Chinese spot by Cheongdeok Library, fried rice set: Doseogwan Dwitjip

Today I came to Dongbaek for a class, and I was craving jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) and tangsuyuk (Chinese-style sweet and sour pork), so I'm sharing my visit to Doseogwan Dwitjip (도서관뒷집), a Chinese restaurant in Giheung-gu, Yongin.

Doseogwan Dwitjip hours and closing days

Doseogwan Dwitjip is at 18-21 Guseong 2-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi, on the 1st floor, and it is closed every Monday. The hours I noted down are 11:30–15:30 (last order 15:00), with a break from 14:30 to 17:00.

• Address: 18-21 Guseong 2-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi (1st floor)
• Hours: 11:30–15:30, last order 15:00
• Break time: 14:30–17:00
• Closed: every Monday
• Parking: near the Yongin Techno Valley knowledge industry center

The name Doseogwan Dwitjip, "the house behind the library," in Cheongdeok-dong, Yongin, made me really curious. When you wander around a neighborhood, some places catch your curiosity from the name alone, and this name is just fun. It feels like you're heading to a hidden gem only the locals know.

Where to park for Doseogwan Dwitjip

Parking is hard on the alley in front of Doseogwan Dwitjip. Park at Cheongdeok Library across the bridge and it's about a 5-minute walk. There's room for a few cars at the restaurant entrance, but that probably won't work at mealtimes.

I searched the address on my navigation and drove in. Cars were parked in long lines on both sides, and the road ended in a dead end, so I turned around and came back out. Then I parked briefly at Cheongdeok Library right across the bridge and walked over slowly, enjoying the scenery along the way.

When you visit a restaurant, the first thing that catches your eye is the exterior. Looking at the building and the mood at the entrance along with the restaurant's name is an essential part of any visit review.

The name "Doseogwan Dwitjip" feels both unique and warm. The name alone brings the surrounding neighborhood to mind and makes you wonder what food you'll get to taste.

Waiting and the interior at Doseogwan Dwitjip

At Doseogwan Dwitjip, you register your wait on a tablet as soon as you step inside. Put your name on the waitlist on the tablet the moment you walk in.

While waiting, I found myself looking at the interior and the seating. Whether you can sit comfortably and enjoy your meal, and whether it's a good space to chat with your group, matters when choosing a restaurant.

Why "the house behind the library"? Step out the back door and you'll see

You'll understand the name once you step out the back door. While I waited for my seat, I went out the back door for a moment, and seeing the view there, I got why it's called Doseogwan Dwitjip. If you came in through the front door, please do go out the back at least once...

Hot-plate stir-fried jjajang sold out, so two solo sets instead

I came for the hot-plate stir-fried jjajang, but it was already sold out. T_T

So I ordered the jjajang + tangsuyuk solo set and the fried rice + tangsuyuk solo set.

Free large portions for soldiers, police and firefighters, and the self-serve bar

There's a notice at Doseogwan Dwitjip saying, "Soldiers, police officers and firefighters get a large portion at no extra charge," which left an impression on me. The self-serve bar is kept clean, which somehow makes me trust the place. And for couples, it says the boyfriend orders everything, haha.

How does the jjajangmyeon at Doseogwan Dwitjip taste?

When I mixed the sauce into the jjajangmyeon from the jjajang + tangsuyuk solo set at Doseogwan Dwitjip, a nutty, sweet aroma spread and got my appetite going. Jjajangmyeon is the signature dish you can't skip at a Chinese restaurant. A glossy jjajang sauce with chewy noodles is a meal that's welcome any time.

I put the jjajangmyeon from Doseogwan Dwitjip in today's restaurant log too. When I mixed the appetizing sauce over the noodles evenly, a nutty, sweet aroma spread and whetted my appetite.

Fried rice at Doseogwan Dwitjip: a bowl with hot-plate smokiness

The fried rice at Doseogwan Dwitjip in Cheongdeok-dong, Yongin, had a nutty flavor in every grain plus the smoky char of the hot plate, and it was really good. At a Chinese restaurant, fried rice is the dish you agonize over along with jjajangmyeon. Fluffy stir-fried rice mixed with all kinds of ingredients makes a filling meal.

With fried rice, the texture of the grains and the balance of ingredients matter. A spoonful while it's hot gives you that nutty taste, and eating it with the jjajang sauce on the side gives you a different flavor again.

How big is the tangsuyuk in the solo set?

The tangsuyuk that came with the solo set at Doseogwan Dwitjip was just the right amount for one person. Fried in bite-size pieces, it was easy to pick up one piece at a time.

The charm of tangsuyuk is the crispy batter and the nutty taste of the meat. Add the sweet and sour sauce and you get an appetite-boosting flavor. Eat it with the sauce poured on for a moist, tender bite, or if you like crunch, it's fun to dip the pieces in the sauce on the side.

If you're looking for a Chinese restaurant near Cheongdeok Library

If you came to Cheongdeok Library in Yongin and need a place to eat, if you're craving hot-plate jjajang in Giheung-gu, Yongin, or if you're looking for a Chinese restaurant in Cheongdeok-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin, I recommend Doseogwan Dwitjip.