Chungmuro Korean restaurant: couple's bossam for 2, Nagwon-ui Soba

Nagwon-ui Soba (Euljiro Kalguksu): the place I think of whenever I'm in Chungmuro

Nagwon-ui Soba (낙원의 소바), also known as Euljiro Kalguksu, is the restaurant that naturally pops into my head whenever I'm in Chungmuro. My husband and I love it so much that we come back whenever we have time.

There are plenty of famous restaurants, but lots of them are one-and-done, right? Nagwon-ui Soba is different: after one visit, you start agonizing over what to eat next time. So today, after much agonizing, we came back again. If you're after a hearty meal in Chungmuro, I'm happy to recommend it with confidence.

A big hall, and a lunch wait even on the 2nd floor

Nagwon-ui Soba is on the 2nd floor of a building, but it's popular enough that there's a wait at lunchtime.

The hall is bigger than I expected, which is great! In the evening, it looks like some guests stop by for a glass of soju too.

What's on the Nagwon-ui Soba menu? From soba to bossam and algon-i bokkeum

The menu is so varied that choosing is a happy kind of problem. The biggest strength of Nagwon-ui Soba is exactly that: soba, kalguksu, bossam, pork cutlet, algon-i bokkeum (stir-fried fish roe) and so much more.

Restaurants with huge menus can end up being vague, with nothing special about any dish, but Nagwon-ui Soba is nothing like that. Everything I've tried has been really good, so every visit I end up staring at the menu for ages.

What should I have today? Maybe that one next time?

It's one of the few Chungmuro restaurants that makes me think like this. Looking around, every table had ordered something different, and it all looked so good that I was even more excited for the next visit.

Honestly, it's a menu that will satisfy anyone you bring along.

The pickles (jangajji) are simple, too.

The wrap vegetables for the bossam came out first! My heart is pounding.

Nagwon-ui Soba jang kalguksu: why I picked it again

This visit, I ended up choosing the jang kalguksu again. The one I agonized over most was actually the second dish. I really wanted the pork cutlet, and I was curious about the algon-i bokkeum, which is said to be Nagwon-ui Soba's signature.

But in the end I ordered the jang kalguksu, because the memory of how good it was last time kept haunting me. And once again, no regrets.

The broth was spicy yet deep in flavor, and from the first spoonful it warmed me right through. The noodles were chewy and went really well with the broth. I immediately understood why so many people order it.

Looking around, people were eating all kinds of dishes, and whatever they picked, they seemed very happy with it. That makes me look forward to the next visit even more.

Next time I want to try the pork cutlet and algon-i bokkeum

Once again I left Nagwon-ui Soba after a really satisfying meal. And strangely, on the way out I'm already curious about other dishes.

• I want to try the pork cutlet,
• I want to try the algon-i bokkeum,
• and I want to take on the other kalguksu dishes one by one.

A varied menu doesn't just mean lots of choices; I think it means you keep getting new reasons to come back. So my husband and I will probably be at Nagwon-ui Soba again soon.

Lemon soba: at Nagwon-ui Soba, you have to have the soba

This time too, I ordered the buckwheat noodles (soba) made with freshly squeezed lemon. Once the bossam is ordered, the agonizing starts again. Kalguksu? Pork cutlet? Algon-i bokkeum? But with a restaurant named Nagwon-ui Soba, I went with the soba again.

The noodles, made with lemon squeezed fresh on order, looked refreshing just sitting there. A big lemon sits on top, and the look of it suits summer perfectly.

One sip of the broth and the lemon scent spread gently, filling my mouth with freshness. It isn't harsh, just clean and mild, so you keep eating without feeling weighed down. It has a charm different from spicy naengmyeon (cold noodles). I think I'll crave it even more in hot summer weather.

The bossam boiled fresh daily is a must-order

The dish you can't skip at Nagwon-ui Soba is the super-fresh Korean pork bossam boiled every day, and we ordered the 2-person portion again. The moment I saw the menu I didn't even hesitate. I think it's a must-order, no question.

The bossam had no gamey smell at all, and the moist, tender texture was wonderful. Above all, maybe because the pork is boiled daily, you can taste the freshness.

The amount in the 2-person portion was honestly astonishing. Considering what eating out costs these days, I felt this much food at this price was really satisfying. The bossam alone would make a full meal, and it went so well with the side dishes that we happily finished every bite.

The bossam is so tender!

If you're looking for a hearty meal in Chungmuro

If you're wondering where to eat in Chungmuro, I think Nagwon-ui Soba (Euljiro Kalguksu) will more than satisfy you. The generous bossam, cooling soba and spicy jang kalguksu were all great, and it's even better that the prices aren't a burden.

Thanks to the kind owner, we felt comfortable the whole meal, and both the food and the service were satisfying. Next time I'll try the pork cutlet and algon-i bokkeum and write another review.

If you're deciding on lunch or dinner in Chungmuro, I recommend giving it a visit. One visit and you'll naturally understand why so many people come back.