Gangneung burger restaurant with ranch-sauce fries: Moana Burger

Burgers instead of sundubu: Moana Burger near St. John's Hotel in Gangneung

Every time I come to St. John's Hotel in Gangneung, it's become a routine to head straight for nearby Chodang Sundubu Street. I can't be the only one, right? 😉 But the famous sundubu (soft tofu stew) places there are always so packed you have to wait in a long line, and honestly, the taste has always left me a little underwhelmed personally.

So this trip, instead of sundubu, I decided to try something I actually love, and went to 'Moana Burger,' which is close to St. John's Hotel and sits right in the center of Chodang Sundubu Street! Result: total success 🤩

What is the atmosphere like inside Moana Burger?

The moment you step through the door at Moana Burger, true to the name 'Moana,' you get the same exotic, free-spirited feeling I had on my Hawaii trip last year. Hawaii is my favorite travel destination ever 😍

From the interior to the little decorations, the whole place is packed with Hawaiian vibes, so I really got that vacation feeling. The staff were all friendly and had a cool, laid-back energy, which made the meal even better.

The resident retriever, and bringing your own pet to Moana Burger

Another highlight of Moana Burger is the cute, gentle retriever who lives at the shop. It's so sweet and adorable that even waiting for your order becomes fun. It looked tired and was sleeping, so I just watched haha.

The place is also pet-friendly, so if you're traveling around Gangneung with your dog, this is a great spot to stop by and eat comfortably together.

Moana Burger vs Moana Double Burger: which patty count to pick

That day we ordered the signature 'Moana Burger' and the 'Moana Double Burger,' which lets you really taste the depth of the beef.

You also get a Hawaiian flower pin when you order. My daughter was thrilled 🤩

The key difference between the Moana Burger and Moana Double Burger comes down to how many beef patties they use, which changes the flavor and texture. The regular Moana Burger uses a single beef patty, emphasizing a balanced harmony with the fresh vegetables and sauce. It's suited to people who prefer a clean, light taste without feeling too heavy.

The Moana Double Burger, on the other hand, comes with two beef patties, along with more cheese to match, which maximizes the rich, juicy flavor and soft, savory notes of the meat. It's perfect if you like that mouth-filling, substantial bite from double the patties, or if you want a more filling meal. So if you want the clean, balanced taste of a burger in its purest form, go for the Moana Burger; if you want a heavier meaty flavor and a bigger portion, go for the Moana Double Burger. My husband had the double, while my kid and I had the regular Moana Burger.

Doesn't even the bun look shiny and delicious? It's almost as tall as a can of cola 🤩

Packed with fresh vegetables too, right? 🙂 The moment I took a bite, the rich juices from the patty spread through my mouth — outstanding. The bun, which is the foundation of any good burger, also had rich buttery flavor, golden and crisp outside, soft and moist inside, with a nice savory quality.

The thick-cut fries and ranch sauce were the highlight

The fries served as a side at Moana Burger come out thick-cut and generously fried, with a satisfying crunch. I love ranch sauce and have tried a lot of them, but the ranch here was so savory I'd want to buy a bottle of it if they sold it. You have to try it!

Final verdict on Moana Burger

If you're tired of the crowds and predictable menus on Chodang Sundubu Street in Gangneung, I recommend Moana Burger, which is easily accessible from St. John's Hotel. With easy parking and a resort-like atmosphere, it's a hidden gem in Gangneung where you can enjoy premium, juicy handmade burgers and delicious sides.