Weekend afternoon parking at a Gangneung tofu restaurant: Jeong Eunsuk

I usually bring you thorough reviews here on the blog, and on this Gangneung trip I visited a genuine local favorite that locals themselves strongly recommend.

It's Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu (정은숙초당순두부), a place that packs the true flavor of a Gangneung trip onto one table.

• Address: 200 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
• Hours: 08:00–18:30, last order 17:30

Why we picked Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu

When you come to Gangneung, silky sundubu isn't optional — it's mandatory! Looking for somewhere genuinely famous rather than an obvious tourist-trap restaurant, I heard this place is run by a chef who holds the title of Master Chef of Korea, so I went to check it out.

Parking and wait times on a weekend afternoon

Even though we visited on a weekend afternoon, a time that can get crowded, the private parking area was so spacious that we had zero parking stress and could park very comfortably. This is really a great place to visit by car.

Under a blue sky, the clean, oversized signboard seemed to welcome us from a distance. The natural stone steps and green landscaping at the entrance put me at ease, haha.

Out front there was a generously sized outdoor waiting area, and even if there's a line, the restaurant's turnover is so quick that tables free up fast — meaning even a short wait at the front doesn't drag on, and you get to eat before long. That's probably the biggest advantage here.

The Master Chef of Korea plaque inside

The moment I stepped inside, the first thing that caught my eye was the Master Chef of Korea plaque. I saw with my own eyes this plaque, awarded in 2020 by the president of the Korea Food Tourism Association.

My confidence in the quality of the food about to hit the table shot up instantly. The interior was, fittingly for its reputation, very clean and tidy. I felt I could focus on the meal in a pleasant atmosphere.

Ordering the Chodang Myeongpum table for two plus tofu samhap

Looking at the menu, the lineup was really diverse, from hot pots for solo diners to hearty sets. We ordered the restaurant's most popular signature item, the 'Chodang Myeongpum table' for two, and added a tofu samhap on top so we could enjoy the master chef's tofu dishes more deeply and abundantly!! Travel is for eating, after all, so we went a bit overboard, haha.

At last, a table so full it looked ready to buckle filled our whole table. A perfect visual, with every single dish laid out in full.

What comes with the Chodang Myeongpum table

It was the ultimate course, letting us cover braised kodari fritters, a portion of the tofu samhap with boiled pork, and the main event — sundubu jjigae — all at once.

The sweet and salty fried kodari fritters were crisp outside and moist inside, instantly perking up the appetite.

The sundubu jjigae, served generously in a hot pot, grew spicier and deeper in savory flavor the longer it simmered — an absolute rice-thief.

Tofu samhap: bossam, tofu and gajami sikhae

The tofu samhap we added on consisted of handmade tofu made fresh in-store every dawn, boiled bossam pork with no gamy smell and a chewy texture, and tangy-sweet gajami sikhae carrying the flavor of the East Sea.

Placing a tender slice of bossam on top of the warm tofu and adding a bit of spicy gajami sikhae, one bite brought all three textures and flavors together brilliantly in the mouth.

Who should eat at Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu

Rather than tasting of aggressive seasoning, the dish showcased the deep, healthy savoriness of the ingredients themselves. It was a moment my own taste buds confirmed exactly why this place ranks as the top local recommendation for both Gangneung residents and travelers alike. Combine the nuttiness of tofu with a master chef's hand, and no lavish feast could make you envious.

If you're traveling in Gangneung with your parents, or want a hearty, easy-on-the-stomach premium meal, I strongly recommend Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu.