Jongno Jangdokdae Main Branch: A Delightful Braised Chicken and Yukjeon Experience

reply 0 hit 188 date 25-11-26 19:45

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Fantastic Scene

Whenever I make dinner plans in Jongno, the menu is always a concern. This time, I chose Jangdokdae's main branch in Jongno, which was frequently mentioned for its Jongno-style braised chicken (dakdoritang). The signboard's ambiance caught my eye from the entrance of the alley, and the warm lighting, typical of Korean pubs, naturally drew me in. Although the restaurant is located in the basement, as soon as I descended the stairs, the spacious seating and well-organized tables immediately gave me the impression that I had made a good choice for a gathering place. More than anything, I wanted to see their signature Yukjeon Doritang, which is why I prioritized this place among other Jongno restaurants. Ultimately, it turned out to be a satisfying dinner.

Store Information

Name: Jangdokdae Jongno Main Branch

Address: 16, Samildaero 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: Daily 16:30 ~ 02:00

1. Exterior & Arrival

Walking along the alley, you'll see the name 'Jangdokdae' largely displayed under orange lighting. The wooden frame and lighting blend well with the old alley's atmosphere, and the sidewalk in front of the entrance is wide enough to stand with luggage comfortably. It's conveniently located within walking distance from Jonggak Station, making it easy to stop by after work.

Next to the signboard, there's a large sign with the main menu printed on it. Photos of Yukjeon Doritang, pancakes, and soups are prominently displayed, so you can immediately tell what their specialties are. Below the sign, images of soju bottles and hot pot further convey the concept of a Korean pub.

Near the entrance, there's a tall, vertical menu board that summarizes prices and options at a glance. The names and prices of dakdoritang, yukjeon, and various side dishes are clearly written, making it easy to estimate your budget even if it's your first visit. The menu composition was almost identical to what I had seen when searching for Jongno dakdoritang, so I was able to order as expected.

2. Interior, Seating & Facilities

Inside, long wooden tables are lined up, and each seat has black tableware and cutlery containers placed at regular intervals. Basic side dish plates and water cups are prepared on the tables in advance, making it easy to start discussing orders as soon as you sit down. The walls have a warm color, giving an overall stable feeling.

Stepping further inside, wooden partitions naturally divide the space. Menu guides and pictures are hung along the aisle, allowing you to feel the Korean atmosphere while walking. The wide spacing between seats prevents you from making eye contact with the next table, which I liked. The layout seems suitable for group gatherings or family outings.

In another area, brick patterns and gray walls are mixed. Square tables are arranged in a row, and the chairs are made of sturdy wood, making them comfortable to sit on for long periods. Yellow lights are spaced evenly on the ceiling, creating an atmosphere conducive to leisurely drinking.

The seats further inside have slightly higher ceilings, and long wooden pillars and lights make the space feel larger. Each table is equipped with induction and gas stoves, making it ideal for cooking dakdoritang. The area around the seats is free of unnecessary items, giving a clean impression. The interior is bright and stable enough that you wouldn't feel like you're in the basement.

A large air purifier is prominently installed on one side. The white and black device is placed away from the tables, effectively circulating air without blocking the aisle. Even when ordering dakdoritang and pancakes, the air doesn't feel stuffy, making it pleasant to stay for a long time.

3. Table Setting & Basic Composition

When the dakdoritang is placed on the table, the first thing you'll notice is the pot filled with yukjeon, chicken, and vegetables. Wide yukjeon slices are layered on top, and the broth below is mixed with green onions, potatoes, and seasoning, creating a Korean hot pot-like visual. Side dishes of seasoned bean sprouts and stir-fried fish cakes are also prepared, making the main and side dish composition feel solid.

Other plates contain stir-fried fish cakes and seasoned bean sprouts arranged side by side. Yellow fish cakes and red bean sprouts are placed lengthwise, and the edges of the plates are left clean, making it easy to pick up with chopsticks. The contrast between the two colors enriches the overall table setting.

Looking at the plate with only stir-fried fish cakes, the long, stacked pieces look hearty. They are evenly coated with seasoning and filled to the point where the bottom of the plate isn't visible, making it great for sharing among several people. They are a good side dish to enjoy in between bites of dakdoritang.

The seasoned bean sprouts are arranged in a tall, slender shape, drawing your eye. The red color is vivid, and the green vegetables mixed in create a beautiful color combination. One side of the plate has empty space, so the sprouts are stably piled without falling off even when picked up with chopsticks.

4. Jongno Dakdoritang Signature Menu & Main Composition

Looking closely at the pot of Yukjeon Doritang, the yukjeon covering the top immediately catches your eye. The uniformly thick, large pieces are stacked, giving you a sense of the heartiness of a Korean meal. The chicken pieces and vegetables are evenly distributed in the broth below, making the overall composition feel full.

Lifting the chicken and yukjeon together from the pot, the combination of yellow yukjeon and red seasoning is impressive. The piece of chicken held by the tongs is large enough to fill the plate, and there are still plenty of ingredients left in the pot. Among Jongno dakdoritang restaurants, this one has a strong visual appeal, satisfying you even before you taste it.

Looking at the yukjeon separately, the edges and center have a consistent thickness, and the surface has a soft color. When placed on a plate, it's large enough to fill one side, making it a substantial Korean side dish. The color is naturally divided between the parts slightly soaked in the dakdoritang broth and the parts that aren't.

Inside the dakdoritang, the chicken is divided into several parts, and each piece is evenly coated with seasoning. The meat looks thick at a glance, and there's enough for several people to take a piece each. Potatoes and vegetables are interspersed, so a variety of ingredients come up together when you scoop a spoonful.

Lifting another piece, you might even get a whole chicken leg. The skin and meat are attached, and the surface has a thin coating of seasoning, creating a clean color contrast. The shape doesn't fall apart when transferred to the plate, making it look appealing.

The potatoes in the broth are cut into large pieces, making them easy to spot. The surface is subtly colored with the seasoning, and the edges are sharp, making them look like they won't easily fall apart. Combined with green onions, the colors become richer when you scoop a spoonful.

The buckwheat, meat, and kimchi pancake comes out in a large circle that fills the plate. The surface has an uneven texture due to the even mixture of meat and kimchi, and the outer edge has a golden-brown color. In the center, there's a side of sliced onions to enjoy with the pancake, harmonizing the overall color of the dish.

From another angle, you can see the onion side dish placed next to the pancake. The small bowl contains white onion slices with broth, and a green chili pepper slice is placed in the middle, creating a clear color contrast. It's a great combination to enjoy with the pancake, making the meal feel even more satisfying.

Looking at only the onion side dish, the nearly square pieces fill the bowl. A green chili pepper is placed on top, and the broth is transparent, giving a clean impression when placed on the table. The color doesn't stand out when placed with other dishes, blending well with the overall table setting.

5. Experience Review & A Drink

The Yukjeon Doritang pot is placed in the center of the table, and the buckwheat, meat, and kimchi pancake and side dishes are arranged around it. The various dishes are naturally connected, making it easy to share without having to divide each plate separately. With the addition of soju glasses and water cups, it felt like a complete Korean pub dinner was set.

On one side, a bottle with a blue label is placed with glasses. The clear glass is filled about halfway with alcohol, and the dakdoritang and pancake are in the background, making the combination of alcohol and side dishes immediately apparent. The atmosphere naturally creates a good environment for chatting and slowly filling your glass.

The sight of two non-alcoholic beer bottles standing side by side is also impressive. The gray and white combination label is clean, and the size is moderate, making it easy to hold in your hand. I thought it was a good option for people who don't drink alcohol to join in the atmosphere with others.

On the other side, two non-alcoholic beers are placed again. Even when placed with other bottles on the table, the label colors are different, making them easy to distinguish. The wide range of choices, even at a drinking establishment, felt like another advantage of this Korean pub.

The Busan Galmaegi soju bottle is characterized by its long neck and white label. The label has black letters and blue accents, giving it a clean feel, and setting it in front of the dakdoritang makes the table setting feel more cheerful. It seems perfect for those who want to enjoy a new soju with Jongno dakdoritang.

The final table setting shows Busan Galmaegi soju, pancake, and dakdoritang all gathered on one table. The various bottles and dishes are naturally mixed, making it feel like there's plenty of food and alcohol even if there are many people in the group. It was an evening where time flew by while chatting and slowly filling our glasses.

6. Overall Review

Jangdokdae Jongno Main Branch was a Korean pub that I would recommend when looking for Jongno dakdoritang. Although located in the basement, the spacious seating and well-divided space with partitions made it great for company dinners or gatherings. The air purifier was running, so it didn't feel stuffy even after sitting for a long time. Above all, the Yukjeon Doritang composition felt like this restaurant's unique strength, and the stir-fries, pancakes, and various alcoholic beverages made it easy for people with different tastes to gather and choose. It's located within walking distance from Jonggak Station, making it easily accessible, and I'll remember it as a place I want to visit again when I crave dakdoritang.