Seoul is truly a city of diverse neighborhoods, each filled with iconic and long-standing eateries. Some places are so popular that it’s hard even to get inside.

Among them, the Gongdeok area has a unique charm. Just a bit north, you'll find large apartment complexes, government offices, companies, a police station, and even a bustling traditional market all in one area.

​Close to Gongdeok Traditional Market, there is a Korean eatery called Yeong-gwang Bossam (Gongdeok, Seoul). This was my third visit, and it had been a while since my last visit.

This Korean Bossam restaurant embodies the essence of Jeolla-do (southwest province) cuisine, a region in Korea famed for its flavorful dishes.

Already famous on social media and frequented by popular YouTubers, the restaurant is still a local favorite, often making the wait time longer than expected. Even at an early hour 6:30 pm, there was already a 20-minute wait.

Inside, the vibe is lively, with tables covered in Soju bottles and the buzz of conversation. The atmosphere itself seems to enhance the flavor of the Soju.

Once seated, you’re greeted with simple side dishes and within about two minutes of ordering, the delicious Kimchi arrives.

This kimchi isn’t overly spicy or salty; it’s perfectly balanced, with a rich flavor. It pairs perfectly with the thickly sliced pork belly and shoulder cuts. Honestly, this kimchi alone could have me finish two bowls of rice.

 

Bossam (for two) 26,000 won

The pork is cut thick and includes a mix of shoulder, neck, and belly. The flavor is simply outstanding, as you’d expect from a place where empty soju bottles pile up at every table.

At just 26,000 won, it’s hard to find this level of quality and quantity anywhere else in Seoul.

A complimentary bowl of Siraegi-guk (hot vegetable soup) is served alongside, and it’s also incredibly rich and flavorful.

If you order rice, you’ll also get two extra side dishes, which seem to change regularly. On my visit, they served bean sprouts and seasoned spinach.

Yeonggwang Bossam only serves bossam, which means the restaurant focuses on perfecting this one dish. This also ensures the quality is always top-notch. Keep in mind that they don’t serve veggies for wraps or an extensive variety of side dishes.

If you run out of meat, you can order additional pork for one serving instead of two, so don’t worry about running out of pork.

The service is fast, like at a fast-food restaurant, but the food is absolutely delicious. The kimchi is incredible, and the pork is perfectly cooked with no unpleasant smell and just the right amount of fat. Despite its social media fame, Yeonggwang Bossam hasn’t compromised on quality.

It’s still loud, lively, and every bite is worth the wait. If you’re in Gongdeok neighborhood and craving a truly authentic bossam experience, this place is a must-visit. Taste it, and you’ll understand why it’s worth waiting for.

 

 

Address : 256-20 Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-716-0873

Operation Hours : Mon-Sat : 11:30 - 21:30 (Break 14:00-17:00, Sunday closed)

Instagram : Check out more photos

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/dongll/223404872949

Writer : dongll

Special thanks to dongll

 

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