Nokyang-dong sundaeguk with perilla-rich broth: Yetnal Gyeongseong

Yetnal Gyeongseong Sundaeguk Nokyang Branch is a newly opened sundaeguk (blood sausage soup) restaurant in Nokyang-dong, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi. It's open from 10:00 to 22:00, and to celebrate the new opening, they're running a free chapsundae (glutinous rice blood sausage) service event.

Whenever the weather turns chilly or I crave hot soup, a bowl of gukbap (soup with rice) naturally comes to mind. Not long ago, I happened to pass by a newly opened spot and, out of curiosity, went straight in to check it out.

A new gukbap restaurant in Nokyang-dong: inside Yetnal Gyeongseong Sundaeguk

This is Yetnal Gyeongseong Sundaeguk Nokyang Branch, located in Nokyang-dong, Uijeongbu. Since it's a brand-new place, the overall interior was really clean and pleasant. The staff were friendly from start to finish, which put me in a good mood the moment I walked in. The seating was also spacious and tidy, so I immediately thought it would work well for a family meal or a group gathering.

Ordering the basic sundaeguk: organ and sundae options explained

We all ordered the basic sundaeguk! You can choose from several options — organs only, no organs, sundae only, no sundae, and more — so everyone can eat it to their own taste haha.

How is the broth? Thick and nutty with ground perilla seeds

While waiting at the table, I honestly didn't expect much since it was a new place. But once the food arrived, that thought completely changed. The first spoonful of broth I tried was so rich... it was seriously the best. With plenty of perilla seeds added, a nutty flavor spread all through my mouth.

The broth had a deep flavor that didn't feel artificial at all, and I really loved it. Then when I stirred through the ddukbaegi (stone pot), I was surprised — the meat was really substantial and generous. I was impressed by how tender the meat was with zero unpleasant odor, and the sundae itself tasted great too, so I was more than satisfied ><. The portion was so big that I thought there was no better dish to fill you up hearty for a meal.

What's at the self-serve bar: kimchi and kkakdugi

Yetnal Gyeongseong Sundaeguk Nokyang Branch also runs a separate self-serve bar that makes the meal even more varied. Quite a lot of banchan (side dishes) were neatly prepared there, so it was easy to take as much as you wanted. In particular, the kimchi and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) served as banchan were true rice thieves — restaurant-quality and a perfect match with the gukbap.

Half plain white broth, half spicy with dadagi stirred in

I started off eating about half in the basic white broth, then midway through mixed in dadagi (chili paste mix) and chili oil to transform it into a spicy version for the finishing course. I've decided that next time I have to come back and go spicy right from the start.

Opening event: free chapsundae with your soup

Yetnal Gyeongseong Sundaeguk is currently running an opening event that gives out free chapsundae (glutinous rice blood sausage). I was surprised at how good the quality of the sundae was, even as a freebie. It's the kind of thing that keeps crossing my mind, so I think I'll order it again next time haha.

Dessert snacks on the way out of Yetnal Gyeongseong Sundaeguk

After finishing a hearty meal and heading out in a good mood, there was one last touching point!!!✨✨✨ Right by the exit, there were dessert snacks laid out. It's a small thing, but that kind of thoughtful touch made the end of the meal feel even more complete 😉

From the clean interior and friendly service to the quality, generous meat, the rich and nutty broth, and even the delicious kimchi and dessert, everything about this visit was satisfying. If you're looking for a hearty, delicious meal, I'd definitely recommend visiting Yetnal Gyeongseong Sundaeguk Nokyang Branch.