A Taste of Tradition: Wonju Stone Pot Chueotang Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

Traditional Wonju Stone Pot Chueotang
I had some business near Gyeongbokgung Palace and decided to visit Traditional Wonju Stone Pot Chueotang, a famous Chueotang restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Station.
Address: 54, Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 11:00 - 20:30
Break Time: 15:00 - 17:00
Monday: 11:00 - 15:00
Located near Gyeongbokgung Station, Traditional Wonju Stone Pot Chueotang is about a 5-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3). It's also close to Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong, making it a perfect stop for a traditional Korean sightseeing tour.
Stepping inside the restaurant, it wasn't very large, but the seating arrangement was spacious, making it comfortable to dine in. The interior was also neat and clean.
True hidden gems often have a simple menu. The menu mainly consists of Chueotang (loach soup), Donkatsu (pork cutlet), fried loach, and fried shrimp. The fact that most of the customers are elderly locals speaks volumes about its authenticity. As the name suggests, Traditional Wonju Stone Pot Chueotang's signature dish is Chueotang served in a stone pot. We ordered the stone pot Chueotang and fried loach.
Chueotang has long been known as a health food. Traditional Wonju Stone Pot Chueotang in Seochon uses 100% natural seasonings and 100% live loach, making it an even better place to visit when you want to nourish your body.
I recently learned that not everyone adds sansho pepper and sichuan pepper powder to their Chueotang. I'm the type to add a lot. Because that's Chueotang to me.
First to arrive was the stone pot Chueotang. We ordered two servings, but instead of individual portions, it came in a large pot, which was great for simmering and sharing.
The fried loach came out first, so we snacked on them while waiting for the Chueotang to boil. They weren't anything particularly special, but they were crispy and tasty. The loach are fried whole, and the crispy texture was excellent. The Chueotang itself was mild, so it was a great combination to eat it with the fried loach.
Just looking at the side dishes, doesn't it look so healthy? If it were closer to my house, I'd visit often.
The Chueotang at Traditional Wonju Stone Pot Chueotang in Seochon is not at all spicy or stimulating; it's rather mild. Those accustomed to the spicy and salty flavors of modern food might find it a little bland at first, but as you continue to eat, you'll realize the balance of flavors is perfect.
The savory taste of the loach comes through cleanly, making it taste like it's really good for you. The mild seasoning gives it a perfect health food vibe.
I'm also crazy about stone pot rice. I wish every restaurant would sell it.
Pouring warm water into the pot after the meal and opening it up is so healing. Oh no, I have to go back again when it gets colder! lol
Traditional Wonju Stone Pot Chueotang is a Seochon Chueotang restaurant mainly frequented by local elderly people. I would recommend it if you want to eat a nourishing meal in the middle of winter or summer.


















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