Gamaksan Wang Sotddukkeong Kimchi Samgyeopsal Near Nowon Station
Location and Ambiance
Gamaksan Wang Sotddukkeong Kimchi Samgyeopsal is a must-visit Korean BBQ spot located near Nowon Station. It’s tucked away in a quieter alley heading toward Sanggye Elementary School, about 100 meters from the GS25 convenience store. Despite its discreet location, the restaurant is spacious and well-maintained, offering a comfortable and clean environment. It’s perfect for both casual meals and group gatherings, although there are no private rooms. Parking is available right in front of the restaurant for added convenience.
The Unique Cooking Style
The restaurant’s highlight is its use of a sotddukkeong—a large wok-shaped lid—placed over the grill. The wok’s surface allows the meat and side ingredients to cook evenly without burning. This method keeps the pork belly juicy while grilling an assortment of ingredients like kimchi, bean sprouts, aged radish kimchi, potatoes, and onions alongside it. The flavor combination is simply divine, with the juices from the meat blending beautifully with the vegetables.
Menu Highlights
The pork belly (samgyeopsal) is thickly cut and aged to perfection, ensuring it’s tender and free from any unpleasant odor. A portion (200g) costs 16,000 KRW, which is quite reasonable given the quality. Complimentary soybean paste stew (doenjang jjigae) and steamed eggs are served with your meal, adding a nice touch of homestyle comfort.
For dessert or side dishes, the restaurant offers a range of options, including:
- Banquet Noodles (Janchi Guksu)
- Young Radish Noodles (Yeolmu Guksu)
- Brisket Soybean Paste Stew (Chadol Doenjang Jjigae)
- Fried Rice (Bokkeumbap)
Why It’s Special
One of the best parts about dining here is the variety of ingredients that can be grilled together on the sotddukkeong. The combination of pork belly with slightly charred bean sprouts and kimchi is a flavor-packed experience. Their side dishes, such as fresh perilla leaves and pickled vegetables (jangajji), complement the meat perfectly. Grilled aged green onion kimchi adds a smoky depth that elevates the entire meal.
Dining Experience
The spacious layout and thoughtful touches like phone chargers at every table show the restaurant’s focus on customer convenience. The vibrant yet cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to enjoy with friends or family.
My Favorite Way to Enjoy
Personally, I recommend this simple ritual:
- Dip the pork belly lightly in sesame oil.
- Wrap it in fresh lettuce with a bit of rice, garlic, and ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce).
- Take a hearty bite and follow it with a sip of soju—it’s pure bliss.
Final Notes
Gamaksan Wang Sotddukkeong Kimchi Samgyeopsal offers a balance of quality, flavor, and a unique cooking method. Whether you’re a local or visiting Nowon, this spot deserves a top spot on your Korean BBQ list.
Address
1st Floor, 23 Sanggye-ro 7-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul
Directions
From Exit 10 of Nowon Station, head toward Sanggye Elementary School. Look for the GS25 convenience store, then enter the alley and walk about 100 meters. You’ll find the restaurant on your left.
Hashtags
#NowonStationBBQ #GamaksanKimchiSamgyeopsal #SotddukkeongBBQ #NowonFoodie