Cheongju restaurant with self-serve noodle broth: Ojangdong

When the wind turns cool, my family often drives out to Cheongnamdae, and there's one hanwoo bulgogi place I always think of as a Cheongju Cheongnamdae must-eat spot: Ojangdong Heungnamjip. Let me introduce it today!

Every time I go, the huge parking lot is packed — it never seems to lose its popularity. We often stop by on drives, and this time we got in just after 5pm, which was so nice and relaxed.

Ojangdong Heungnamjip Cheongju Branch: hours and parking

Ojangdong Heungnamjip Cheongju Branch is located at 721 Danjae-ro, Namil-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, and is open 11:00–20:40 (last order 20:10). Break time is 15:30–16:30, and it's closed every Wednesday.

Since this place is so popular, I'd recommend checking the closed day and break time before visiting. It's right along the way to Cheongnamdae or Daecheong Lake, so the location is great, and the parking lot is huge, so you can stop by without worrying about parking — a solid pick if you're looking for a Cheongju Cheongnamdae hanwoo bulgogi restaurant.

What is the dining hall like?

The hall at Ojangdong Heungnamjip Cheongju Branch has high ceilings and is very spacious, so it feels comfortable. I'm always amazed by the size of the parking lot every time I pass by, and the inside is just as generous.

This place has even been featured on TV, so it's popular not just with locals but with travelers nearby too. There are so many staff and they're all so skilled that seating and side dish setup happen at lightning speed — no waiting around, which I always love, haha.

The menu and the self-serve noodle broth

Ojangdong Heungnamjip has been a famous Hamhung-style naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) house for three generations since opening in 1953, but the hanwoo raw bulgogi is also a bestseller loved by everyone. Today's pick: hanwoo raw bulgogi!

The self-serve corner offers noodle broth, and you can grab side dish refills freely too.

I always make a point of drinking the broth whenever I go, and it's just as good every time. I went back for it twice again this time, haha.

Which side dishes come with the meal?

The moment we ordered, fresh side dishes were set out at lightning speed. The kimchi was refreshing and the lettuce salad and greens were nice and tangy too.

How the hanwoo raw bulgogi is served

And finally, the hanwoo raw bulgogi makes its entrance — oh my, look how vivid the color is! Haha.

It's then piled generously onto a specially made hot pot right at the table. Since it's not beef marinated for ages but freshly sliced top-grade hanwoo, the color and freshness of the meat really stand out!

Eating a full spread like this leaves you so satisfied — it's a menu everyone, young or old, is bound to love, so I recommend it. If you're looking for Korean food near Cheongnamdae in Cheongju, Ojangdong Heungnamjip is a great choice since you can enjoy both naengmyeon and bulgogi.

The best order to eat it in

Once the broth comes to a boil, fish out the glass noodles first, then grill the meat in the middle of the copper plate and dip it briefly in the broth — it comes out so tender.

It's a flavor that blends the savoriness of Eonyang-style bulgogi with the sweetness of Seoul-style bulgogi, which really suits my taste, so I come often. It's not the least bit heavy, even for kids or grandparents. It's a great Cheongju Cheongnamdae hanwoo bulgogi pick for taking your parents to — I finished a whole bowl of rice without even noticing, haha.

The japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) side dish also came out nice and warm, which was delicious too.

The salad and the seasoned mung bean jelly (cheongpomuk) were also both delicious! I never get tired of this place even after visiting again and again, haha.

Is Ojangdong Heungnamjip worth the trip?

Ojangdong Heungnamjip Cheongju Branch insists on top-grade hanwoo only, no imported beef, so you can trust what you're eating, and personally I love the quick service and huge parking lot too. The combination of the not-too-heavy but deeply flavorful hanwoo bulgogi and the warm noodle broth left me very satisfied once again, munch munch.

On the way out, I noticed the autographs on the wall — wow, looks like just about everyone has been here, haha.

On the way out, we wrapped things up neatly with a coffee for dessert!

If you're planning a trip to Daecheong Dam or Cheongnamdae, stop by Ojangdong Heungnamjip for a hearty meal — a sure-fire Cheongju Cheongnamdae hanwoo bulgogi pick.