Rainy Sunday gamjatang and giant dumplings in Suncheon: Namdareun

The rainy Sunday evening Namdareun Gamjatang Suncheon Jorye branch was full

Last Sunday evening it was raining, and I wanted something hot and brothy, so I went to Namdareun Gamjatang Suncheon Jorye branch (남다른감자탕 순천조례점) in Jorye-dong, Suncheon. It's been raining a lot lately, and on days like this you just crave a steaming bowl of soup, right? But the moment I opened the door, I was a little surprised.

Wait... it's totally full? lol

Luckily, exactly one table was left, so I could sit down right away.

Namdareun Suncheon Jorye branch: hours, parking and seating

• Address: 123 Baegyeon-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeonnam, South Korea (1st floor)
• Hours: daily 10:00–23:00
• Break time: 15:00–17:00
• Open every day
• Parking: available in front of and beside the restaurant

There's parking in front of the restaurant, so it was easy to visit by car. It looked like room for about 6 cars, and I'd suggest calling ahead before you go. Since it's open every day, it's a great place to head to without a second thought whenever you're craving a hearty soup!

Inside, there's everything from standard 4-person tables to group tables for 5 or 6, so it looks great for company dinners or family gatherings.

Why I ordered two Namja-tang instead of the couple-size gamjatang

This time I ordered two Namja-tang (남자탕), Namdareun's single-serving gamjatang (pork bone stew) at ₩11,000 each, plus 4 giant dumplings and a Coke Zero. Last time I had the couple-size gamjatang here, and for two people it was quite a lot of food by my standards. So this time I picked Namja-tang, which is nice when each person gets their own bowl.

But oddly enough, I liked the Namja-tang better than the couple-size pot. It's the same gamjatang place, so why does eating from your own bowl taste better...? I guess it really is just a matter of taste.

Namja-tang at Namdareun: portion and flavor

One bowl of Namja-tang came with two big bones. Pulling the meat off, dunking it in the broth and eating it with rice was just perfect for a rainy-night dinner. I wanted to have one drink with it, but I'd driven, so I'll save that for next time!!

The portion was plenty for a full meal, and since you don't have to keep it boiling like a hot pot, I actually found Namja-tang more comfortable and easier. And just like last time, the bones had lots of meat and it was easy to eat! Tender and clean with no gamey smell. There's a reason so many people come here!

With a spoonful of rice and a piece of meat in the hot broth, I could tell why the Namja-tang tasted extra good that day.

Side dish: are the 4 giant dumplings really that big?

The giant dumplings (왕만두) here really live up to the name. I was debating whether to order them or just stick to rice, and they ended up more memorable than I expected, so I'm telling you about them!! When they first arrived I thought, "They're not just giant in name!" They were seriously huge.

It wasn't just size, either: the filling packed the inside, so even one dumpling was quite filling. Eating Namja-tang, then a dumpling, then another sip of broth worked well together. Honestly, it's a side, so I didn't expect much, but I'd order the dumplings again next time.

No wonder it's full on a rainy day

Everyone seems to have the same craving for hot gamjatang on a rainy day. Seeing Namdareun Suncheon Jorye branch nearly full in the evening, I understood why people keep coming back.

Couple-size gamjatang vs Namja-tang: my vote goes to Namja-tang

I've had the couple-size gamjatang last time and Namja-tang this time, and my vote goes to Namja-tang! Two big chunks of meat, a bowl of rice and giant dumplings made for a hearty dinner.

Also, a nice touch: there's mouthwash in the restroom! The self-serve bar had plenty of side dishes too!!

Who is Namdareun Suncheon Jorye branch for?

If you're in Jorye-dong, Suncheon, craving warm soup on a rainy day, or looking for Suncheon gamjatang or pork bone hangover soup, Namja-tang at Namdareun is a good option. I think it's an ideal restaurant for anyone who wants a generous meal with hot, soothing broth.

With its solid single-serving stews, it's also perfect for anyone who wants to eat alone comfortably without feeling awkward, and the menu is easy for everyone from small kids to grandparents, so I recommend it for family meals or company dinners.