Warm Cutlery, Seoul and Gangwon Cafes and Restaurants

Gangneung Korean restaurant for octopus stir-fry with udon: Matdeurin

Matdeurin Sundubu Haejangguk & Gamjatang is a Korean restaurant popular with locals on Jukheon-gil near Ojukheon in Gangneung, Gangwon. On a return visit with her parents, the writer ordered octopus stir-fry (₩14,000) with udon noodles added (₩2,000), plus sundae gukbap (Korean sausage soup with rice, ₩12,000) and fried shrimp (3 for ₩5,000), and was pleased with the big, fresh octopus and the soup packed with fillings. With a large parking lot and generous portions, Matdeurin is a good-value meal stop for families traveling in Gangneung.

Written Jul 25, 2026Sponsored

PlaceSeodaemun, SeoulRestaurants

Sinchon Chinese restaurant that won a noodle skeptic: Cheonghwaweon

Cheonghwaweon (청화원) is a good-value Chinese restaurant on Myeongmul-gil in Seodaemun, Seoul, near Yonsei University in Sinchon, serving Taiwanese-style beef noodle soup and dim sum. A writer who never liked knife-cut noodles visited with a friend after the lunch rush, ordered beef knife-cut noodle soup, yuringi (crispy fried chicken in tangy soy sauce) and shumai, and loved the chewy noodles and the rich broth that isn't heavy on spices. Cheonghwaweon is comfortable for solo diners, the portions fill two people, and it is worth a return visit whenever you crave dim sum or beef noodles in Sinchon.

Written Aug 5, 2026Sponsored

PlaceChuncheon, GangwonRestaurants

Sundaeguk restaurant in Chuncheon for a spicy hangover gukbap set

Byeongcheon Cheongnyeon Sundaeguk Gangwon University branch is a sundaeguk (Korean blood sausage soup) restaurant next to the back gate of Kangwon National University in Chuncheon. On a weekend-morning hangover visit, the writer ordered the 12,000-won gukbap set (spicy version +1,000 won), a regular sundaeguk and king dumplings. The set adds a sundae tasting plate and sliced pork head meat (pyeonyuk), so the 2,000-won difference was worth it. Verdict: for a cheap lunch or hangover meal near the back gate, get the gukbap set with king dumplings.

Written Aug 9, 2026Sponsored