Gangneung makguksu restaurant with original buckwheat gimbap: Gossi's

On this trip to Gangneung, I visited the Gangmun main branch of Gossi's Donghae Makguksu — a place locals rave about, with clean interiors and food that's supposed to be just as good!

It's right in front of the beach, so the location was fantastic, and the parking lot was spacious enough that it was easy to visit with a kid!

Gossi's is especially famous for its makguksu roll, so here's my review after enjoying a great meal!

Where Gossi's Donghae Makguksu is, and where to park

The main branch occupies floors 1–3 at 25 Changhae-ro 350beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea — officially "Gangneung Gossi's Donghae Makguksu & Sundubu Kalguksu Main Branch." Hours are 10:00–20:30, and parking is free for 1 hour 30 minutes if you use the public lot in front of the building.

1st floor or 2nd floor: which seats to take

The restaurant has seating on both the 1st and 2nd floors, but I'd recommend the 2nd floor for the ocean-view window seats!

Celebrity autographs on the wall? You know that means good food!

Once inside, the ocean view through the floor-to-ceiling windows is really something! There are so many ocean-view cafés around here that it makes sense the view is this pretty.

The tables were spaced generously apart, and everything was spotlessly clean overall — I thought it'd make a great spot for families or a date course too!

The side dishes were self-serve refill, and everything felt really clean!

What comes in the 2-person set?

What we ordered was the 2-person set, which nails both value and satisfaction! Two noodle dishes plus pork wrap — perfect for two people!

The buckwheat gimbap Gossi's calls the original

Gossi's real highlight is this buckwheat gimbap (seaweed rice roll made with buckwheat noodles instead of rice) — apparently the original version! It was my first time trying buckwheat gimbap, and it tasted really fresh. Made with buckwheat noodles, it's great for dieting too, and it was so delicious that I'd highly recommend it!!

The bossam pork included in the set

Pork wrap (bossam) is the perfect companion to makguksu and kalguksu, no question. Even as part of the 2-person set, the portion was generous, and best of all, there was zero gamey smell — the ratio of lean meat to fat was fantastic. The green onion kimchi and jang (sauce) on the side paired really well too!

How does the perilla oil makguksu taste?

The perilla oil makguksu at Gossi's Donghae had such a lovely nutty aroma — the deep flavor and scent of real perilla oil was wonderful!

The noodles weren't cut too easily and had a soft yet chewy texture, and since it's not too spicy, it was great even for kids to eat!

Chodang sundubu-jang kalguksu on the side

You can't come to Gangneung without eating chodang sundubu (soft tofu), right? This is sundubu-jang kalguksu — spicy, rich jang kalguksu broth loaded with soft chodang tofu.

The spice level was that familiar kind that draws you in! The jang kalguksu broth had a sharp yet deeply savory flavor, packed with soft tofu — very filling and delicious!

Why Gossi's Donghae Makguksu is worth it at Gangmun Beach

If you're looking for a spot near Gangmun Beach in Gangneung that nails both taste and atmosphere, I recommend Gossi's Donghae Makguksu! It's a great, easy stop for when you get hungry after playing at the beach with your kid!!

• The 2-person set is packed with variety — makguksu, kalguksu, pork wrap, and sides — all at a reasonable price.
• House-made buckwheat noodles, a recipe carried on for two generations, give the noodles standout quality.
• Clean, comfortable interior with an ocean-view atmosphere.