After visiting Deoksugung Palace, we initially planned to dine at Deoksujeong, but we learned they close early on Saturdays. Instead, we found ourselves at Jojo Kalguksu, a restaurant famed for its knife-cut noodles (Kalguksu) and a beloved culinary staple that originated in Daegu and expanded to Busan and Seoul due to its immense popularity.

Jojo Kalguksu boasts an impressive claim: selling 100 bowls per minute, a testament to the nation's love for this dish. The house specialty is Kalguksu made with Dongjuk, a type of clam known for its ability to create a broth that’s both rich and refreshing.

Menu

We ordered two servings of Kalguksu and a side of Pajeon (Korean style pancake with seafood).

Side dish

Simple but effective. Kimchi is the perfect accompaniment to Kalguksu, enhancing the broth's flavors with its tangy and spicy notes.

Tiger Makgeolli  5,000 won

The balanced sweetness of this rice wine paired beautifully with our meal, especially cutting through the oiliness of the Pajeon.

Pajeon (Korean style pancake with seafood)  13,000 won

This Pajeon is packed with seafood, leaving little room for anything else. Shrimp, octopus, and green onions combine harmoniously for a delicious bite. While slightly oily, the Tiger Makgeolli was an excellent counterbalance.

Kalguksu 9,000 won (x2)

The Kalguksu arrived in large bowls, perfect for sharing.

The broth was richly flavored, likely simmered for hours with Dongjuk clams, creating a pure, umami taste without any fishiness. A first-time experience for me, the Dongjuk clams were tender, fresh, and full of flavor, complementing the broth.

Adding a bite of kimchi elevated the dish, adding a spicy and tangy kick to each spoonful of broth and noodles.

Jojo Kalguksu lives up to its reputation. The Kalguksu’s deep, satisfying flavors, coupled with the generously seafood-laden Pajeon, made for a memorable meal. While the hot soup may not be ideal for summer's heat wave, it's an experience I’ll undoubtedly repeat as soon as the weather cools down.

As we stepped out, the beautifully illuminated Deoksugung Palace lights provided a picturesque end to the evening. Next time, I plan to fully explore the area and revisit Jojo Kalguksu for another satisfying meal.

Address : 27 Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-507-1444-4334

Operation Hours : Mon-Sun : 10:00 - 21:30 (Break 16:00-17:00)

Instagram : Click for more images

Source : https://blog.naver.com/choongchoongchoong/223500946310

Writer : choongchoongchoong

Special thanks to choongchoongchoong

jojo kalguksu cityhall seoul