Bongdam Chinese restaurant: samseon udon vs jjamppong, Dongcheonhong

I'd been curious about Dongcheonhong Bongdam Branch (동천홍 봉담점) for a long time while hunting for a good Chinese restaurant in Bongdam, so I finally went. I love Chinese food, and whenever I crave a great bowl of jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) I agonize over where to go. This visit was so satisfying that I wanted to share it.

Parking and how to get to Dongcheonhong Bongdam Branch

Dongcheonhong Bongdam Branch is on the 2nd floor of a building on Samcheonbyeongma-ro in Bongdam-eup, and you can park right in front. It was easy to find, and above all easy to visit.

Parking at mealtimes can be so stressful, but here you park and walk straight into the building, which made a great first impression. Take the elevator up to the 2nd floor, and the moment the doors open you see a wide, clean space. It felt a little more upscale than a typical Chinese restaurant, and everything was neatly kept, a nice setting for a meal.

Atmosphere and seating at Dongcheonhong Bongdam Branch

The restaurant is known for its wide hall and big windows with an open view, and it also has separate private rooms. The first thing I noticed was how spacious the hall was, with a refreshing view stretching out.

The windows are wide, so nothing felt stuffy, and the open space kept me comfortable through the whole meal. Tables are generously spaced, so I barely noticed conversations at the next table, and it felt great for a family meal or a gathering. With the private rooms, it also seems well suited to an important dinner or a company get-together.

What we ordered at Dongcheonhong Bongdam Branch and the prices

We ordered samseon jjamppong and samseon udon (udon with three kinds of seafood), both ₩15,000. As soon as we sat down, a staff member brought us cold jasmine tea.

The jasmine tea had a subtle fragrance and left my mouth feeling clean. A cup of tea before the meal made me feel more relaxed. The staff were friendly and the food came out fairly quickly, so we didn't wait long. The moment the food arrived, I was happy with both the portion and the look of it.

How was the samseon jjamppong?

The samseon jjamppong is packed with seafood, and the broth is more about deep, strong fire-grilled flavor (bulhyang) than heat. The first thing that came out of my mouth about it was how generous it was.

It came with big shrimp, squid, mussels and other seafood, plus plenty of vegetables, and it looked delicious just sitting there. With the first spoonful of broth, rich, deep savoriness filled my mouth. It wasn't just spicy; it tasted like it had been simmered for a long time.

The smoky fire flavor was quite strong, giving that hearty Chinese-restaurant depth, and the clean sweetness from the seafood made the broth really well rounded. It's a deep, rich style rather than a harsh, spicy one, so I kept going back for more without feeling overwhelmed. The noodles were springy and soaked up the broth, so it was delicious to the last bite.

How is the samseon udon different from the jjamppong?

The samseon udon is known for a clear yet deep seafood broth. If the jjamppong is heavy, the udon is the light, clean one. It was better than I expected too, with the refreshing seafood flavor coming through naturally, easy to enjoy.

The squid, shrimp and other seafood tasted fresh, and plenty of mushrooms and vegetables made it fun to chew. The udon noodles were a good thickness, chewy yet soft, and went well with the broth. It's a flavor you don't get tired of, so I think anyone, including older family members, could enjoy it.

Through the meal I noticed again how well the restaurant is kept. The hall, tables and even the floor were clean, and the whole place felt pleasant, so I was happy to stay. The big space meant no stuffiness, and the view out the window made the meal feel even more relaxed.

Overall verdict on Dongcheonhong Bongdam Branch

I think Dongcheonhong Bongdam Branch is a very satisfying choice for a Chinese restaurant in Bongdam. The spacious, pleasant interior, easy parking, friendly service and generous food added up to high overall satisfaction.

The samseon jjamppong impressed me with its deep, rich broth and plentiful seafood, and the samseon udon's light, clean broth stayed in my memory. It's good for a family meal and comfortable for friends too, so I'd happily return whenever I crave Chinese food. If you're looking for a Chinese restaurant in Bongdam, I recommend a hearty meal at Dongcheonhong, which delivers on both taste and atmosphere.