I’d heard that two Chinese places had opened in Idae: one is Seowang Mandu and the other is Hwasang Sonmandu. When you factor in going somewhere for round two, eating in the Hongdae area is the best option, so I rarely have any reason to go all the way to Idae, but I’d heard the value for money was good, so I picked a day and tried one of them, Hwasang Sonmandu.
Ohyang jangyuk (five-spice braised beef)
Assorted mandu
You get several different kinds of mandu.
Steamed mandu
The portions aren’t big and the prices are on the cheap side, so even a small group can try a variety of dishes. Sanwang Banjeom and Pyeonuibang have a similar concept, and I’ve been seeing a lot of Chinese places like this lately. The food wasn’t quite at the level of a famous restaurant, but it was pretty good. Considering the prices, all the more so.
Kkanpunggi
Perfect for two middle-aged guys to sit over one plate of food with a bottle of baijiu.
Jjamppong
A decent way to finish.
The Idae shopping district has died, and it probably won’t bounce back anytime soon. Still, I’m glad a place like this has opened. I just hope it doesn’t turn into a wasteland again once business picks up.
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