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Discovering Seoul’s Hidden Gem: 원조기사분식 (Wonjo Gisa Bunsik), A Driver’s Restaurant Delight

Hello everyone! Welcome to another culinary adventure. I hope you’re all having a wonderful day, enjoying the blossoming spring. As the saying goes, “You can draw the skin of a tiger, but not its bones; you can know a person’s face, but not their heart.” Let’s dive into today’s dining experience!

Today, we’re heading to one of Seoul’s famous driver’s restaurants (기사식당), 원조기사분식 (Wonjo Gisa Bunsik), located in Mapo-gu, Daeheung-ro 98, near exit 2 of Daeheung Station (대흥역). It’s approximately 94 meters from the exit.

Finding 원조기사분식

Upon exiting Daeheung Station (대흥역) Exit 2, don’t go straight. Make a U-turn and head into the alleyway. It’s a short walk, maybe 2 minutes at most. Look for the pharmacy, and the restaurant is just up that alley. It’s the kind of alleyway that might spark a memory, a place you feel you’ve seen before.

원조기사분식 (Wonjo Gisa Bunsik) is renowned for its 옛날짜장 (Old-fashioned Jajangmyeon), 즉석우동 (Instant Udon), and 비빔밥 (Bibimbap), claiming to be the original driver’s restaurant. Let’s step inside!

Inside the Restaurant

The restaurant is small and cozy. Due to rising costs, prices have increased slightly, about ₩1,000 per item. Now, 짜장면 (Jajangmyeon) is ₩6,000, 우동 (Udon) is ₩6,000, 오뎅백반 (Oden Baekban – Fish Cake Set Meal) is ₩7,000, and 짜장밥 (Jajang Rice) is ₩8,000. They’re open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM. Parking is available; check the allowed parking times when you visit.

From 11:00 AM to around 2:30 PM, you should be able to park without getting a ticket while you enjoy your meal. During lunchtime, this small space is filled with regulars and passersby, all enjoying a quick and satisfying meal. The side dishes are simple but tasty. Despite its size, 원조기사분식 (Wonjo Gisa Bunsik) operates from 10 AM until 3 AM, catering to late-night cravings.

The Food: 오뎅백반 and 짜장밥

The 오뎅백반 (Oden Baekban) includes yellow radish kimchi, seasoned squid, and of course, oden (fish cake). My companion raved about it, saying it was delicious. The oden wasn’t soggy and had a perfect texture. The broth was also refreshing and flavorful. If you’re in the mood for 오뎅백반 (Oden Baekban), give it a try!

I initially wanted to try the 오뎅백반 (Oden Baekban) as well, but my friend chose it, so I opted for the 짜장밥 (Jajang Rice). The 짜장 (Jajang) sauce wasn’t overly sweet, but it had a pleasant sweetness. The noodles in the 짜장면 (Jajangmyeon) were slightly longer than 칼국수 (Kalguksu) noodles. These dishes used to be cheaper, but prices have increased due to inflation.

My 짜장밥 (Jajang Rice) came with a fried egg on top, which was a delightful addition. The meal was satisfying and perfect for a quick lunch. If you’re torn between 짜장면 (Jajangmyeon) and 짜장밥 (Jajang Rice), or want to add 오뎅백반 (Oden Baekban) to your lunch, this is the place to be. Since they’re open from 10 AM to 3 AM, it’s also a great option for a late-night snack.

It’s great to be able to share a meal where you can enjoy both 짜장면 (Jajangmyeon) and 짜장밥 (Jajang Rice), as well as 백반 (Baekban – Korean set meal). The prices, even after the increase, are still reasonable and attractive. Their extended hours (10 AM to 3 AM) are a definite plus. If you’re in the area, especially late at night, consider stopping by for a meal.

I even enjoyed a glass of soju with my meal. It was a great experience. When you need a quick meal near Daeheung Station (대흥역), 원조기사분식 (Wonjo Gisa Bunsik) offers 짜장면 (Jajangmyeon), 짜장밥 (Jajang Rice), 오뎅백반 (Oden Baekban), 비빔밥 (Bibimbap), and more. You can enjoy a comfortable and satisfying meal here. They generously pile on the 짜장 (Jajang) sauce, and the taste is excellent. The atmosphere is also very pleasant.

The interior has an old-school, rustic vibe that made my dining experience even more enjoyable. The view outside was also nice, and it was lovely to eat while enjoying the warm spring scenery.

I highly recommend visiting 원조기사분식 (Wonjo Gisa Bunsik) for a meal. Thank you for joining me, and I’ll be back with more food adventures soon!

Google Search & Assessment

I performed a Google search for “원조기사분식 대흥” to get a general sense of the restaurant’s online reputation. Here’s a brief assessment based on the search results:

1. Reviews: I found many blog posts and reviews mentioning 원조기사분식 (Wonjo Gisa Bunsik). The reviews are mostly positive, praising the taste of the food, especially the 짜장면 (Jajangmyeon) and 오뎅백반 (Oden Baekban). Many reviewers also mention the reasonable prices and the nostalgic atmosphere of the restaurant.
2. Location: The location is confirmed to be near Daeheung Station Exit 2, making it easily accessible by public transportation. The search results also confirm the alleyway location described earlier.
3. Ambiance: Many sources mentioned the old-school, traditional Korean restaurant ambiance, confirming the 노포 (old restaurant) feel described in the original text. This seems to be a draw for many customers seeking an authentic dining experience.
4. Popularity: The restaurant appears to be quite popular, especially among locals and those familiar with the driver’s restaurant concept.

Overall Assessment: Based on the Google search results, 원조기사분식 (Wonjo Gisa Bunsik) seems to be a well-regarded and popular restaurant. Its strengths appear to be its tasty and affordable food, convenient location, and unique nostalgic atmosphere. It’s a great place to experience authentic Korean driver’s restaurant cuisine.