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Discovering Hidden Gems: Daehakro’s Must-Visit Local Restaurants – A Foodie’s Guide

Daehakro, also known as University Street, might initially seem like it’s dominated by chain restaurants. But dig a little deeper, explore the side streets and hidden alleys, and you’ll uncover a treasure trove of local 맛집 (delicious restaurants) loved by those in the know. Join us as we explore three such gems in Daehakro, featured on the popular Korean food show “Ddoganjip”!

1. 이유식당 (Iyoo Restaurant): Heartfelt Home-Style Korean Cuisine

First up is 이유식당 (Iyoo Restaurant), a hidden gem that truly embodies the warmth of home-cooked meals. Tucked away in a quieter part of Daehakro, this restaurant is renowned for its 정갈한 한상차림 (neat and elaborate table setting) and dishes made with genuine 정성 (heartfelt sincerity). 풍자, the host of Ddoganjip, was captivated by the 목살김치찜 (Pork Kimchi Jjim), the day’s special menu item, priced at ₩10,500.

What makes 이유식당 stand out?

• Nutritious Rice: It’s not just ordinary rice! 풍자 raved about the rice’s natural sweetness and sticky texture, comparing it to 영양밥 (nutritious rice) or 찰밥 (sticky rice).


• Soulful Side Dishes: The 반찬 (side dishes) are prepared with incredible care, making you feel like each dish was made just for you, not in large batches for a restaurant.


• Exceptional Kimchi Jjim: Made with 장모님 김치 (mother-in-law’s kimchi), the kimchi jjim boasts a deep, rich flavor from perfectly aged kimchi. 풍자 even suggested the owner could open a dedicated kimchi jjim restaurant!


• Daily Specials: Their 오늘의 메뉴 (today’s special) concept ensures fresh and varied options, keeping regulars coming back for more.

풍자 was so impressed with 이유식당 that it was chosen as her top pick for this Daehakro episode! If you’re craving a comforting, home-style Korean meal in Daehakro, 이유식당 is an absolute must-visit.

2. 혜화도담 (Hyehwa Dodam): Seoul National University Students’ Favorite Kimchi Jjim

Next, we head to 혜화도담 (Hyehwa Dodam), a restaurant practically endorsed by Seoul National University students! Recommended as a go-to spot by a Seoul University graduate student, 혜화도담 is famous for its generous portions and authentic, rustic 김치찜 (Kimchi Jjim). For ₩15,000 (small size), you get a 김치찜 소 (Kimchi Jjim, small) that’s anything but small in flavor and portion.

Highlights of 혜화도담:

• Unlimited Rice and Sides: Perfect for students and big eaters, 혜화도담 offers 무한 리필 (unlimited refills) on rice and 반찬 (side dishes)!


• Generous Kimchi Portion: Expect a whole half-pogi (half a head) of 김치 in your kimchi jjim! Unlike neatly cut kimchi, here, it’s served in large chunks, perfect for tearing apart with your hands for that authentic feel.


• Meaty Goodness: The kimchi jjim is packed with large, tender pieces of pork that are incredibly 부드럽다 (soft) and flavorful.


• Authentic Aged Kimchi Taste: 혜화도담’s kimchi jjim is made with 묵은지 (aged kimchi), delivering that deep, sour, and intensely flavorful experience that 묵은지 lovers crave.

풍자 described 혜화도담’s kimchi jjim as “아빠가 끓여준 김치찌개 (kimchi stew cooked by dad)” – rustic, hearty, and full of robust flavor, contrasting with 이유식당’s “엄마가 끓여준 김치찌개 (kimchi stew cooked by mom)” – which she characterized as more refined and delicate.

3. 성균관감자탕 (Sungkyunkwan Gamjatang): A 40-Year Local Favorite

Lastly, we visit 성균관감자탕 (Sungkyunkwan Gamjatang), a 감자탕 (Gamjatang – pork bone stew) institution in Daehakro with a history spanning 40 years! Recommended by a local who’s been a loyal customer for decades, this humble restaurant, tucked away in an alley near Sungkyunkwan University, serves up a 감자탕 전골 (Gamjatang Jeongol) for two at an incredibly reasonable price of ₩23,000.

What makes 성균관감자탕 a local favorite for 40 years?

• Clean and Addictive Broth: Don’t be deceived by its seemingly “맹탕 (bland)” appearance! The broth is surprisingly 깔끔하다 (clean), 담백하다 (savory), and deeply 중독적인 (addictive), with a harmonious blend of 깻잎 (perilla leaves), 우거지 (napa cabbage), and rich 육수 (meat broth) aromas.


• Generous Portions of Meat: The 감자탕 is loaded with 실한 고기 (meaty) pork bones. 풍자 was impressed by the tenderness and the juicy, 육즙 가득 (juice-filled) meat.


• 볶음밥 Recommendation: When ordering 공깃밥 (a bowl of rice), be prepared to be encouraged to go for the 볶음밥 (fried rice) afterwards! It’s a must-try way to finish your 감자탕 experience.


• Long-standing Tradition: Loved by locals for generations, 성균관감자탕 offers a taste of authentic Daehakro dining tradition.

풍자 declared 성균관감자탕’s 감자탕 as the “깔끔한 감자탕 1등 (number one clean 감자탕)” in her personal experience, even surpassing famous 감자탕 restaurants in areas like Seongsu-dong! For a comforting and deeply flavorful 감자탕 experience in Daehakro, look no further than 성균관감자탕.

Daehakro’s culinary scene is much more than just franchise restaurants. Venture off the main streets, and you’ll be rewarded with 맛집 like 이유식당, 혜화도담, and 성균관감자탕 – true hidden gems waiting to be discovered!