New duck restaurant by Gyeongui Line Forest Park: Gongjung Dodeok

A new duck restaurant near Daeheung Station: why is it so busy so soon after opening?

Gongjung Dodeok (공중도덕) is a duck restaurant that recently opened near Daeheung Station, and even though it had barely opened, plenty of guests were already eating when I went in the evening. I love duck and always go looking when a decent place pops up, so when I heard about a new one near Daeheung Station, I had to go.

Since it looked so newly opened, I figured it would be quiet, but when I arrived I was surprised by how many people were already dining. Word seems to be spreading already. Okay, let me introduce this Gyeongui Line Forest Park restaurant, Gongjung Dodeok!

Location and how to get to Gongjung Dodeok

Gongjung Dodeok is an easy walk from Daeheung Station, so access was good. Gyeongui Line Forest Park is nearby too, so it looked like a nice spot for a light stroll after the meal, and it's fairly close to Gongdeok as well, so anyone looking for a Gongdeok restaurant or a place near the forest park shouldn't have any trouble getting here.

Outdoor tables and group seating: the atmosphere at Gongjung Dodeok

The exterior has outdoor tables (yajang, open-air seating), which looked lovely, and the inside was kept clean overall. There is group seating too, and looking around I could see some guests having a company dinner. The staff were friendly, so even on my first visit I felt comfortable.

What comes with the evening duck half-and-half set?

The evening duck half-and-half set lets you try marinated duck (jumulleok) and roast duck (ro-seu, unmarinated grilled duck) together, and it also comes with gonggamtang (a spicy stew). This is what we ordered, and it turned out to be just right for a first-time visitor.

Add the barley shrimp and minari pancake and the table filled up fast. I especially liked that you can enjoy a variety of flavors without ordering lots of separate dishes.

Gonggamtang, served with the set

First, the gonggamtang that came with the set: spicy with a deep broth, it was great to spoon up between bites of meat, and it kept the meal hearty right to the end.

Clean-tasting roast duck

The half-and-half set is made up of roast and marinated duck, and the roast duck stood out for its clean, mild flavor.

Eaten golden-brown off the grill with salt or the side dishes, the natural flavor of the meat really came through. It was good wrapped in perilla leaf too, and it wasn't greasy, so I could enjoy it to the very end.

Sweet-and-spicy marinated duck

The marinated duck was nicely spicy and sweet, with the sauce soaked in well. It wasn't overly intense, so it didn't overpower the duck's flavor, and it went well with the vegetables grilling alongside it.

If I'd had only one style, I'd have felt something was missing, so I was happier that the half-and-half set let me alternate between roast and marinated.

Is the barley shrimp and minari pancake worth adding?

The barley shrimp and minari pancake at Gongjung Dodeok was a lot bigger than I expected, which surprised me. The crispy surface went nicely with the fragrant minari (water dropwort), and the more I chewed, the more the nutty flavor of the barley shrimp came out. Very satisfying.

It wasn't too oily either, so it was good as a light snack with makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

Who is Gongjung Dodeok recommended for?

What I liked most at Gongjung Dodeok was how full the set was. Marinated duck, roast duck, pancake and stew all in one go, so I think it would be even more satisfying with a group. The portions were generous too, and I left feeling properly full.

And having tried it myself, I understand why guests kept coming in even though the place is new. The food, the set composition and the atmosphere were all satisfying, and it seemed like a good fit for a family meal or a get-together with friends. The half-and-half set, which lets you taste a variety at once, is the one I'd especially recommend to first-timers.

So if you're looking for a duck restaurant near Daeheung Station, whether you love duck or want marinated duck and clean-tasting roast together! Or if you're hunting for a Gongdeok restaurant or a place near Gyeongui Line Forest Park, I recommend giving Gongjung Dodeok a visit. Next time I want to come back and enjoy the outdoor-table atmosphere!