Jjamppong spot by Yangyang County Office, first at 10:30: Dongne Oppa

I had some personal business, so I made a day trip to Yangyang. It was my first time ever in Yangyang, and it's really charming! I finally get why so many people go there to play.

I left early to avoid traffic and arrived sooner than planned, so I had time to spare. Luckily, there was a restaurant that opens a little before lunchtime. I was hungry, so I went straight in. Let me introduce it: Yangyang eatery Dongne Oppa Dak Jjamppong (동네오빠닭짬뽕)!

Dongne Oppa Dak Jjamppong hours, location and parking

Dongne Oppa Dak Jjamppong is at 4-9 Namun 6-gil, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon, South Korea, near Yangyang County Office. It's open 10:30–13:50 and closed every Tuesday. There's space for about 4–5 cars in front, so parking was no stress.

I took the Seoul–Yangyang Expressway and got off at Yangyang IC, and it took less than 10 minutes by car from the IC to the restaurant. Since it opens at 10:30, it's perfect for slurping down an early lunch and still having plenty of time for your next plans.

Inside Dongne Oppa Dak Jjamppong: atmosphere and seating

Inside there are 2 tables for six and 3 tables for four, decorated with real character. I went right at opening and was lucky enough to be the very first one in. It felt like a great place you'd stumble on during an American road trip!

Besides food, the owner also sells things like these worry dolls and keyrings. They're so cute and pretty that I wanted to buy one. The owner must be really good with their hands. I'm terrible at making this stuff.

Turns out this is a jjamppong spot introduced by the YouTuber Kidari Jjamppong Ajeossi (키다리짬뽕아저씨), who appeared on You Quiz on the Block. I watch his channel sometimes, so that was so cool to find out. It has also been on KBS's Saengsaeng Jeongbo Tong, apparently.

What's on the Dongne Oppa Dak Jjamppong menu?

The menu is very simple: chicken jjamppong with noodles or rice, and jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce). It's written big on one wall, and there's also a side jajangmyeon for kids or anyone who just wants a taste.

Ordering chicken jjamppong rice and side jajangmyeon

I debated between noodles and rice and went with the hearty chicken jjamppong rice. I was curious about the jajangmyeon too, so I ordered one side jajangmyeon as well. As soon as you order, the kitchen stir-fries it with a spectacular fire show.

Ta-da!! I was surprised, the portion was bigger than I expected. Total bang for your buck!! The food looks great, too.

The unusual thing is that Dongne Oppa Dak Jjamppong serves its side dishes on a school-cafeteria tray, haha. It felt like going back to my school days, which was fun. The kimchi was really good.

Does the chicken jjamppong broth smell like chicken?

The chicken jjamppong here is built on chicken broth, and there's no chicken smell at all, just a pleasant meaty aroma that wafts up. This is chicken jjamppong!! The red broth makes your mouth water before you even take a bite.

The toppings are generous, too!! Bean sprouts and meat are piled in, and I loved it. It's spicy in the way Koreans like, and if you drank the night before, it'd cure your hangover right away!! The broth soaked into the vegetables so well. Absolutely delicious.

The chicken jjamppong rice comes with a full bowl of rice, which I loved. Dunk it deep in the broth and you can't help but go "aaah." It was so good that I spooned it up without even breathing.

How big is the ₩6,000 side jajangmyeon?

The tasting-size side jajangmyeon is ₩6,000, and the portion was so big I thought it had been ordered as a regular dish, haha. The tasting jajangmyeon arrives too! Wait, is this really a tasting portion? This much for ₩6,000 is amazing value.

I tossed it together and the steam rose off it, looking so appetizing. The jajang has a great sweet-and-salty balance, and the onion texture was outstanding. I meant to eat lightly, but it was so good that I left stuffed. If you're looking for a jjamppong place in Yangyang, give Dongne Oppa Dak Jjamppong a try.