Suwon Korean restaurant: spicy octopus noodles at Daseon Kalguksu

Kalguksu for lunch in Suwon with my family

I was in Suwon with my family for an errand and really wanted a spicy yet deeply flavorful broth, so we visited Daseon Kalguksu Main Branch (다선칼국수 본점). The sign showed traces of time, giving it an established, old-school feel, and it made me look forward to it even more—I thought, this must be a place that has held its spot for a really long time.

A cozy, tidy dining room

Unlike the timeworn sign, the inside was cozy and tidy. I think there were about nine tables. It must be well known as a good local restaurant, because even though we came at an in-between hour, there was a steady stream of customers. Having tried it myself, I could understand why it has stayed popular for so long.

Ordering Daseon Kalnakji, sliced boiled pork, and meat dumplings

There were so many things on the menu that I wanted to try, so I debated for ages: Daseon Kalnakji, kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), suyuk (boiled pork), mandu (dumplings), and pajeon (green-onion pancake). I wanted to eat everything, but there are limits, so we ordered two servings of the spicy Daseon Kalnakji, sliced boiled pork, and meat dumplings. Choosing was hard, so the two of us got a little ambitious. The portions at Daseon Kalguksu tend to be generous, so we left absolutely stuffed.

First, barley rice and seasoned shredded radish came out. Mix them with gochujang (Korean chili paste) and eat them as an appetizer (?)!

Daseon Kalnakji, full of octopus in a spicy broth

Daseon Kalnakji is kalguksu with octopus in a spicy broth. I got a little carsick on the way to Suwon that day, so I was desperately craving a sharp, spicy broth. It felt like it cleared me right out, and I was so satisfied. I think this would be great as a hangover meal, too.

The special treat was the abundance of chewy octopus, and I still remember the lovely balance of the springy noodle dough and chives.

Almost every dish we ordered at Daseon Kalguksu had chives in it, and they felt like the ingredient that brought out each dish’s flavor and aroma.

Tender sliced boiled pork with pungent chives

The sliced boiled pork was incredibly tender and savory. Maybe because spicy peppers were included, there was a slight pungent kick at the finish after eating the meat. That made it less rich, with a clean yet addictive flavor. Eating it with the chives alongside it was great, too—their pungency suited the meat so well.

Large meat dumplings with a great bite

I was surprised by how huge the meat dumplings were. I am not usually someone who prefers buying dumplings when eating out, because I do not like dumplings without any texture to bite into.

But the dumplings at Daseon Kalguksu Main Branch had a real bite, plenty of savory meat flavor, and were honestly some of the best dumplings I have ever had. They are big, so the portion is generous too!

Who I recommend it for

• Anyone looking for great kalguksu with a refreshing broth
• Anyone wanting a lunch with a range of good options, including kalguksu and boiled pork
• Anyone who wants a spicy broth to cure a hangover
• Anyone looking for a delicious meal near Suwon Station

Daseon Kalguksu Main Branch is a beloved kalguksu spot near Suwon Station that has been around for a long time. Despite its sign showing its age, the interior is very clean and pleasant. The menu has plenty of options—different kinds of kalguksu, boiled pork, pajeon, dumplings, and more—so you can choose according to your taste. The Kalnakji, boiled pork, and dumplings were especially delicious. From the spicy Kalnakji broth to the savory, tender boiled pork and the fist-sized meat dumplings with a satisfying bite, it was a very generous and satisfying meal. If you are looking for a good restaurant near Suwon Station, consider Daseon Kalguksu.