1++ beef jjamppong at Maeranbang, a Gyodae Station Chinese restaurant

A day when I was craving special Chinese food. I went to 'Maeranbang Gyodae Branch,' a well-known Gyodae Station restaurant famous for a chef who used to cook at The Shilla Seoul's Palsun. Here's my honest review after enjoying delicious Chinese food in a really upscale atmosphere!!

Where is Maeranbang Gyodae Branch, and what are the basics?

Maeranbang Gyodae Branch is located at 24 Seocho-daero 50-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea, basement level. Hours are 11:00 - 22:00. It's near Exit 14 of Gyodae Station, with parking available and private rooms too.

What is the basement dining room like?

Being close to Exit 14 of Gyodae Station made it easy to find. The restaurant is in the basement, but it was spacious and comfortable. Soft lighting and a luxurious interior gave off a vibe like being at a restaurant in Hong Kong. There were also private rooms, which looked perfect for a family meeting or a business gathering. As soon as I sat down, they brought out warm jasmine tea, and one fragrant cup put my mind at ease.

What we ordered at Maeranbang

I ordered Maeranbang Gyodae Branch's signature dish along with other menus I was curious about.

• Two-star Korean beef jjamppong
• Sweet and sour pork
• Chinese bibimbap

1++ Korean beef jjamppong

A dish that raises expectations from its name alone. On top of a rich broth sat a generous helping of two-star Korean beef and various seafood. One spoonful of the broth and it was spicy yet deep in flavor. Not overly intense, but clean, the kind of taste that keeps you coming back for more. The pairing of tender beef and chewy noodles was great too!!

Sweet and sour pork

Crispy fried sweet and sour pork. It paired perfectly with the tangy-sweet sauce. A flavor everyone, young and old, would love.

Chinese-style bibimbap

Chinese-style bibimbap topped with various vegetables and seafood stir-fried with spice. The smoky, spicy flavor really whetted the appetite. A satisfying dish for a hearty meal.

Is Maeranbang worth it for a group dinner?

'Maeranbang Gyodae Branch' was a place where you could enjoy high-quality Chinese cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. I could feel the care put into every dish, and the friendly service made me feel well taken care of throughout the meal. If you're looking for a special Chinese restaurant near Gyodae Station, I recommend Maeranbang Gyodae Branch.

Tips to know before you go

Parking is tough near Gyodae Station, but Maeranbang has building parking, so it was easy to visit. Ordering is simple via the tablet at the table. The menu photos and descriptions were detailed, so it was easy to order even dishes I'd never seen before.

This place is known for being run by a chef who used to cook at The Shilla Seoul's Palsun. Maybe that's why the quality of every single dish stood out. What stuck with me most was the warm jasmine tea they served. One fragrant cup made both the start and end of the meal that much richer.

I heard they also run a good-value lunch course during the day, so I should visit again at lunchtime next time. A great chance to enjoy a variety of dishes at a reasonable price. Good.