KPOP Pilgrimage 4 : Since 1984! 🍲
Established over 40 years ago, Daewoo Budae Jjigae has become a culinary landmark in Seoul’s Gangnam district. Conveniently situated between Gangnam Station and Yeoksam Station, this restaurant has earned a loyal following among both office workers and local residents. Its signature dish, budae jjigae, stands out by replacing traditional kimchi with generous amounts of fresh minari (water parsley), imparting a unique and refreshing flavor. This innovative twist has attracted attention from various media outlets and food enthusiasts, solidifying Daewoo Budae Jjigae’s status as a must-visit eatery in Seoul.
Why is it one of the K-pop pilgrimage sites?
1> Sung Si Kyung is a real real Fan!🎤
📺 Praised for Its Crisp & Clean Taste on Meokultende
Korean singer and food enthusiast Sung Si Kyung couldn’t stop raving about Daewoo Budae Jjigae on his YouTube show Meokultende! He highlighted its light yet rich broth, which sets it apart from the typically heavy and salty flavors of other budae jjigae. Unlike conventional versions, Daewoo’s use of fresh minari (water parsley) instead of kimchi gives it an exceptionally clean and refreshing aftertaste.
2> Featured on Korea’s Top Food Shows!🤤
📺 Tasty Guys (맛있는 녀석들) – Minari Budae Jjigae!
One of Korea’s most popular mukbang shows, Tasty Guys, featured Daewoo Budae Jjigae for its unique minari-infused flavor. The hosts, known for their love of big portions and honest food reviews, were particularly impressed with the balance of flavors and how the minari added an herbal freshness to every bite.
3> Wednesday Food Talk (수요미식회) – WINNER-Approved!📺
The hit food show Wednesday Food Talk invited WINNER and Kim Jinwoo shared his ultimate budae jjigae hack: wrapping a slice of ham and fresh minari in perilla leaves for the perfect bite! The show praised the restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and a well-balanced broth.
4> Saturday is Rice Day (토요일은 밥이 좋아) – Star-Studded Endorsement!📺
With a celebrity panel featuring No Sa-yeon, Park Myung-soo, Hyun Joo-yeop, Kim Jong-min, and Hibab, Saturday is Rice Day spotlighted Daewoo Budae Jjigae as a must-visit spot in Seoul. The guests were blown away by the deep umami of the broth, the generous portions of premium ham and sausage, and the unique addition of sirloin (등심) in the budae jjigae.
Daewoo Budae Jjigae isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a legendary culinary experience that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers, celebrities, and critics alike! 🔥🍲✨
What is it like to be the legendary Daewoo Budae Jjigae?
📍 Locations
Daewoo Budae Jjigae is conveniently situated in the heart of Gangnam:
- Address: 34 Teheran-ro 25-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Landmarks: A short 4-minute walk from Yeoksam Station (Line 2)
- <google map><naver map>
🅿️ Parking:
While free parking is available, please note:
- The parking area is narrow, which might be challenging for larger vehicles.
- Due to the restaurant’s popularity, there may be waiting times during peak hours.
⏰ Operating Hours:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Weekends: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on holidays
BBU’s opinion : There are plenty of delicious budae jjigae spots out there, but this place stands out for one key reason—it replaces kimchi with fresh minari (water parsley). If you prefer lighter, less salty flavors or want to experience the unique taste of minari in your budae jjigae, this is the perfect spot for you. Personally, I love traditional budae jjigae, but as a minari fan, this place is definitely on my must-visit list! 🌿🔥🍲
If you are interested with other hotspot, <click here>
If you are interested with BBU’s local picks, <click here>
This is a blog page that finds and introduces authentic hidden gem restaurants from a regular diner’s perspective.
Appendix : Budget-Friendly Indoor Date Spots in Gangnam
1> ‘Ilsangbiilsangui Teum’ (일상비일상의틈) <google map>
‘Space Between Everyday and Extraordinary,’ is a multifaceted cultural hub located at 426 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Established in September 2020 by LG Uplus, this seven-story venue spans from the basement to the sixth floor, covering approximately 1,388 square meters. It serves as a dynamic platform for MZ Generation (Millennials and Gen Z), offering a plethora of experiences that blend technology, art, and lifestyle.
Key Features:
- Diverse Thematic Exhibitions and Events: The space hosts a variety of pop-up stores and exhibitions, with themes rotating every 3 to 4 weeks. This ensures that each visit offers a fresh and unique experience.
- Complimentary Admission: Visitors can explore all the offerings without any entrance fee, making it an accessible destination for everyone.
- Collaborative Spaces: Each floor operates independently, featuring collaborations with brands that resonate with the MZ Generation. These include exhibitions, cafes, independent bookstores, and photo studios.
- Harmonious Design of Nature and Technology: The interior seamlessly integrates natural elements with advanced technology, creating an immersive environment that reflects the concept of ‘nature within the city.’
Operating Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with closures on Mondays.
Since its inception, ‘Ilsangbiilsangui Teum’ has attracted over 1.6 million visitors, with more than half being in their 20s. This underscores its significance as a cultural hotspot for young adults seeking innovative and engaging experiences.
2> ‘Coin Tennis 24’ <google map>
An innovative indoor sports venue located in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, recognized as Korea’s first entertainment-style screen tennis facility. Designed for both beginners and seasoned players, it offers an accessible and enjoyable tennis experience for all.
Key Features:
- Location and Accessibility: Situated approximately a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nonhyeon Station on Line 7, ‘Coin Tennis 24’ is nestled between Sinnonhyeon and Nonhyeon Stations in the bustling Nonhyeon Food Alley, making it easily accessible.
- Operating Hours: Open 24/7, allowing visitors to enjoy a game of tennis at any time that suits their schedule.
- Facilities and Ambiance: The venue boasts a trendy interior complemented by dynamic lighting and upbeat music. In addition to tennis, there is a darts zone and a pub area where patrons can enjoy beverages, creating a comprehensive entertainment experience.
- Pricing: Each game is affordably priced at 3,000 KRW (approximately 40 balls per game). The facility also offers court rentals and professional lessons for those looking to enhance their skills.
- Equipment Rental: All necessary equipment, including tennis rackets and appropriate footwear, is available on-site, allowing guests to participate without the need to bring their own gear.
‘Coin Tennis 24’ serves as an excellent venue for unique date experiences or for individuals seeking a new hobby, providing an ideal space to enjoy tennis and unwind.
3> ‘Musung Tarot’ <google map>
A reputable fortune-telling establishment located near Gangnam Station in Seoul, South Korea. Renowned for its accurate readings and welcoming atmosphere, it caters to both locals and foreigners.
Key Features:
- Convenient Location: Situated just a short walk from Gangnam Station Exit 11, specifically near the Gangnam CGV. Visitors can easily find the venue by proceeding straight from the exit and turning right into the alley adjacent to the cinema.
- Multilingual Services: ‘Musung Tarot’ offers consultations in Korean, Japanese, and English, ensuring that international clients feel comfortable and understood during their sessions.
- Operating Hours: Open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, accommodating various schedules for both spontaneous visits and appointments.
- Services Offered: Specializing in tarot readings and traditional Korean fortune-telling (Saju), the experienced practitioners provide insights into various aspects of life, including career, relationships, and personal growth.
Whether you’re seeking guidance or simply curious about what the future holds, ‘Musung Tarot’ offers a professional and insightful experience for both locals and international visitors in the heart of Gangnam.
Daewoo Budae Jjigae – FAQs
1. Where is Daewoo Budae Jjigae located?
Daewoo Budae Jjigae is located at 34 Teheran-ro 25-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
The nearest subway station is Yeoksam Station (Line 2), just a 4-minute walk from the restaurant.
2. What are the operating hours?
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM / 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Weekends: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: On public holidays (please check before visiting)
3. Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available, but the parking area is narrow and may not be suitable for larger vehicles.
During peak hours (lunch & dinner time), parking can be limited, so using public transportation is recommended.
4. What is the signature dish?
The restaurant’s signature dish is Minari Budae Jjigae.
Unlike traditional budae jjigae, which is kimchi-based, Daewoo Budae Jjigae replaces kimchi with fresh minari (water parsley), giving it a lighter and more refreshing taste.
5. How is it different from regular budae jjigae?
Typical budae jjigae has a rich, salty, and kimchi-based broth, whereas
Daewoo Budae Jjigae uses fresh minari instead of kimchi, creating a cleaner and more refreshing flavor profile.
6. Has the restaurant been featured on TV shows?
Yes! Daewoo Budae Jjigae has been featured on multiple popular Korean food shows and YouTube channels, including:
- Meokultende (먹을텐데) – Sung Si Kyung’s Food Review Show
- Tasty Guys (맛있는 녀석들) – Minari Budae Jjigae Special
- Wednesday Food Talk (수요미식회) – Recommended by WINNER’s Kim Jinwoo
- Saturday is Rice Day (토요일은 밥이 좋아) – Star-Studded Review
7. Can I make a reservation?
Currently, reservations are not accepted, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Since the restaurant is very popular, it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid long wait times.
8. Is takeout or delivery available?
Yes, takeout is available. However, delivery services may be limited depending on the time and location.
9. Does the restaurant offer vegetarian or halal options?
Unfortunately, Daewoo Budae Jjigae does not offer vegetarian or halal options, as the broth contains meat, and the dish includes ham and sausage.
10. What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
To avoid long wait times, it’s best to visit:
- Weekdays: Before noon or after 8:00 PM
- Weekends: Right after opening hours
Peak hours are typically 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM for lunch and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM for dinner.
11. Is there an English menu?
Yes! The restaurant provides an English menu, and some staff members can assist in basic English.
12. Why is Daewoo Budae Jjigae considered a K-pop pilgrimage spot?
- Korean singer Sung Si Kyung is a big fan and highly recommends it on his YouTube channel.
- It has been featured on popular Korean food shows with celebrities like WINNER’s Kim Jinwoo.
- Many K-pop fans and food enthusiasts visit this spot when traveling to Seoul.
Table of Contents
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