December's things to do

Walk past the Namyeong Station in Yongsan into a small alleyway and you’ll see a hanok (traditional Korean house)—or just look for a house that stands out from the rest. It is at this 100-year-old house that Gangwonjung set up shop to serve its signature samgye-tang all year-round. Founded in 1978, the restaurant is now owned by Ham Ho-sik, the son of the founder. The quality of the samgye-tang is definitely one of the main reasons the restaurant has stayed open for 39 years. The commitment of the restaurant can be felt in a single bowl: using domestic poultry that is more fully grown than other restaurants, the broth is boiled for up to two hours to create a rich flavor. Be sure you get your fill for lunch or dinner (there is a break between three and five o’clock in the afternoon).

Salmon sashimi lovers, here’s one for you. Mibbeudong is famed for its tomato salmon noodles – a refreshing, cold tomato broth packed with vegetables and long strands of salmon sashimi cut lengthways to resemble noodles. If you’re a little less excited over this, another popular item on the menu here is the Mibbeudong itself, a rice moat topped with a tower of mixed sashimi, uni and ikura.

Located in Dongja-dong near Seoul Station, Ilmi Jang-eo offers a single option. Crunchy, deep fried eel bone is served as an appetizer before the salt-broiled, thick pieces of eel grilled over charcoal come out as the main dish. People often think that eel is greasy, but at this restaurant, this is far from the truth as the food is light in flavor. Freshwater shrimp and smelt soup, served as side dishes, complement the eel. Add some well-cooked rice mixed with seasoned chives and some sauce, and it’s an unbeatable pairing. Make sure to call in advance and check if they are open, as their schedule constantly changes.   PHOTOGRAPH: PARK JUNG-WOO