Bakkga Samgeori Budae-jjigae – A Must-Visit in Munsan, Paju
If you’re a fan of budae-jjigae, or Korean army stew, there’s a legendary spot tucked away in Munsan-eup, Paju that you shouldn’t miss: Bakkga Samgeori Budae-jjigae (박가 삼거리 부대찌개). With a history spanning over 55 years, this restaurant is beloved by locals and foodies alike for its hearty, flavorful take on one of Korea’s most iconic comfort foods.
📍 Location & Info
- Address: 103 Munhyang-ro, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Closed on: Sundays
- Parking: Available, but shared (can be tricky during lunch hours)
Though the official name is Paju Bakkga Samgeori Budae-jjigae, most people simply refer to it as Munsan Samgeori Budae-jjigae.
🍲 What Makes It Special?
This isn’t just any budae-jjigae. The stew here is known for its rich broth, deeply infused with flavors from classic ingredients like:
- Sausages
- Spam
- Ground meat
- Kimchi
- Green onions
- Ramen noodles
- And a generous amount of ssukgat (crown daisy)
The broth has a bold, slightly spicy, and savory depth that keeps people coming back. Once the crown daisy cooks down, it blends beautifully with the rest of the ingredients, adding a subtle herbal note without overpowering the dish.
🍚 Side Dishes & Extras
Every meal starts with:
- Steamed white rice
- Kimchi
- A cold soup that resembles dongchimi (radish water kimchi), although the flavor is a bit milder and less distinct
If you’re a noodle lover, you’ll be happy to know that extra noodles (sari-myeon) are available. That said, many regulars recommend waiting to add the noodles until after tasting the broth—early addition can dilute the original flavor due to the starch content.
🔥 Dining Tip
Be prepared for a bit of a wait during lunch hours—this place is popular, and for good reason. But the turnover is fast, and the experience is well worth it.
🌟 A Local Favorite with Lasting Legacy
There’s something nostalgic and comforting about eating here. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for the taste you can’t forget, Bakkga Samgeori Budae-jjigae offers a warm, filling meal that perfectly captures the essence of Korean home-cooked flavors.
And if you’re exploring other famous budae-jjigae spots, consider Hosoo Restaurant in Dongducheon—another gem known for its signature take on the dish.
🔖 Hashtags
#PajuEats #MunsanBudaeJjigae #BakkgaSamgeori #KoreanArmyStew #HiddenGemsKorea