Chanyangjip & Seoul’s Hidden Treasure

Chanyangjip is definitely a hidden treasure in Seoul, South Korea.  It’s been in business since 1965.

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The mom and pop shop is grimy in appearance.  The outdated decor and its location in a narrow back lane way will turned back a lot of people.  Fortunately, I’m not easily deterred by such appearances and it’s what’s inside that matter.  We’ve all heard the “You maybe beautiful on the outside but you’re ugly on the inside” cliche, but this is the reverse.  Now, that’s not to say people never dated someone based on their looks.  It happens to me all the time.  It’s a blessing and a curse to be good looking.

Chanyangjip is run by a group of women who slave away in the kitchen making Haemul Kalguksu.  They provide complimentary kimchi at the table and it comes in pots.  They are warm and affectionate to their patrons.  The women remind me of my aunts and grandmas cooking in the kitchen during the holidays except they don’t call me names and say things like “Omg… That’s your 4th bowl of pho, fat boy.  Relax.  Other people want some too.”

Haemul Kalguksu is a seafood noodle soup.  The Kalguksu is filled with fresh mussels, clams, shrimp and earthly vegetables; the white noodles are made fresh and the portions are generous.   They’re not shady with their product like how McDonald’s charges people for dipping sauce now.  Chanyangjip’s Kalguksu comes piping hot to the table with a liberal portion of seaweed on top.  The clear broth provides comfort and robust flavors.

Chanyangjip is definitely a hidden treasure in Seoul.  The restaurant has been awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide; it’s definitely a great honor for a group of women who give generous portions for about 5 USD.  It’s definitely worth a stop since it’s a couple of steps from Jongmyo Shrine.  Don’t worry.  They won’t call you names if you decide to eat more than 3 bowls like my aunts and grandmas.  Jerks.

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