South Korea_I-Dae-Jo Gamjatang: A Classic Korean Pork Bone Stew Spot in Hongdae

 If you’re exploring the energetic streets of Hongdae and looking for a truly local Korean dining experience, I-Dae-Jo Gamjatang (이대조뼈다귀) is one of the best spots to try. Open since 1989, this restaurant is famous among locals for its rich pork bone stew, generous portions, and comforting flavors that are perfect after a long day—or a long night out.

📍 Location & Atmosphere

Located on the quieter side of Hongdae near Donggyo-dong, I-Dae-Jo Gamjatang offers a clean, spacious interior with plenty of seating. It’s welcoming for both groups and solo travelers, and many customers visit alone for a warm and satisfying meal.

The restaurant is busy during dinner hours, but service is fast and efficient. Side dishes like kimchi, kkakdugi (radish kimchi), and fresh peppers with ssamjang are served immediately.

🍲 Signature Dishes & Prices

Here are the most popular dishes with detailed price info:

1. Bone Hangover Soup (뼈해장국) – 12,000 KRW

A classic Korean soup made with pork backbone, napa cabbage, and a deeply flavorful broth seasoned with chili and perilla powder.
Taste notes:

• Deep, clean, slightly spicy broth

• Tender meat that falls off the bone

• A comforting, hearty bowl perfect for solo travelers

  

  
  

  

  
  

2. Gamjatang (감자탕 / Pork Bone Stew)

One of Korea’s most beloved stews, simmered with potatoes, greens, and meaty pork bones.

• 2 servings: 30,000 KRW

• 3 servings: 36,000 KRW

• 4 servings: 42,000 KRW

Taste notes:

• Rich and savory broth with layers of flavor

• Generous amount of meat on the bones

• Plenty of greens (우거지), giving it a deep, earthy taste
  Perfect for sharing with friends or family.

  

3. Braised Pork Backbone (등뼈찜)

A flavorful, slightly spicy braised pork backbone dish that pairs well with beer or soju.

• 2 servings: 35,000 KRW

• 3 servings: 40,000 KRW

• 4 servings: 45,000 KRW

Taste notes:

• Sticky, tender meat

• Rich, spicy sauce

• A great option for groups looking for something more intense than soup

  

  
  

4. Fried Rice (볶음밥) – 3,000 KRW

After finishing your stew, ask for fried rice made in the remaining broth and vegetables.
Taste notes:

• Savory, aromatic, crispy at the edges

• Perfect ending to your meal

⭐ Why Travelers Love This Place

• Authentic Korean flavors

• Big portions and fair prices for a busy Hongdae area

• Great for both solo and group dining

• Perfect hangover cure

• Staff often help make fried rice at your table

• Take-out available

South Korea_🍜 Exploring Yeongcheon Market near Independence Gate — A Local Seoul Food Adventure

 If you want to experience the “real local Seoul” beyond the big tourist areas, Yeongcheon Market in Seodaemun District is one of the best hidden gems. Located just a few minutes from Dongnimmun (Independence Gate), this traditional market offers freshly made Korean street food, warm neighborhood vibes, and authentic dishes at extremely affordable prices.

📍 What Is Yeongcheon Market?

Yeongcheon Market is a cozy traditional market street approximately 250 meters long, filled with over 130 small shops and food stalls. Originally formed as a rice-cake alley in the 1960s, the market has grown to include fresh produce, seafood, daily goods, toys, and—most famously—classic Korean snacks.

• Location: Near Dongnimmun Station (Line 3)

  

  
  

• Atmosphere: Local, friendly, retro market street

• Best for: Street food lovers, cultural exploration, affordable eats

This is the kind of place where neighborhood residents shop every day—walking through the alley gives you a pure slice of everyday Korean life.

🍽️ Must-Try Foods & Restaurants in Yeongcheon Market

Below are 3–4 great spots you should check out while exploring the market:

1. Twisted Donuts (Kkwabaegi) – The Market’s Famous Snack

Price: About ₩1,000 for 4 pieces (yes, incredibly cheap!)
Type: Sweet fried donut snack

Yeongcheon Market is especially known for its freshly fried kkwabaegi, a twisted donut coated lightly in sugar. They’re soft, warm, and perfect as a quick bite while walking. Because the donuts are freshly made all day, you’ll often see a line of locals waiting.

Great for: light snacks, something sweet, kids
Tip: They often sell out early, so visit earlier in the day.

2. Hyundai Tteokbokki – Classic Korean Street Food

Price Range:

• Tteokbokki: ₩1,000–₩3,000

• Sundae (Korean blood sausage): ₩3,000–₩5,000

• Fried snacks: ₩500–₩1,000 each

This is a traditional local-style tteokbokki stall offering spicy rice cakes, fried snacks, fish cake broth, and sundae. The flavors are nostalgic, simple, and 100% Korean. Foreign visitors especially love this stall because it feels like stepping into an old Korean drama scene.

Try the combo: tteokbokki + tempura + fish cake broth.
Perfect for a cheap but satisfying meal.

3. Daesungjip Doganitang (Annex) – Comforting Beef Soup

Price:

• Doganitang (regular): around ₩13,000

• Doganitang (large): around ₩17,000

If you want something warm and hearty, try doganitang, a traditional soup made by slow-boiling beef knee cartilage until it becomes soft and flavorful. Daesungjip is famous in this neighborhood, known for its deep, clean broth and generous portions.

Recommended for: travelers wanting something unique, nutritious, and traditional
Bonus: Comes with rice and side dishes.

4. Market-Style Dakgangjeong (Sweet Crispy Chicken)

Price Range:

• Small box: ₩3,000

• Large box: ₩12,000

• Half & half flavors available

If you love Korean fried chicken, this market-style dakgangjeong is a must-try. It’s not like the big-brand fried chicken shops—this version is bite-size, crispy, and coated in a sweet or spicy glaze. Perfect snack to carry around the market.

Great for sharing with friends.
Flavors vary by shop—sweet soy, spicy, mild sweet.

✨ Travel Tips for Visiting Yeongcheon Market

• Great after visiting Independence Gate or Seodaemun Prison History Hall
  Both attractions are within a short walking distance, making the market a perfect stop for food after sightseeing.

• Not touristy at all
  Expect real Korean daily life—friendly vendors, handwritten signs, kids running around, and fresh food everywhere.

• Cash recommended
  Some stalls accept cards, but many are still cash-preferred.

• Useful Korean words

  • Tteokbokki: 떡볶이

  • Kkwabaegi (Twisted donut): 꽈배기

  • Dakgangjeong: 닭강정

  • “How much is it?” → 얼마예요?

🌟 Why You Should Visit

Yeongcheon Market is one of the best places to experience cheap, delicious, and authentic Korean street food without the crowds of Myeongdong or Hongdae. If you want to understand how locals eat and live, this market is the perfect place.

South Korea_Hiking Dobongsan: Complete Guide from Yeoseongbong to Obong Peak in Seoul

 

🌄 Hiking the Dobongsan Trail: From Yeoseongbong to Obong Peak – The Hidden Gem of Bukhansan National Park

📍Location: Dobongsan, Bukhansan National Park, Seoul, South Korea
🚆 Nearest Station: Dobongsan Station (Subway Line 1 or Line 7)
⏱️ Hiking Time: Approx. 4–5 hours round trip
🗻 Difficulty: Moderate (Some steep rocky sections, but safe for beginners with basic fitness)

🏙️ Getting There from Seoul Station

Getting to Dobongsan is surprisingly easy from central Seoul.

1. 🚇 Take Subway Line 1 (Blue Line) at Seoul Station heading toward Soyosan.

2. Get off at Dobongsan Station (도봉산역) — about 45 minutes ride.

3. Exit Exit 1, and you’ll find a street lined with small hiking gear shops, Korean food stalls, and cafés.

4. Walk straight for about 10 minutes until you reach the Dobongsan entrance gate of Bukhansan National Park.

💡 Tip: Grab a bottle of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or gimbap for your post-hike celebration — the local shops near the entrance are famous for it!

🥾 Trail Overview: Yeoseongbong (여성봉) → Obong (오봉)

This route offers stunning views of granite peaks, pine forests, and panoramic views of Seoul.

📍 Course Summary:

• Start: Dobongsan Park Entrance (도봉산탐방지원센터)

  

  
  

• Stop 1: Cheonchuksa Temple (천축사)

  

  
  

• Stop 2: Yeoseongbong Peak (여성봉, 604m)

  

  
  

• Stop 3: Rest area between Yeoseongbong & Obong (flat ridge with benches)

  

  
  

• Stop 4: Obong (오봉, “Five Peaks”)

  

  
  

• End: Return same route or descend via Obong Mineral Spring Trail

⏰ Total Time: Around 4.5 hours round trip

• 2 hours ascending to Yeoseongbong

• 1 hour ridge walk to Obong

• 1.5 hours descent

🌿 Step-by-Step Hiking Guide

🛕 1. From Entrance to Cheonchuksa Temple (~40 min)

The first section is an easy forest path. You’ll pass small waterfalls and streams along the way.
Cheonchuksa Temple is a peaceful spot to rest and take photos. The sound of temple bells blends beautifully with the mountain breeze.

🪨 2. Cheonchuksa → Yeoseongbong (~1 hr 20 min)

Here the trail becomes steeper and rockier. Rope sections are available for balance, but the climb is safe and rewarding.
Once you reach Yeoseongbong Peak, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking 360° view of northern Seoul and the sprawling granite formations of Dobongsan.

☕ 3. Ridge Rest Point (~20 min walk)

Between Yeoseongbong and Obong, there’s a flat ridge with benches and scenic resting spots. Many locals stop here for lunch (usually gimbap or cup noodles).
You can see hikers chatting, sharing snacks, and enjoying the mountain air.

🏔️ 4. Obong Peak (~40 min)

“Obong” literally means Five Peaks, and true to its name, five small peaks line up side by side.
The views are absolutely stunning — you can spot Uiam Rock and parts of Suraksan Mountain in the distance.

If you’re feeling adventurous, climb up to the 2nd or 3rd peak for the best photo spot.

🧘‍♀️ Descending & Relaxing

Descend via the same trail or take the Obong Mineral Spring route, a gentler path that reconnects to the main park gate.
At the bottom, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants serving:

• Pajeon (Korean pancake)

  

  
  

• Makgeolli (rice wine)

  

  
  

• Doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew)

  

  
  

Nothing tastes better after a mountain adventure!

📸 Why You’ll Love This Hike

• Perfect mix of rocky adventure and forest serenity

• Easy subway access from downtown Seoul

• Less crowded than the famous Baegundae Peak trail

• Ideal for photographers and first-time hikers

🧭 Useful Tips

• Bring enough water; refill spots are limited after the temple.

• Wear hiking shoes — some sections are rocky.

• Avoid weekends if you prefer quieter trails.

• Spring and autumn are the best seasons for this hike.

South Korea_🍲 A True Korean Food Adventure in Sillim

 If you want to experience real Korean street food in a fun and interactive way, Manyo Tteokbokki (마뇨떡볶이) near Sillim Station is the perfect place for you!

This is not an ordinary restaurant — it’s a “do-it-yourself tteokbokki buffet”, where you can cook your own food and enjoy unlimited refills of your favorite ingredients.

🔥 How It Works – Cook Your Own Tteokbokki!

1. Grab a Tray & Choose Ingredients
   Start by picking up a tray and selecting from a wide variety of fresh ingredients —
   different types of rice cakes (tteok), fish cakes, noodles, vegetables, sausages, and even dumplings.

2. Pick Your Sauce
   There are several sauce options, from mild to extra spicy.
   You can also mix sauces to create your own flavor!

3. Cook at Your Table
   Take your ingredients to your table, where there’s a small induction stove.
   Add water or broth, mix in your sauce, and boil everything together.
   In a few minutes, your tteokbokki will be bubbling hot and ready to eat.

4. Unlimited Refills!
   When you finish, you can go back and get more ingredients — as much as you like!
   Don’t forget to try the fried snacks (twigim) and ramyeon noodles, which are also refillable.

5. Finish with Fried Rice (볶음밥)
   Once the sauce thickens, ask for rice and seaweed flakes to make your own bokkeumbap —
   the perfect ending to a Korean tteokbokki meal!

   

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

💰 Price

• Unlimited Buffet: Around ₩10,900–₩13,900 per person (depending on time and menu)

• Drinks: Around ₩1,500–₩2,000
  It’s very affordable considering it’s all-you-can-eat, and you get to cook your own meal!

📍 Location & Hours

• Address: 1662-2 Nambusunhwan-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (서울 관악구 남부순환로 1662-2)

• Nearest Subway: Exit 3, Sillim Station (Line 2) – about 2 minutes on foot

• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last order around 9:00 PM)

🎉 Why You Should Visit Manyo Tteokbokki

✅ Fun DIY cooking experience
✅ Unlimited buffet at a great price
✅ Authentic Korean street food taste
✅ Perfect for groups and travelers

If you love interactive dining or want to enjoy Korea’s favorite spicy comfort food,
Manyo Tteokbokki in Sillim is a must-visit spot on your Seoul food journey.