Spicy tofu hot pot for 3 at opening in Gangneung: Jeong Eunsuk Chodang
In short
Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu is a chodang sundubu (soft tofu) Korean restaurant on Nanseolheon-ro in Gangneung, run under the name of Korean culinary master Jeong Eunsuk. On the first morning of a family trip the writer arrived right at the 8 a.m. opening, ordered the Chodang Myeongpum set meal for three at 25,000 won each plus a bowl of rice, picked the spicy version of the sundubu hot pot, and ate tofu samhap and grilled kodari (half-dried pollock) for breakfast. The heat was sharp but the finish clean, light enough for a morning meal and worth repeating on the next Gangneung trip.
Good to know
- Menu and price
- Chodang Myeongpum set meal 25,000 won x 3, bowl of rice 1,000 won
- What the Myeongpum set includes
- Sundubu hot pot (mild or spicy), tofu samhap, grilled kodari
- Address
- 200 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Hours
- Wed–Mon 08:00–18:30 (Mon until 16:00), last order 17:30 (Mon 15:00)
- Closed
- Every Tuesday
- Waiting
- Tabling waitlist app, spacious waiting room
- Parking
- Free parking available
- Visit date
- Saturday, September 5, 2026, at opening time
- Price reference
- ₩25,000 ≈ $18.5 (2026-09-15)
as written by the visitor on Sep 6, 2026
Yoonsik's Hwarangdae competition was finally over. After all that hard work, both Yoonsik and the whole family needed a sweet break. So on Yoonsik's rest day, we decided to take a family trip to Gangneung.
Worried about weekend traffic, we set off before dawn and ended up arriving in Gangneung much earlier than expected. While looking for a restaurant that opened early, we found Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu — a place doing Gangneung's famous Chodang sundubu (soft tofu) the proper way. Starting our Gangneung trip with a hot breakfast made by a culinary master felt like a great sign from the very beginning.
Morning wait and the dining room at Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu
Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu opens at 8 a.m. and runs on a table waitlist system, with a spacious waiting room that makes any wait comfortable.
Since we got there right at opening time, though, we walked straight in with no wait at all. Rushing out that early in the morning was definitely worth it.
Walking in, even that early there were already quite a few customers eating.
The place is clean and tidy overall, making it a very pleasant place to eat with kids. What caught my eye especially was the 'Korean Culinary Master' plaque on display by the entrance. Knowing the restaurant is run under Master Jeong Eunsuk's own name gave me a lot of confidence in the food.
What is in the Chodang Myeongpum set meal, and what does it cost?
Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu's signature dish, the Chodang Myeongpum table, is ₩25,000 per person and comes as a set with sundubu jjigae, tofu samhap, and grilled kodari all at once. We ordered the Myeongpum table for three, plus extra rice.
We sat down and looked over the menu. The sundubu jjigae came in mild or spicy, and even though it was morning, I couldn't give up a little kick, so we went with the spicy version most people seem to like.
Chodang Myeongpum table ₩25,000 x 3 / extra rice ₩1,000
How do the tofu samhap and grilled kodari taste?
The first thing that caught my eye on the Chodang Myeongpum table was the tofu samhap — snow-white Chodang sundubu served together with boiled pork (suyuk) and gajami sikhae (fermented flounder relish). Before long the table was filled with food, and the kids' eyes lit up, clearly hungry.
One bite of the Chodang sundubu and its nutty flavor filled my whole mouth. Gangneung's Chodang sundubu really is on another level. Piled together — soft boiled pork, nutty tofu, and the sweet-spicy sikhae relish — the combination was pure art.
Then came the grilled kodari, coated in appetizing red sauce. The seasoning wasn't overpowering yet still soaked deep into the flesh, making it perfect over rice. The sweet-savory sauce and the soft, moist kodari went beautifully with plain white rice.
Is the spicy sundubu hot pot too much for breakfast?
The spicy sundubu jjigae at Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu was hot but not harsh, with a clean finish that made it easy to eat even at breakfast. Finally, the main event — sundubu jjigae in the spicy version!
Soft Chodang sundubu simmering with various mushrooms, vegetables, and spicy seasoning looked absolutely delicious. Taking a spoonful of the broth, I could taste a master's touch — deep and rich.
Both Yoonsik and Mini-mani said it was delicious and cleaned their bowls of rice in no time. Full and happy, we were heading out when we spotted a little event timer by the door. Yoonsik pressed it just once on the way out — and landed on 0.89, haha. Feels like something good's going to happen today!
Where is Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu, and is parking free?
- 🧭 200 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
- ⏰ Wed–Mon 08:00–18:30 (Mon until 16:00), last order 17:30 (Mon 15:00)
- Closed every Tuesday
- 🚗 Free parking available
After Yoonsik worked so hard preparing for the Hwarangdae competition, I was truly happy that our long-overdue Gangneung trip started off with such a wonderful meal. Jeong Eunsuk Chodang Sundubu was satisfying on every front — taste, atmosphere, and service. Next time we come to Gangneung, I'd love to come back here for breakfast again. It was a truly hearty and happy meal.
Where it is
200 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea강원특별자치도 강릉시 난설헌로 200
