Dongdaemun Dakhanmari Kalguksu
Wonso Dak / Wonhalmae Wonjo Dakhanmari
For years, this has been my go-to spot for Dakhanmari (Korean whole chicken hotpot) in Dongdaemun.
Especially during the colder months, when the weather starts to get chilly, this dish is a great choice—whether you’re looking for a hearty meal with friends or a warm dish to accompany a casual drink. It offers great value for money while delivering comforting flavors.
Getting There: The Grilled Fish Alley on the Way to Dakhanmari Street
To reach the heart of the Dakhanmari dining area, you can take the subway to Dongdaemun Station (Lines 1 & 4) and walk toward Jongno 5-ga. Along the way, you’ll pass through Grilled Fish Alley, a street filled with restaurants specializing in freshly grilled fish.
Walking through this alley leads you directly to Dakhanmari Street, where multiple restaurants serve variations of this iconic dish.
The Entrance to Dakhanmari Street
Once you pass through Grilled Fish Alley, you’ll arrive at the entrance to Dakhanmari Street, home to several well-known restaurants that specialize in this dish.
A Regular Spot for Decades
I have been visiting this place for years, and it has become one of my all-time favorites. It has even been featured on TV multiple times, but honestly, there are other, more famous Dakhanmari restaurants nearby as well.
That said, in my experience, the taste is quite similar across different restaurants in the area. The biggest difference comes from how you mix the seasonings to enhance the flavor of the broth and the chicken.
📍 Restaurant Information
Wonso Dak / Wonhalmae Wonjo Dakhanmari
📍 Address: 25, Jongno 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🚗 Parking Information:
- If you’re driving, the best option is the Cheonggyecheon Public Parking Lot, but parking fees can be quite expensive.
- Additionally, the lot is often full, especially since it’s also used by visitors heading to Gwangjang Market nearby.
🚇 Public Transportation:
- Take Seoul Subway Line 1 or 4 and get off at Dongdaemun Station, Exit 9.
- Follow the red-marked route (as indicated on many guides or maps), and you’ll reach the restaurant in about 10 minutes on foot.
Better Value with Set Menus
If you’re visiting in a group, I highly recommend ordering a set menu for better value.
For example:
🍽 The C Set Menu was more than enough for four people.
🥬 Refills & Side Dishes
- Vegetables can be self-refilled once.
- Kimchi is unlimited, which is a major plus!
One of the highlights of Dakhanmari is that the kimchi significantly enhances the broth’s flavor as it simmers.
A Must-Have Ingredient: The Seasoning Paste (Dadaegi, 다대기)
A crucial ingredient for this dish is the seasoning paste, known as Dadaegi (다대기).
To bring out the full depth of flavor in the broth, you must add a ladle of Dadaegi into the pot while cooking.
How to Use It
- When the dish is first served, you’ll see an assortment of ingredients laid out.
- Take cabbage and mix it with Dadaegi, soy sauce, and mustard sauce to create a flavorful dipping sauce for the chicken.
This step significantly enhances the overall taste of the meal!
Cooking the Broth, My Own Style
The dish arrives with partially cooked chicken, so you don’t need to boil it for too long before eating.
🔹 To get the best flavor:
- Add a generous amount of kimchi into the pot.
- Add Dadaegi and let it simmer for a little longer.
By doing this, the chicken breast becomes even more tender, absorbing the flavors of the rich, spicy broth.
Finishing Off with Kalguksu (Knife-Cut Noodles)
At the end of the meal, it’s time for the best part—adding Kalguksu noodles to the remaining broth!
🍜 How to Enjoy It:
- Add the noodles and let them cook in the flavorful broth.
- If the broth runs low, the restaurant will refill it for free.
- The noodles absorb all the flavors, making them absolutely delicious.
At this moment, I truly felt like a soup magician—turning the leftover broth into a deeply flavorful noodle dish!
My Personal Recipe for the Best Flavor
If you want to try making the best version of this dish, follow my simple recipe:
1️⃣ Add two spoonfuls of Dadaegi (adjust to taste).
2️⃣ Add one serving of kimchi into the broth.
3️⃣ If you like stronger flavors, add one more plate of kimchi (since it’s free and self-serve).
⚠ Important Tip:
When the broth is piping hot, it may taste less salty than it actually is. Be careful not to over-season it!
Additional Tips & Nearby Attractions
✔ Parking can be difficult.
- Cheonggyecheon Public Parking Lot is often full due to its proximity to Gwangjang Market.
- Also, parking fees are quite expensive, so consider using public transportation instead.
✔ Gwangjang Market is only a 10-minute walk away.
- After your meal, take a short walk to Gwangjang Market to explore traditional Korean street food stalls.
- To get there, walk past the end of Dakhanmari Street, go through Shinjin Market, and cross the street.
✔ It’s accessible from both Dongdaemun Station and Jongno 5-ga Station.
- While Dongdaemun Station is slightly closer, Jongno 5-ga Station is also within walking distance.
- Keep this in mind when planning your visit.
Final Thoughts
No matter which Dakhanmari restaurant you visit in Dongdaemun, the most important factor is how you season the broth and adjust the flavors to your liking.
For a truly delicious and customized experience, try experimenting with different amounts of Dadaegi and kimchi in the broth.
If you visit, be sure to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of Dakhanmari and explore the nearby traditional markets to complete your trip!
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