Family Chinese restaurant in Yeongjong: Bongga Gyodong Banjeom

Maybe because my husband is from Gangneung, he’s such a self-proclaimed “Gyodong jjamppong spoon” that he is rarely satisfied by any jjamppong. We had often come away disappointed after trying places here and there with Gyodong Banjeom in their name, but—

there was one delicious place on Yeongjong Island with Gyodong Banjeom in its name that my husband approved of, so I thought I’d introduce it.

Bongga Gyodong Banjeom near Unseo Station: location and parking

It is on Unseo Station’s café street, so accessibility was not bad. As it turns out, it is near Mokhyeon, a famous cream latte spot on Yeongjong Island.

Parking in front of the restaurant was rather limited, with room for only about two or three cars. Fortunately, because it is on a café street, roadside parking was possible, so it was not too inconvenient—but if you are planning to visit on a weekend or at mealtime, I recommend allowing extra time for parking.

A bright restaurant for a family meal

Inside, the space was mainly made up of four-person family tables, though it looked able to accommodate group meals as well. I liked the clean, bright atmosphere.

The self-service bar had side plates, children’s tableware, scissors and ladles, plus danmuji (pickled yellow radish), so it was easy to help ourselves. The country of origin for ingredients was also clearly displayed.

In particular, there was a large banner saying that they make their own noodles.

Gangneung Chodang sundubu jjamppong rice and handmade noodles

The menu includes Gangneung Chodang sundubu jjamppong rice, Gyodong jjamppong rice, and Gyodong jjamppong, with the signature being the combination of Gangneung Chodang sundubu (soft tofu) and jjamppong. Its biggest appeal was being able to eat a tourist food normally associated with a trip to Gangneung right here on Yeongjong Island.

I had heard so much about Gangneung Gyodong Banjeom since we were dating, but we had never visited because the wait was so long. I had tried sundubu jjamppong once in Gangneung, so we ordered the Gangneung sundubu jjamppong rice, jjajangmyeon, and mini tangsuyuk (sweet-and-sour fried pork).

My Gyodong jjamppong connoisseur husband’s reaction to the broth

My husband, a self-proclaimed Gyodong jjamppong connoisseur, tasted the broth first.

He nodded and said, “Not bad, actually?”

This was one of the few places where he gave a positive reaction while eating jjamppong broth.

The broth came in an earthenware bowl with the rice served separately, and I mixed mine together. With the sundubu, the broth was not spicy but soft and smooth; once the rice went in, it became thick and rich like jjamppong. It felt like eating jjamppong made with a beef-bone broth.

Those looking for something spicier and more intense may find it a little lacking, but it was lighter than the sundubu jjamppong I had eaten in Gangneung, so I liked it even more.

Handmade jjajangmyeon that held the sauce well

The jjajangmyeon had already been mixed while I was in the restroom with our child… (My husband has failed his blogger-husband duties.) Perhaps because the noodles were handmade, they had a wonderfully chewy texture.

Maybe because of that springy handmade-noodle texture, they soaked up the black bean sauce completely, so the noodles and sauce did not feel separate. People who prefer a saucier, moister jjajangmyeon might not love it, but our child ate it better than a moist jjajangmyeon—perhaps because the flavor was richer.

Mini tangsuyuk with a refreshing lemon sauce

We also ordered the mini tangsuyuk, and it was crispy outside and tender inside. The sauce had a refreshing lemon note, so it was delicious without feeling heavy.

They even gave us Yakult for dessert! Ending on something sweet made it feel like such a pleasant finish.

Sundubu jjamppong without going all the way to Gangneung

The best thing about Bongga Gyodong Banjeom was being able to enjoy sundubu jjamppong on Yeongjong Island without going all the way to Gangneung. With handmade noodles, gentle broth, and crispy tangsuyuk, it was a satisfying meal. Located on Unseo Station’s café street near the airport, it is a good spot for a light meal before or after a trip.