Yeouido’s Best Kept Secret: Unveiling Gayang Kalguksu 버섯매운탕 (Mushroom Hot Pot)

Yeouido, Seoul’s bustling financial district, is not just about towering skyscrapers and busy professionals. Hidden beneath the surface, especially in the basements of office buildings, lies a treasure trove of 맛집 (matjib – delicious restaurants) beloved by locals. In a recent episode of the popular Korean food vlog “TtoganJip,” hosted by the charismatic 풍자 (PungJa), viewers were introduced to one such gem: Gayang Kalguksu (가양칼국수). This isn’t just any 칼국수 (kalguksu – knife-cut noodle soup) place; it’s a local favorite renowned for its 버섯매운탕 (beoseot maeuntang – mushroom spicy hot pot) and generous, heartwarming experience.

Local Recommendations Lead to Culinary Gold

PungJa’s quest for the best “TtoganJip” in Yeouido led her to Gayang Kalguksu based on enthusiastic recommendations from locals, including a 20-year Yeouido resident and even random office workers enjoying a Han River picnic. The anticipation built as she descended into the basement level of an unassuming building, guided by the tantalizing aroma wafting up the stairs. What awaited her was a bustling, no-frills restaurant packed with diners, a testament to its popularity.

The Star of the Show: 버섯매운탕 (Mushroom Spicy Hot Pot)

Gayang Kalguksu boasts a simple, yet irresistible menu focused on their signature dish: 버섯매운탕 (Mushroom Spicy Hot Pot). Priced affordably at ₩13,000, the hot pot is a feast for the senses. Upon ordering, a massive pot brimming with various mushrooms, vegetables, and a vibrant red, spicy broth is brought to your table. The first spoonful of the broth is described as a revelation – clean, refreshing, and deeply flavorful, with a subtle sweetness derived from the natural umami of the mushrooms and vegetables like onions and radish. Unlike heavier, oilier hot pots, Gayang Kalguksu’s version is surprisingly light and even described as “hangover-curing” thanks to its clean taste.

But the 버섯매운탕 experience doesn’t stop there. Included in the price is a generous serving of handmade 칼국수 noodles and rice – both refillable at no extra cost! The noodles are particularly noteworthy. Thick and slightly rough-cut, they have a unique, chewy texture, often compared to Korean rice cakes (떡 – tteok). Unlike typical kalguksu noodles, these are substantial and satisfying, perfectly soaking up the flavorful broth. Finishing the meal with rice stirred into the remaining broth, creating a flavorful 죽 (juk – porridge), is the quintessential Korean way to complete this culinary journey.

More Than Just a Meal: The Gayang Kalguksu Experience

What sets Gayang Kalguksu apart isn’t just the delicious food, but also the overall experience. The restaurant embodies the warmth and generosity of Korean hospitality. The unlimited refills of noodles and rice, coupled with the affordable price, make it an incredibly satisfying and budget-friendly option, especially in the often pricey Yeouido area. The bustling atmosphere, filled with locals enjoying a hearty and comforting meal, adds to its charm. It’s the kind of place that feels like a true neighborhood gem, a place you’d want to revisit again and again – a true “TtoganJip.”

Location and Rating

Location: Gayang Kalguksu is located in the basement of the Hongwoo Building in Yeouido, Seoul. It’s a bit hidden, but as PungJa discovered, asking anyone in the vicinity will likely point you in the right direction!

Address (Approximate): Basement Level, Hongwoo Building, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (여의도 홍우빌딩 지하) – *It’s recommended to search in Korean for precise address and directions.*

Rating: Highly Recommended. As PungJa declared, and local consensus confirms, Gayang Kalguksu is a must-visit in Yeouido. Expect a delicious, hearty, and authentic Korean dining experience.

Final Verdict

If you find yourself in Yeouido and crave a truly satisfying and authentic Korean meal, look no further than Gayang Kalguksu. Prepare to be won over by their exceptional 버섯매운탕, generous portions, and the warm, local atmosphere. It’s a “TtoganJip” that truly deserves a revisit!