“Yeonnal Junggukjip: A Taste of Old Seoul’s Chinatown”
📍Address - 42, Dongsoomun-ro 34-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
🏖Ambiance/Facilities - Old-school & Local
💡Highlights - Very Good Sweet & Sour Pork
💵Avg. Price per Person - 20 USD
⭐️Rating - 3/4
Located in one of the oldest parts of Seoul, Yeonnal Junggukjip (Old Chinese House) is a real neighborhood joint that’s beloved by locals and steeped in decades of tradition. There’s nothing fancy about it—just a no-frills, no-nonsense spot that has stood the test of time.
The decor is straight out of the 1970s, complete with an old wall fan, worn-down tables, and a collection of awards on the walls that speak to the restaurant’s storied history. The menu is simple and straightforward, plastered on the wall and offering around 20 dishes in total—far fewer than even the most basic Chinese restaurants. But that’s part of the charm: a tight focus on a handful of beloved dishes that have earned their loyal following.
Despite the small menu, everyone seems to order the same few standbys: jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), or fried rice. However, every table also seems to have the tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), and for good reason. This version is unique: the batter is thick and crunchy, almost like American fried chicken, but it’s not greasy or heavy. The pork is juicy and well cut, while the sweet and sour sauce has a subtle smoky aroma that sets it apart from other versions. It’s served with a cabbage salad in a ketchup-based dressing, a nostalgic touch that harks back to old Korean diners.
Besides the tangsuyuk, we ordered the jjamppong, jajangmyeon, and fried rice. While simple, each dish was well executed. The black bean sauce for the jjajangmyeon was loaded with onions, giving it a natural sweetness; the jjamppong was packed with seafood, and the broth was spicy with al dente noodles; and the fried rice was flavorful, hot, and crispy.
This might not be my go-to Chinese restaurant in Seoul, but it’s a place I’d revisit whenever I’m in the area. There’s something comforting and honest about its straightforward cooking—proof that sometimes, the simplest meals leave the strongest impressions.
#travel #localfood #seoulfoodie #koreanchinese