A Hidden Gem: Lunch at the Gangseo Tax Office Cafeteria near Magok Station, Seoul


YOUTUBE URL: https://youtu.be/haTt-BHoew4


Discovering Affordable and Delicious Food: Gangseo Tax Office Cafeteria Review

Hello everyone! How was your day? It feels like summer is truly upon us. Remember to take care of your health. As William Shakespeare said, “Saying ‘this is the worst’ means the worst is yet to come,” encouraging us not to give up. Today, we’re embarking on another culinary adventure! We’re heading to the Gangseo Tax Office cafeteria, located near Magok Station in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Specifically, it’s at Magok-dong 60, about 564 meters from Magok Station Exit 1.

I initially attempted to visit the cafeteria at Home&Shopping, but access was restricted to broadcasting personnel only. Disappointed, I turned back. But today, we have found a great alternative!

As you exit Magok Station Exit 1, walk straight. The route is straightforward. Just follow the signs and turn right, and you’ll arrive at the Gangseo Tax Office cafeteria. You’ll also pass the Immigration Office on the way (they don’t have a cafeteria for the public, though!). After passing the Immigration Office, turn right towards the Gangseo Tax Office.

The walk takes about 7-8 minutes, maybe 10 minutes if you’re a leisurely walker. You’ll also see the NamBuk Tongil (North-South Unification) Culture Center along the way, which has an observatory on the 7th floor. Keep going, and you’ll reach the Gangseo Tax Office. A large stone at the entrance clearly marks the location of the tax office.

Let’s head inside! We’ll take the elevator up to the 6th floor.

Reaching the Cafeteria and Purchasing a Meal Ticket

The staff cafeteria is located on the 6th floor. It boasts a great view, making it a pleasant place to dine. There are specific dining hours for visitors, so be sure to check the schedule beforehand.

Once you arrive on the 6th floor, turn right, then left. There it is! The Gangseo Tax Office cafeteria. They sell meal tickets, and the price for visitors is 6,500 won between 12 PM and 1 PM. You can make payments through the kiosk system. A meal for only 6,500 won is an absolute steal!

The meal ticket even indicates that it’s for “Minwonin (민원인),” which means visitor. Let’s head inside and see what’s on offer.

The Meal and Ambiance

The cafeteria is clean and well-organized. Keep in mind that visitors can eat from 12 PM onwards.

Tasting the Food

So, how does the food at the Gangseo Tax Office cafeteria taste? Let’s find out!

The Naengi Doenjang Guk (Shepherd’s Purse Miso Soup) is delicious! It has a wonderful spring aroma. It even contains squid, which adds to the flavour.

The Gamja Chae Bokkeum (Stir-fried Potato Strips) is excellent. It seems like the potatoes were boiled first, making them very tender. The texture is great!

And of course, I can’t pass up the Ganjang Bulgogi (Soy Sauce Marinated Beef). I have to try it! Ah, it’s so good!

Final Thoughts

The Gangseo Tax Office cafeteria is open to the public for lunch between 12 PM and 1 PM. The food is neat, clean, and delicious. Many people were enjoying their meals. The clear signage indicating the visitor dining hours is also a plus. Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure! I’ll be back with another review soon!

Overall Assessment:

  • Location: Conveniently located near Magok Station, although a short walk is required.
  • Price: Excellent value at 6,500 won.
  • Food Quality: Clean, well-prepared, and tasty. Good variety of dishes.
  • Ambiance: Clean and organized cafeteria setting.
  • Accessibility: Open to the public during specific hours. Clear signage.

Google Search Assessment: Magok-dong Restaurants

Based on a Google search for restaurants in Magok-dong, the area is known for its modern buildings and diverse food options. Many restaurants cater to the office workers in the area, offering a range of cuisines from Korean to international. Reviews suggest that Magok-dong has a mix of budget-friendly eateries and more upscale dining establishments. This Tax Office cafeteria presents a particularly good value option, especially compared to typical restaurant prices in the area.

Detailed Route Instruction & Tips

  1. From Magok Station Exit 1: As you exit, walk straight ahead. Do not turn immediately.
  2. Follow the Sidewalk: Stay on the main sidewalk heading away from the station.
  3. Look for Signage: Keep an eye out for signs pointing towards the Gangseo Tax Office or Immigration Office. These signs are typically written in Korean and English.
  4. Turn Right at the Intersection: After about 5-7 minutes of walking straight, you will approach a moderate-sized intersection. There should be signage indicating a right turn for the Gangseo Tax Office.
  5. Walk Uphill: After turning right, you will be walking slightly uphill towards the Tax Office building.
  6. Gangseo Tax Office Building: The building is modern and quite large. You will notice the large stone displaying the name of the Tax Office as described in the earlier blog.
  7. Enter and Locate Elevator: Enter the building and locate the elevators. Go to the 6th floor.
  8. Meal Ticket Purchase: Once on the 6th floor, follow the signs to the cafeteria. Purchase a meal ticket from the kiosk before entering.
  9. Be Aware of Time: Ensure you arrive between 12 PM and 1 PM to take advantage of the public dining hours.

Additional Considerations

  • Accessibility: The cafeteria is accessible by elevator.
  • Payment Methods: The kiosk likely accepts various forms of payment, including card and possibly cash (confirm at the location).
  • Language: While signage may be in English, some communication might require basic Korean or translation apps.


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