Gangneung’s “Ulleung Seaweed and Rockfish Soup” is a traditional dish in the region, prepared using local specialties – rockfish and seaweed. The origin of this dish is believed to be rooted in the active fishing activities of coastal communities in the Gangneung area.
Rockfish, commonly caught along the East Sea, is known for its fresh and robust flavor specific to the region. The seaweed used in the soup is harvested from the coastal areas around Gangneung.
Ulleung Seaweed and Rockfish Soup combines the rich and savory taste of rockfish with the chewy texture of seaweed, resulting in a distinctively clean yet deep flavor. Typically enjoyed more during the winter season, this dish is known for its nutritious broth, believed to contribute to warmth and overall well-being.
“I had indulged in overeating at a sashimi restaurant near Gangneung Station the previous day. To nurse my hangover the next morning, I decided to visit Gangneung’s famous old Taekwang restaurant, well-known among locals.
They open as early as 7:30 AM, making it suitable for breakfast, and their spacious parking lot ensures no worries about parking.
How many years of tradition do they hold? It must have been more than 20 years…
Gangmun Old Taekwang Restaurant, famous for rockfish seaweed soup, doesn’t serve dinner, so be mindful of their operating hours!
Gangneung Station is around a 10-minute drive from here, and it’s also close to Gangmun Beach.
In 2013 and 2018, Gangneung rockfish seaweed soup was introduced in the media. This restaurant might have been one of the highlights.
✔️ Opening Hours: Closed on Tuesdays, Open daily from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, No dinner service.
✅ Menu and Prices:
- rockfish seaweed soup: 10,000 KRW
- They provide 7 side dishes and even mackerel as part of the set.
- Codfish soup: 25,000 KRW (I tried it once, and for me, Gangneung codfish soup is still the top priority)
Evidence of many visitors can be seen here. Frames on the wall show the marks of time, reflecting years of history.
They offer various fish-based soup dishes like codfish, monkfish, mackerel, and more.
When you order, they promptly serve you with seven side dishes.
🥘 Gangneung rockfish Seaweed Soup:
Today, the flavor of the seaweed soup seems slightly less pronounced. There’s a subtle sense of disappointment. Why is that?
It felt like it was 2% less than what I had experienced before.
Nevertheless, it was still a satisfying breakfast to cure the hangover.
No matter when you come, the feeling remains consistent. It’s the kind of place that would leave you feeling regretful if you pass by without eating.
Potatoes and squid jeotgal (fermented seafood) are served as they are typical in Gangwon Province.
Pickled cucumbers and spicy pepper side dishes are neatly presented.
The mooli kimchi and bean sprout side dishes come separately.
The mackerel served was part of the default side dishes, not a separate order.
The only downside this time was that the distinct flavor of Ulleungdo seaweed seemed less compatible with the seaweed soup than usual.
My companion also didn’t feel a significant impact and mentioned that their expectations might have been too high.
While a restaurant’s main menu flavor can’t always be the same like a machine, it’s a bit disappointing that the taste changes over time.
Still, it remains a favorite for me as a breakfast spot in Gangneung.
The jeotgal (fermented seafood) on the slightly crispy rice, along with the well-prepared grilled mackerel, was delightful.
Did they add curry or drizzle butter? Either way, the grilled mackerel was clean and delicious, with almost no bones left to bother.
This could easily be a main dish rather than a side.
After a long time, I had a lavish breakfast instead of my usual light and healthy morning meal. Mission accomplished for Gangneung breakfast!
There is a spot in front of the restaurant where you can sit and have a coffee, but it lacks parasols or shade, so it doesn’t offer much help—a disappointing aspect of the place.
Fold/Expand They open from 7:30 AM, except on Tuesdays, making Old Taekwang Restaurant in Gangneung a suitable spot for breakfast.
[My Personal Review]
✔ Located about a 10-minute drive from Gangneung Station, 10 minutes from Gyeongpo Lake, and just 5 minutes from Gangmun Beach, it’s a clean place for breakfast.
✔ They operate from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM every day, except for Tuesdays.
✔ The ample parking space means you don’t need to worry about parking.
If you’re craving refreshing codfish soup, you might want to try Sinseongwon Restaurant in the vicinity.
#GangneungBreakfastSpot
#OldTaekwangRestaurant
#GangneungGangmunrockfishSeaweedSoup
#TheyAlsoServeCodfishSoupButThisPlaceIsKnownForrockfishSeaweedSoup”