Sunday lunch date over cast-iron chicken stew: Sindaebakjip

Today I'm bringing you a review of a chicken stew spot near Gwangmyeong Sageori that I visited on a date with my boyfriend after way too long. Spoiler: we're already planning to go back haha.

Sindaebakjip Gwangmyeong Sageori Branch

How close is it to Gwangmyeong Sageori Station?

The location already gets a pass from me. It's right in front of exit 6 of Gwangmyeong Sageori Station, so anyone coming by subway won't get lost at all.

We came around 1pm on Sunday and it was already nearly full. What stood out was how many older locals were there. Personally, I trust any restaurant packed with neighborhood elders — it means there are a lot of regulars, so this had to be a real local favorite.

The signature dish — aged-kimchi cast-iron chicken stew

Since the signature menu here is the aged-kimchi cast-iron chicken stew (dakdoritang), we ordered two servings with a ramyeon noodle add-in and fish cake skewers. Next time I want to try the potato pancake too haha.

Not long after ordering, this massive cast-iron lid came out and landed right on our table — it looked impossible not to taste good. The bubbling sound alone got my appetite going. Thanks to the cast iron, it stayed piping hot the whole meal without cooling down, so we got to enjoy even the last spoonful warm.

The actual taste — perfectly seasoned

The taste genuinely exceeded expectations. The seasoning had soaked in so well that piling the aged kimchi (mukeunji) on top of the chicken stew and eating it in one bite was pure honey. The chicken itself wasn't dry at all — it was tender, so every bite was satisfying.

The ramyeon noodle add-in and fish cake skewers were especially delicious too... I almost ordered a second batch of noodles haha.

The broth was so rich and savory it felt like a waste to leave any behind — great with rice, and finishing it off as fried rice was no regret either.

A kind owner, and cheese fried rice as the finishing touch!

The owner was really kind too. I'd worn my favorite dress for the date, and worried the sauce might splatter, they brought us not one but two aprons. Little touches of care like that really boost how much I want to come back.

They're currently running a Naver review event — write a review and get your choice of any noodle add-in, a drink, or fried rice. I'd definitely recommend the fried rice.

When ordering the fried rice, adding cheese is a must. Top it with the leftover aged kimchi and it's a magical combo you'll polish off in no time. That aged kimchi is truly a stroke of genius!

Overall verdict — a deep flavor that calls for soju

Apparently the sauce is aged starting a day ahead. That explains why the depth of flavor hit from the very first bite — I was genuinely impressed. I held off on daytime drinking, but I was craving soju the whole meal. Next time we're planning an evening visit with a bottle of soju.

The portions were also really generous. As a couple who eats a lot, we stayed full all the way to dinner. Even when we were stuffed, it was so good we kept eating anyway!

If you're looking for a chicken stew restaurant near Gwangmyeong Sageori, I strongly recommend Sindaebakjip Gwangmyeong Sageori Branch. Great access, packed with customers, a kind owner, and flavor that delivers — perfect for a date, a family meal, or a work dinner without any worry.

I'm so happy to have found a neighborhood favorite.