Couple's 180g beef kalguksu lunch by Dongtan Lake Park: Deungchon

My wife and I went for a walk around Dongtan Lake Park together. As the weather turned cooler, I found myself craving a spicy, deep broth, so we headed here without a second thought. Spicy broth, beef shabu-shabu, chewy kalguksu noodles and dumplings, and finally fluffy egg fried rice! It was such a satisfying and filling meal — a really great Dongtan date lunch.

Where is Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Gran Passage Branch, and where do you park?

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Gran Passage Branch is located at 2004-2005, 2F Gran Passage Green Zone, 9 Dongtan-daero 5-gil, Dongtan-gu, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. It's right across from Dongtan Lake Park, so it's a great stop before or after a walk.

If you're taking public transit, it's just a 3-minute walk from the bus stop near the lake park, so access is excellent. If you drive, you can register for up to 3 hours of free parking in the building's basement lot, so there's no need to worry about parking. (That said, during peak times when the lot gets crowded, I'd recommend using the Dongtan Lake Park parking tower!)

Inside the restaurant and how ordering works at the table kiosk

Walking into Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Gran Passage Branch, the first thing I noticed was the spacious, clean interior. Each table has an induction burner and a modern kiosk built right in, so ordering is simple and hygienic.

There were plenty of high chairs and a well-organized waiting system, which made me think this would be a great spot for family meals or lunch gatherings near Dongtan Lake Park.

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu menu and prices

Spicy mushroom kalguksu with a 180g shabu beef add-on

Since it was just the two of us without the kids, we didn't hesitate to order the signature spicy mushroom kalguksu along with shabu beef. Not long after ordering, the pot arrived piled high with minari (water dropwort) and a spicy broth. As it bubbled away, the subtle aroma of minari really got our appetites going.

We lightly blanched the added shabu beef and dipped it, along with the minari and mushrooms, into the wasabi soy sauce. The savory beef and the crunchy minari came together perfectly in every bite. The deep, rich broth soaked right into the meat, and one sip of the broth alone was enough to make us sigh with satisfaction.

After finishing the beef, we added the kalguksu noodles and dumplings. The longer the noodles simmered, the richer the broth got, clinging spicy and thick to every strand — and topped with the crisp, freshly made kkakduegi-style side kimchi they say they make daily, it was the perfect pairing.

Finishing the pot with egg fried rice

The real highlight of this place is, without question, the finishing egg fried rice! The owner fried it up fluffy and with real care, and it was pure savory perfection. It's delicious on its own, but soaking it lightly in the leftover spicy broth we'd saved made for the perfect ending. This might just be the textbook example of a good-value, tasty Dongtan shabu-shabu spot.

Being right next to Dongtan Lake Park, it's a great stop before or after a walk on a date. At a reasonable price, you get a full three-course experience — shabu-shabu, kalguksu, and fried rice — that checks both the taste and value boxes.

Tips worth knowing before you visit Deungchon

• Adding beef: The basic kalguksu set doesn't include shabu beef, so you'll need to add it separately (180g) to enjoy the shabu-shabu experience!
• Changing the vegetables: If you're not a fan of minari, you can ask to swap it mainly for bean sprouts when ordering.
• Partner café discount: Hold onto your receipt after your meal — you can get a coffee discount at the nearby partner café, 'True Vie'.

Frequently asked questions

Is there anything on the menu young children can eat?

Yes, there's a mild mushroom kalguksu for kids along with Pororo drinks, and plenty of high chairs are available.

How long is the wait at peak times?

There can be a wait on weekends or during peak lunch hours. You can register on the KakaoTalk waiting system at the entrance for a convenient wait.

Final verdict: is Deungchon worth a Dongtan Lake Park lunch?

If you're looking for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal near Dongtan Lake Park, I'd recommend Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu Gran Passage Branch. The deep spicy broth, fresh minari, beef shabu, kalguksu, and savory fried rice all come together in a course that's satisfying every time. Bring your family or a date and give it a try!