Gangdoenjang bibimbap at a Sejong Korean restaurant: Bapkkot Hansang

I went to Bapkkot Hansang with my parents — a restaurant serving healthy, good-tasting Korean food in a bright atmosphere. Bapkkot Hansang is a long-standing favorite near Sejong Lake Park, holding onto the same spot and the same flavors for years!

Bapkkot Hansang: Korean food near Sejong Lake Park, with both parents

Bapkkot Hansang, a favorite near Sejong Lake Park, is somewhere I've often come with my mom — but today I brought both my parents. Whenever I think of healthy food and a menu that's good to eat with parents, Bapkkot Hansang's Bapkkot Teukseon (special course) is exactly what comes to mind.

Why a 1pm reservation beats the Sejong lunch rush

Since it's near the Sejong government complex, lunchtime gets crowded with office workers, so I booked a relaxed 1pm slot. Bapkkot Hansang has become a go-to meeting spot for parents too, but it's even more famous as a favorite lunch spot for office workers — thanks to the owner's cooking pride behind the varied Korean menu, all served in a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, it's no wonder locals love this place.

Bapkkot Hansang near Sejong Lake Park uses no seasoning or MSG, serving a healthy table made with fresh ingredients prepared that same day. If you visit with a reservation, the food comes out quickly, and the neatly arranged table makes anyone you bring feel well taken care of.

What's in the Bapkkot Teukseon set, served in two rounds

Whenever I visit with my mom, I always order the Bapkkot Teukseon, since the course comes out in two rounds — you can enjoy Korean food leisurely, and the casual atmosphere makes it a good choice for treating parents to lunch without feeling too formal. It doesn't feel like a traditional Korean restaurant, but the quality and taste exceed expectations.

First round: buchujeon, herbal suyuk and perilla tteokbokki

The most important thing is, of course, the taste! The first round brings out a variety of dishes to wake up your appetite, and the balance is really good. Seasoned dishes are paired with lighter items like salad, so it's healthy without being bland.

I personally love the buchujeon (chive pancake) in the Bapkkot Teukseon — the crispy texture plus the dipping sauce really wakes up your appetite and puts you into eating mode. The tofu and kimchi go down easily bite after bite too, and with the medicinal herb suyuk (boiled pork) and perilla tteokbokki, it's such a great spread for a meal with parents that I crave the Bapkkot Teukseon from time to time.

Second round: tteokgalbi sizzling on the grill plate

The second course brings out the main dish, tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties), sizzling away — bam! It's great to come with parents, but thanks to this freshly grilled tteokgalbi it's also a nice place to eat with kids, and honestly, getting a delicious meal is a happy moment no matter who you're with^^

Gangdoenjang bibimbap, the dish Dad finished to the last spoonful

Bubbling doenjang-jjigae, ssamjang (thick soybean-chili paste), namul side dishes, and warm rice all come out. That thick soybean paste is really this restaurant's kick and the ultimate rice thief — Bapkkot Hansang's version, simmered slowly with all kinds of vegetables and doenjang, made for mixing into rice.

This is a bibimbap that makes you keep eating even when you're full! My dad said it warmed him up from the inside and ate it happily — since the thick paste wasn't salty, he said it was good even eaten plain, and he scraped his bowl to the bottom. You can also buy the paste separately, so it might be nice to bring some home for your parents.

One bite of soft tteokgalbi, one bite of namul mixed in — before you know it, a full bowl of rice disappears. Super full, but a comfortable kind of full — such a satisfying, healthy meal! I even packed some tteokgalbi to take home, thinking of the kids.

A walk around Sejong Lake Park after lunch

Bapkkot Hansang's signature Bapkkot Teukseon is a clean, thoughtfully prepared meal that feels like a lot of care went into it. Parking is easy, and there's a pleasant walking course at Sejong Lake Park right after your meal, so stop by Bapkkot Hansang on a sunny fall day. Next time I want to try the Bapkkot Teukjeongsik^^

Parking, hours and tips before visiting Bapkkot Hansang

• Hanttteul Village 3-danji, Sejongmachi shopping center
• Hours 11:00-21:00 / Break time 15:00-17:00
• Last order 20:20
• Free parking at the shopping center lot
• High chairs and baby tableware available
• Takeout and reservations available
• Open as usual during Chuseok holidays
• Tteokgalbi given as a gift for leaving a review