Handsome Guys Ppalnibottle's Recommendation! Gongneung-dong 'Yukjanghwa' - Tomato Yukgaejang? Yukgallamyun? (Location, Menu, Waiting Tips)
Folks! Folks! 😲 Did you watch tvN's <Handsome Guys>? Popular YouTuber Ppalnibottle went around Gongneung-dong on a 'Today's Menu Recommendation' mission and discovered an absolutely 'authentic' restaurant! 🔥
It's called 'Yukjanghwa', a place that has conquered Gongneung-dong with just one dish: Yukgaejang. But this isn't just any Yukgaejang place. Tomato Yukgaejang🍅, Yukgalltang🍖, Yukgallamyun🍜?! Even the menu names are out of the ordinary, aren't they?
'Yukjanghwa', an unusual soup restaurant that even Ppalnibottle fell in love with! What kind of place is it? I'll thoroughly investigate everything for you! 🚀
These days, the area near Gongneung-dong and Taereung Entrance Station is bustling. After YouTuber Ppalnibottle introduced it as a recommended lunch spot on tvN's <Handsome Guys>, a restaurant called 'Yukjanghwa' has become incredibly 'hot'. 🔥
This is not an ordinary Yukgaejang restaurant that we know. While serving authentic Yukgaejang with a rich bone broth base, it also offers unique dishes that open up a new world of soup cuisine, such as 'Tomato Yukgaejang' infused with fresh tomatoes, and 'Yukgalltang' and 'Yukgallamyun' with generous whole short ribs. It was already known as a truly 'authentic restaurant' among local residents.
What does it taste like? How long is the waiting time? I'll tell you everything you're curious about!
1. Basic Information: 'Hip' Exterior and 'Authentic' Location! (Location, Business Hours, Parking 🚨)
First, let's look at the most important basic information for finding Yukjanghwa. Yukjanghwa is located in a residential alley in Gongneung-dong but boasts a modern and sensuous exterior that catches the eye at first glance. At first sight, it might even feel more like a Japanese izakaya or a clean cafe than a Yukgaejang restaurant.
- Restaurant Name: Yukjanghwa
- Location: 1st floor, 98 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul (conveniently accessible, about a 5-minute walk from Taereung Entrance Station Exit 6).
- Business Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
- Break Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (There are reviews stating that break time starts from 2:30 PM, so checking the time when visiting is recommended.)
- Last Order: 7:50 PM
- Regular Day Off: Every Wednesday (Be sure to check to avoid a wasted trip!)
- Phone Number: 02-111-1111 (The listed number is a representative one. For direct inquiries, please search and confirm.)
- Parking: Practically impossible! 😭 (The space in front of the store is limited, making parking difficult. Public transportation is highly recommended, and if you must drive, please check nearby paid public parking lots in advance.)
2. Atmosphere: "Cozy Retro Vibe, But Be Prepared to Wait!" 🕰️
Upon entering the restaurant, you'll feel a cozy retro atmosphere with tidy interior, offering comfort. The open kitchen, in particular, enhances trust in hygiene and provides visual enjoyment.
- Interior: A clean and modern feel with a harmony of wood and white tones. Charming props add to the retro atmosphere, and overall, you can feel a warm sensibility.
- Seating: All seats are bar-style tables in a 'ㄷ' shape. The number of seats is not many, accommodating about 10 people in a small space, and partitions are installed between seats, making it a good environment for solo diners. It's good to keep in mind that due to the nature of serving hot food, the turnover rate is not very fast.
- Ordering & Payment: A convenient system where you order from your seat and pay directly at your seat after the meal. This reduces the movement of busy staff and provides more efficient service to customers.
- 🚨 Waiting & Service:
broadcast has made it even more popular, waiting times can be very long during meal times. (Waiting for more than 30 minutes is common.) There is no remote waiting system, so it is known that you write your name on a waiting list at the store, and the owner will call or phone you when it's your turn. There is a Compose Coffee next to the store, so buying a drink while waiting can be a good tip. - Basic Side Dish: Refreshing and crisp Seokbakji (diced radish kimchi) is provided as a basic side dish.
3. Menu Exploration: The Endless Transformation of Yukgaejang! 🍜🍖🍅
Yukjanghwa's menu centers around soup dishes based on traditional Yukgaejang broth, but with unconventional ingredients that open new horizons of flavor. The menu is simply composed of four types: Yukgaejang, Yukramyun, Yukgallamyun, and Yukgalltang, but each offers a surprising world of taste.
- Yukgaejang (9,000 KRW): The basic of basics! The rich, thick, and deep flavor of the broth is said to be excellent. Reviews praise that it stays hot until the end.
- Yukramyun (9,000 KRW): Spicy and rich Yukgaejang broth with chewy ramyun noodles! It's a perfect combination for a hangover.
- ⭐ Yukgalltang (14,000 KRW): Yukgaejang broth with large beef short ribs generously added! A dish that greatly satisfies meat lovers. The ribs make the broth even richer and more flavorful.
- ⭐⭐ Yukgallamyun (14,000 KRW): The undisputed signature menu of Yukjanghwa, combining Yukgalltang with ramyun noodles. The deep flavor of Yukgaejang, the richness of the ribs, and the slurping pleasure of ramyun achieve a perfect harmony. The spicy and refreshing broth combined with the joy of gnawing on large ribs is superb. (Adding rice +1,000 KRW is a must!)
- 🍅 Tomato Yukgaejang (11,000 KRW): Yukjanghwa's most exotic menu! Traditional Yukgaejang infused with tomatoes to create a refreshing acidity and smooth taste. While it might seem like an unlikely combination at first, the acidity of the tomatoes unexpectedly highlights the unique spicy and rich flavor of Yukgaejang. It neutralizes the spiciness, making it a manageable dish for those who can't handle too much spice, or even for children. Visitor reviews mentioned that the first taste might be confusing, but it has a surprisingly appealing and refreshing quality. Many also reported that the rice tastes unusually savory, making it a delightful dish to enjoy with rice.
- 🍅 Tomato Yukramyun (11,000 KRW): Tomato Yukgaejang with ramyun noodles, offering a unique flavor akin to tomato pasta. Visitor reviews highly praised its impressive quantity and taste, calling it an attractive delicacy.
(Unique point!) They also sell soju by the glass, making it a great option for a light drink when dining alone! 😉
4. Signature 'Yukgallamyun' Honest Review (feat. A Taste Even Ppalnibottle Would Love!)
The menu I (and many others) rave about after visiting Yukjanghwa is the Yukgallamyun! When ordered, a generous bowl is prepared and served, instantly captivating with its visual appeal.
- Visual: Contains about 3 large beef short ribs, which are quite substantial. The presentation, piled high like a mountain, is enough to evoke admiration. The thoughtful provision of mini tongs and scissors to easily separate the meat from the bones is also a nice touch.
- Ribs: Not only is the meat plentiful, but it's also braised for a long time until incredibly tender, making it easy to separate from the bone. The juicy rib meat melts in your mouth, offering a delightful experience.
- Broth: The rich Yukgaejang broth, perfectly infused with the deep flavor of the ribs and the ramyun noodles, creates an 'ecstatic' taste. Its spicy yet deep and refreshing flavor is unforgettable once tasted. After finishing the noodles, mixing rice into the remaining broth makes for a truly perfect meal.
- Noodles: The ramyun noodles are well-soaked in the rich broth, giving the feeling of enjoying a 'cuisine' rather than just simple ramyun.
- Portion Size: Boasts a generous portion large enough to satisfy even an adult male. Those who eat small portions might need to adjust their order size.
Pro Tip: The **Mugimchi** (a hybrid taste between pickled radish and kkakdugi) available at the table is absolutely fantastic. Its clean and refreshing taste harmonizes beautifully with the deep flavor of Yukgallamyun, making it even more enjoyable. Be sure to try it together!
5. Curiosity Awakened! What Does 'Tomato Yukgaejang' Taste Like? 🍅 (A New World of Fusion Soup)
The **Tomato Yukgaejang** was a menu item that Ppalnibottle found particularly surprising and interesting during the <Handsome Guys> broadcast. The unique combination of traditional Yukgaejang and tomatoes initially raises an eyebrow, but once tasted, you'll be captivated by its charm.
It gives a sensation similar to Italian tomato stew, but with the added spicy and thick taste of Yukgaejang, offering a new gourmet experience. The refreshing acidity and subtle sweetness of the tomatoes harmonize with the deep and rich flavor of Yukgaejang, resulting in a taste that is **less spicy and much milder** than conventional Yukgaejang. Therefore, it's a recommendable menu for those who can't handle spicy food well or even for children. Visitor reviews mentioned that the first taste might be confusing, but it has a surprisingly appealing and refreshing quality. Many also reported that the rice tastes unusually savory, making it a delightful dish to enjoy with rice.
6. Before You Visit! Tips & Precautions 📝
As a popular restaurant, knowing a few tips and precautions before visiting Yukjanghwa can make your dining experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Waiting is Essential: Expect long waits during peak hours (around 12 PM for lunch, 6-7 PM for dinner). It is recommended to visit outside peak hours, either **before 11:30 AM or during late lunch (after 1:30 PM)**. Waiting times can often exceed 30 minutes.
- Beware of Sold-Out Items: Menu items containing 'ribs', such as Yukgalltang and Yukgallamyun, are highly popular and may be sold out if you visit late in the evening. (This is based on actual experiences!) It's a good idea to call ahead to check availability.
- No Parking: Again, Yukjanghwa does not have dedicated parking space. Using public transportation is the smartest way to go, as it's a short walk from Taereung Entrance Station. If you must drive, research nearby paid public parking lots in advance.
- Takeaway & Meal Kit Delivery: If dining in is difficult or you prefer to enjoy it at home, takeaway is available. Additionally, they sell **meal kits for delivery online**, so those who live far away or find it difficult to revisit can use this option to experience Yukjanghwa's special taste at home.
- Beware of Heat: The restaurant is cozy with an open kitchen, so the heat from the kitchen can make the interior warm. For those sensitive to heat, keep this in mind when visiting in summer, or try to find a seat with good air conditioning.
Beyond simple Yukgaejang, 'Yukjanghwa' in Gongneung-dong offers an exotic encounter with tomatoes, ribs, and ramyun! It was a truly 'authentic' restaurant, making it clear why Ppalnibottle recommended it and why people queue up to dine there. 👍
If you love rich broth and generous portions of ingredients, I **strongly recommend trying 'Yukgallamyun'**! For those looking for something special hidden in the ordinary, Yukjanghwa will provide a new culinary experience.
Which one appeals more to you: Tomato Yukgaejang or Yukgallamyun? 🤔 I'm also curious about reviews from those who've visited Yukjanghwa! 👇
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