Gwanpyeong-dong dumpling restaurant with weekend lines: Yongja 1

Why Gwanpyeong-dong locals line up at Yongja 1 for kimchi dumplings

Did you know there's a budget-friendly restaurant with amazing kimchi dumplings near the Hyundai Outlet? Today I want to introduce Yongja 1, a famous spot in Gwanpyeong-dong, Daejeon. I'll give you my honest review, so stick with me to the end haha 😁

Yongja 1 Gwanpyeong Branch hours and closing days

• 🕕Monday to Saturday 11:00 – 20:00
• ❗Regular closed day: every Sunday
• 👀Break time 15:00 – 17:00
• ✨Last order 14:30 / 19:30
• 📍Reservations and takeout available

Where is Yongja 1 in Gwanpyeong-dong, Daejeon?

Among restaurants in Gwanpyeong-dong, Daejeon, Yongja 1 is perfect for lunch — it's known for kimchi dumplings and kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) made with handmade noodles.

I timed my opening-rush visit for 11am on a weekend, and I liked that reservations and parking were both possible. There was even a waitlist you could check next to the entrance, so I could wait comfortably ✌

Are Yongja 1's kimchi dumplings worth the price?

The menu lets you try signature dishes like kalguksu, dumpling kalguksu, bibim kalguksu (spicy mixed noodles), and kimchi dumplings at reasonable prices. Leftover dumplings can be packed to go, and there's a separate self-serve bar so it was easy to use comfortably. The self-serve bar had fresh kimchi (geotjeori), pickled onions, and sauces.

Inside Yongja 1 Gwanpyeong Branch

The inside of Yongja 1 was bigger than I expected, and the air conditioning was running full blast so I could enjoy it cool and comfortably ✌

Maybe because I came at opening time, I could take it easy, and I could watch the staff actually making things by hand, which gave me confidence in what I was eating. By the way, you can watch the staff making the kalguksu and dumplings — since they're handmade rather than store-bought, you could really tell the difference ❗

What we ordered at Yongja 1, up close

Table setting and self-serve bar

The basic side dishes were fresh kimchi (geotjeori) and pickled onions. If you want more, you can help yourself as much as you like at the self-serve bar — good to keep in mind.

Steamed dumplings, 9,000 won

I ordered steamed dumplings and rice cake dumpling soup, and the steamed dumplings arrived first. They were packed full of kimchi and meat — the look alone was surprising.

The flavor was spicy and sharp in the best way, and the filling was so substantial it exceeded my expectations. Overall, both the quality and the price felt completely justified. They also have a summer menu, kongguksu (cold soybean noodle soup), and I'd love to try that next time.

Rice cake and dumpling soup, 10,000 won

The rice cake and dumpling soup was generously filled with chewy rice cakes and dumplings, enough to fill you up. Best of all, the broth was savory and deep, and it went together perfectly.

So next time I come back, I'd definitely want to reorder the dumpling kalguksu and the rice cake dumpling soup — they were that good. If you're looking for a budget-friendly restaurant with great kimchi dumplings, I'd recommend this place.

Final verdict on Yongja 1 Gwanpyeong Branch

Yongja 1, a restaurant in Gwanpyeong-dong, Daejeon, was really great for trying high-quality kimchi dumplings and rice cake dumpling soup. The prices were reasonable and the portions were substantial, so I liked it a lot. Plus, leftover dumplings can be packed to go, and it's just right for lunch — honestly impressive. I think I'll come back whenever I'm craving it.

If you want high-quality food, if you're looking for a good lunch spot in Gwanpyeong-dong, Daejeon, or if you want a reasonably priced meal, I'd recommend giving this place a try 😄