. Finishing work and having a drink before going home is the best!

After-Dinner Thoughts

On the way home, I felt like something was missing. I saw a lonely 가오나시 (Kaonashi – No-Face from Spirited Away) in front of my house, just like me these days. 가오나시 in Korean would be ‘폼나는 메리아스’ (pomnaneun meriaseu – a stylish undershirt). I then went to 단골집 쿠시노아 (kushinoa – a regular bar). Luckily, 용이 (Yong-i) was there and was allowed in thanks to the permission of the bar owner and the customers. The good thing about drinking alone is you can eat whatever you want. It’s a time to get to know myself. But I’m having trouble deciding what to order. I think I have two personalities now!

This is a menu item, 눍슬일 없을 것 (deulkseul il eopseul geot – probably no need to order), which is실비김치 (Silbi Kimchi), known for being incredibly spicy. But the 김치 at 장원칼국수 (Jangwon Kalguksu), is even spicier. I’ve been hearing a lot of tough stories around me, and I’ve also had a big wave in my life recently. I feel like those cats, spending each day stressed with my emotions going up and down. But then I suddenly feel better, especially since the camera is pointing at me! Other table’s folks are staring at me but please don’t look at me like that! Look at how the cute kitty is being filmed! Yeah very natural.

A while ago, I uploaded a video to my channel about 뚝도시장 (Ttukdo Market), where I reminisced about the past. Many people enjoyed the video. They said that my personal stories were too long, but they left sincere comments. It made me want to share my thoughts with you all. My biggest concern these days is people. People who are meant to stay will stay no matter what, but the memories that I had with the people that went away still hurt me. In the past, I would try to reconcile after a fight, but these days, it’s easier to just not see each other if we don’t get along. I’m also feeling bitter about it. On that thought, the 장어 (eel) came out! I love 민물장어구이 (Minmul Jang-eo Gui – grilled freshwater eel)! I can eat it every day. Someone please buy it for me!

Next was the 소대창 (So-daechang – small intestine of a cow), which said ‘Hormone’ in parentheses on the kiosk. I don’t know why. Anyway, the 소대창 was quickly frozen and looked fresh and greasy. It’s okay, you eat 소대창 for the greasy taste! If you want something light, don’t eat 소대창. I enjoyed it. It was a successful two-hit combo with the 장어!

To keep on with my stories that is, one time I was told that if I’m given one hour to cut a tree, I should spend 45 minutes sharpening the axe. At the time, I thought it was meaningful, and I’ve been sharpening my axe for a long time. But I was so focused on sharpening the blade that I didn’t realize the handle was rotting. I learned that while it’s good to be passionate about something, you should also look around you. In the meantime, this 타이밍 (TaiMing – timings) 내기만두 (Nae Giman-Do – my dumplings) are too delicious! I keep being serious and then silly, so I seem a little crazy. But what can I do when it’s so delicious? My story might be disorganized today because I’m feeling complicated since winter is passing. But it feels good to vent to you all. To end this 혼술 (Honsul – solo drinking) video, I want to say that if you work hard without trying to get lucky, you’ll definitely grow. I’ve learned about life while playing instruments. Instruments are honest and produce sound exactly as you play them. At that time, I had a goal that I could move forward with without hesitation, and that alone made me happy. But now, I’m wondering what goal I should pursue to be happy. I’ll think about it while drinking alone. I promise to come back with another video. I’ll come back with a bright and cheerful attitude next time. Goodbye!

Restaurant Location and General Assessment

To find 왕분식 (Wang Bunsik) in Seongdong-gu, I recommend a quick Google search. Searching for “왕분식 송정동” should quickly give you the exact location on a map. Based on online reviews and my personal experience, it seems like a beloved local spot with decent prices and generous portions. While the interior might be a bit dated, the food is tasty and comforting. It’s a great place to grab a quick and affordable meal, especially if you’re looking for some classic Korean dishes.