Deulggokhwa Tteokbokki is a popular restaurant located in Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town in Seoul. Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town is known for its many tteokbokki spots, where visitors can enjoy traditional spicy tteokbokki and various side dishes.
1. Location and Transportation
- Address: 61 Toegye-ro 76-gil, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Public Transportation:
- Sindang Station (Line 2, Line 6): Exit 7 or 8, about a 5-7 minute walk
- Cheonggu Station (Line 5, Line 6): Exit 1, about a 5-7 minute walk
- Parking: There’s space for about 4-5 cars in front of the restaurant, which is a big advantage. Many other tteokbokki spots lack parking or require valet services.
2. Menu and Prices
Deulggokhwa Tteokbokki offers traditional spicy tteokbokki along with a variety of additional menu items. One of their standout dishes is chicken feet.
- Tteokbokki: Two servings are enough for two people, and three servings are plenty for three people. You can also add extra ingredients to make the dish even more flavorful.
- Chicken Feet: The bone-in chicken feet are a popular dish here. The tender meat separates easily from the bone, giving a satisfying texture as you eat. You can also adjust the spice level according to your preference.
- The price is 8,000 KRW, which has gradually increased over the years. It used to be 5,000 KRW when I first visited, but it seems to rise by 500 KRW every year.
- They also offer boneless chicken feet, but the bone-in version is highly recommended.
- Fried Dumplings (mandu) and grilled dumplings (yakki mandu): These are popular side dishes that can be enjoyed on their own or added to the tteokbokki to enhance the flavor.
- Saengsaeng Udon: Although it’s not commonly ordered, the rich broth makes it a pleasant option for some customers. It’s also a favorite of my son.
- Black Rice Fried Rice: This is a unique dish at Deulggokhwa Tteokbokki, featuring sesame oil, chives, seaweed flakes, and black rice. It costs 3,000 KRW per serving, or 9,000 KRW for three servings. While a bit pricey, its nutty flavor makes it worth trying.
- Patbingsu (Red Bean Shaved Ice): In the summer, the traditional patbingsu is a great dessert to finish the meal on a sweet note.
3. Service and Features
- Self-refillable Side Dishes: The pickled radish (danmuji), a popular side with tteokbokki, is available for self-refill. It’s a hit with many customers, and I personally refilled it four times during my meal!
- Generous Portions: The portions at Deulggokhwa Tteokbokki are large enough for two or three people, making it a great spot to share food with friends or family.
- Convenient Parking: One of the few places in Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town with available parking, Deulggokhwa Tteokbokki’s parking lot makes it easy to visit without worrying about finding a spot.
4. Key Points
- Their chicken feet is especially noteworthy, with the bone-in version being highly recommended. The spice level can be customized, and the meat separates easily from the bone, making it an addictive dish for many.
- Tteokbokki and various side dishes offer great value, and the portions are more than enough for group meals, making it an ideal spot to visit with friends or family.
- Convenient parking is a huge plus, making Deulggokhwa Tteokbokki an easy choice for those driving to Sindang-dong.
Deulggokhwa Tteokbokki is a beloved spot in Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town, known for its unique menu items and convenient facilities, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town is a famous food district located in Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, where various tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) specialty restaurants are gathered. It is one of the most iconic destinations in Korea for enjoying tteokbokki, having become a tteokbokki hotspot since the 1970s.
1. History and Background
Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town began to form naturally in the 1970s as a hub for tteokbokki, Korea’s representative street food. It became well-known thanks to Mabokrim Halmeoni (Grandmother) Tteokbokki, which played a key role in its popularity. Over the years, more tteokbokki shops opened, and it grew into the bustling food town it is today.
2. Main Features
- Variety of Tteokbokki Restaurants: The town has dozens of tteokbokki restaurants, each offering slightly different variations of the dish. You can find everything from traditional spicy tteokbokki to more unique and modern interpretations with different ingredients.
- Side Dishes: In addition to tteokbokki, there are many delicious side dishes available, such as fried foods, sundae (Korean blood sausage), and fish cakes. Many shops also offer options like cheese and boiled eggs to add to the tteokbokki, making the experience even more customizable. Some restaurants even serve specialty items like chicken feet and udon.
- Self-Cooking Style: In some restaurants, customers can cook their own tteokbokki with the provided ingredients, adding to the fun and interactive dining experience.
3. Popular Restaurants
- Mabokrim Tteokbokki: This is the original restaurant of Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town and is often credited with starting the area’s tteokbokki culture. It’s famous for its traditional spicy tteokbokki, and many visitors come to experience the authentic taste.
- I Love Tteokbokki: Known for offering a variety of tteokbokki and unique side dishes, this spot is particularly popular among younger visitors.
- Deulggokhwa Tteokbokki: Famous for its convenient parking and signature bone-in chicken feet, this restaurant also offers generous portions and a wide range of menu options.
4. More than Just Tteokbokki
Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town is not only a place to eat tteokbokki but also a destination where you can experience Korea’s street food culture. Visitors can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of old Seoul while indulging in different street foods. It has become a popular spot for foreign tourists looking to experience Korea’s unique culinary traditions.
5. Transportation and Accessibility
- Subway: The town is conveniently located near Sindang Station (Line 2, Line 6) and Cheonggu Station (Line 5, Line 6), both within a 5-10 minute walk. This makes it easy to reach by public transportation.
- Parking: While parking can be challenging in the area, some restaurants offer small parking spaces or valet services.
6. Visiting Tips
- Wait Times: Popular restaurants may have long wait times during weekends or evenings. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during lunchtime or on weekday evenings.
- Menu Combos: The best way to enjoy the town is by ordering a variety of side dishes along with your tteokbokki. Try adding cheese, ramen, or boiled eggs to enhance the flavor.
Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience Korea’s street food culture and enjoy a wide range of tteokbokki styles. It’s one of Seoul’s most popular food destinations, perfect for locals and tourists alike.