This post was written in 2006. Shop details and prices may have changed since then.
Somunnan Kalguksu is a place I used to go to all the time back in college, whenever I stopped by Yongsan to buy computer parts. Given what I was majoring in, I had plenty of reasons to be in Yongsan. When I went there the other day, I found the name had changed to Somunnan Meokgeori Land. Well… it’s the same place inside…
The sign.
It’s supposedly fairly well known, but it’s tucked away in a corner, so it’s not all that easy to find… Head in behind the Kookmin Bank across from the Nonghyup (NH) bank and you’ll find it.
Beef kalguksu, 4,500 won.
It comes in a washbasin-sized bowl ^_^ The portion is no joke. I think there’s MSG in it, but it tastes good. While I was getting ready to take a photo, the owner came over and arranged the kalguksu for the shot himself. That’s why you can see so much meat ^_^ The kalguksu menu here has beef, anchovy and chicken versions, and they all taste about the same. It seemed a little less tasty than it used to be, but maybe that’s just because I went during the holidays. And the portions are still overwhelming ^_^
Rice + kimchi.
This is how much you get when you order one serving ^_^ On top of that, kimchi and rice are unlimited refills. About halfway through, if you pour in some kkakdugi juice and add rice, it gets nice and spicy and is great for a hangover too. (Come to think of it, I do remember drinking too much the night before…) Back in my school days I’d add extra rice and extra kimchi and eat about two or three servings’ worth ^_^ but it was a bit much for me this time…
Rossi Mango at COEX.
A frozen yogurt specialist I always stop by whenever I’m at COEX. I can’t say it’s outstanding, but I love frozen yogurt I can carry around and eat while walking, and this seems to be the only place in COEX that sells it.
The ice cream.
The taste is… pretty ordinary.