Suji Korean restaurant: after-work perilla gukbap and beer, Bodeul

Yesterday after work, my husband and I were debating what to eat, and we wanted something healthy but filling, so we headed to Bodeul Sikdang (보들식당). We both love perilla dishes, so we went in with high hopes, and it turned out much better than expected. That's why I'm sharing it today.

If you like healthy Korean food, this is a place I really hope you'll try at least once!

It's a good Jukjeon lunch spot, and it also works for a family meal out or a simple dinner.

Where is Bodeul Sikdang, and what are the hours and parking?

Bodeul Sikdang is at 164 Hyeonam-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (Sinju Plaza, Unit 111), and it's open from 11:00 to 21:00. Break time is 15:00-17:00, last order is at 20:30, and you can park in the building's basement.

• Address: 164 Hyeonam-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (Sinju Plaza, Unit 111)
• Hours: 11:00-21:00
• Break time: 15:00-17:00
• Last order: 20:30
• Parking: available in the building's basement

What's the atmosphere like inside?

The restaurant has a bright wood-tone interior that feels clean and comfortable. The first thing I noticed when we walked in was how spotless it was, and the whole place felt warm.

The menu is neat and tidy too, isn't it?

There are high chairs for families with little ones, and aprons are provided too, which is handy when you're eating bossam or a soupy dish.

We came a bit early after work, and as mealtime got closer, customers started trickling in one by one. Watching the tables fill up quickly, I thought, "Glad we came early." It definitely seemed like a spot already well known by word of mouth near Dankook University.

On the wall there were notices describing the bossam and the perilla dishes.

According to the notice, the bossam uses domestic Korean pork belly (handon) for a clean taste without any gamey smell, and it's cooked as boiled pork with the excess fat properly removed so it stays light. That caught my eye.

The explanation for the perilla dishes, with a focus on health, was impressive too.

Signature dishes and side dishes at Bodeul Sikdang

The signature dishes are perilla sujebi (hand-torn dough soup), perilla kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup), perilla mushroom gukbap (rice soup), seoritae kongguksu (black soybean cold noodle soup) and bossam. Lots of the menu uses healthy ingredients, so anyone, young or old, can enjoy it without feeling heavy.

Before the food arrived, the side dishes were set out: lettuce, garlic, chili peppers, ssamjang (dipping paste), kimchi and jangajji (pickles). Nothing flashy, but it's a good lineup for eating with bossam, so I was happy with it.

A jangguk (light broth) came out too, and I knew right after the first sip.

That this is a Jukjeon spot where you can really have a proper, tasty lunch~ It was refreshing and so good.

What the two of us ordered, and the prices

We ordered perilla sujebi, perilla mushroom gukbap, a plate of bossam and a bottle of beer.

• Perilla sujebi ₩10,000
• Perilla mushroom gukbap ₩12,000
• Plate of bossam ₩22,000
• One bottle of beer

Once we tasted the nutty perilla sujebi and the hearty perilla mushroom gukbap, I immediately understood why this place is so popular for a Jukjeon lunch. Let me show you in detail~

How is the perilla sujebi (₩10,000)?

Bodeul Sikdang's perilla sujebi has a creamy white broth with a strong perilla aroma. I tried it first, and from the look of it the broth was milky and nutty, with that rich perilla scent. The deep perilla flavor that filled my mouth with the first spoonful was really impressive.

Because the sujebi is mostly dough, the broth itself felt even richer and nuttier. The chewy dough pieces were a good thickness and soft to bite, with no raw-flour smell.

Sipping the hot broth and slurping up the dough, I felt the whole day's tiredness melt away. If you like perilla, you'll be really happy with this one. I could see why it's popular with people looking for Korean food in Jukjeon.

Why the perilla mushroom gukbap (₩12,000) satisfied me most

Personally, the dish I liked most that day at Bodeul Sikdang was the perilla mushroom gukbap. The perilla broth was generously packed with mushrooms and vegetables like zucchini and napa cabbage.

A separate bowl of rice comes with it, and the portion is generous, so it's more than enough for a meal. When I scooped it up, the mushrooms were really not skimped on, and the more I chewed, the more their aroma and texture came through. As someone who loves vegetables, it was totally my kind of dish.

With so many vegetables in it, though, the broth felt a little milder and thinner than the sujebi. Still, the nutty perilla flavor was definitely there, and it kept going down easily. It seems like a great pick when you're craving a healthy meal.

How was the plate of bossam (₩22,000)?

The bossam was better than expected too. They say they use domestic Korean pork belly, and when I actually ate it, there was no gamey smell at all.

The meat was moist and tender yet still had a nice springiness, and the ratio of fat to lean was good, so it got nuttier the more I chewed. I put the bossam on cabbage, mumallaengi (seasoned dried radish) and kimchi, added garlic and ssamjang, and took a big bite. So happy! The sweetness and crunch of the mumallaengi especially brought out the flavor of the pork, so I kept reaching for it.

Eaten together with the perilla dishes, the combination was pretty great too.

Overall verdict on Bodeul Sikdang

Bodeul Sikdang, where I went with my husband after work, gave us a more satisfying meal than we expected.

The richly nutty perilla sujebi, the perilla mushroom gukbap full of different mushrooms and vegetables, and the moist bossam: there wasn't a single disappointing dish. If you like healthy Korean food, I especially recommend it.

When you need a filling meal, are looking for a place for a family meal out, or are wondering where to have lunch in Jukjeon, give Bodeul Sikdang a visit.