Chungmuro Cheonggukjang

As Featured on TV

• Amazing Saturday (Ep. 134) – Rich Soybean Paste Set Menu (Aired Nov 14, 2020)
• Huh Young Man's Food Travel (Ep. 3) – Rich Soybean Paste & Deodeok Bossam Set Menu (Aired May 30, 2019)
• 2TV Live Info (Ep. 586) – Rich Soybean Paste Stew (Aired Jun 4, 2018)

At a Glance

• 💳 Credit cards accepted
• 👥 Great for lunch, solo diners, or anyone craving a hearty, wholesome Korean meal
• 🍚 Signature Dishes: Cheonggukjang Set Menu (Rich Soybean Paste Stew Set), Deodeok & Fresh Oyster Bossam, Deodeok & Octopus Bossam

Chungmuro Cheonggukjang: Enjoy Savory Fermented Soybean Stew and a Hearty Home-Cooked Feast

Chungmuro Cheonggukjang is a classic Korean restaurant specializing in savory cheonggukjang (extra-rich fermented soybean paste stew) served alongside a generous spread of side dishes. Located near Chungmuro Station, it is a go-to spot for local office workers grabbing a satisfying lunch or comforting meal. If you want to skip fancy decor and experience a warm, comforting traditional Korean meal, this place is right up your alley.

The star of the menu is the Cheonggukjang Set Menu. Made with domestically grown soybeans, the rich stew comes with rice and a variety of side dishes for a full, satisfying meal. For an authentic local experience, mix your rice with seasoned vegetables (namul) and a few spoonfuls of stew to create a rustic Korean bibimbap bursting with deep, earthy flavors. It is a wonderful dish for first-time visitors who want to dive into Korea's traditional fermented cuisine and food culture.

Beyond the stew, the menu features delicious boiled pork options like Deodeok Fresh Oyster Bossam and Deodeok Octopus Bossam. While the Cheonggukjang Set is ideal for a quick, filling lunch, the Bossam dishes are perfect for sharing with a group over dinner. If you are exploring the Chungmuro area and prefer an authentic neighborhood spot over a tourist-oriented eatery, this local favorite is definitely worth a visit.

👥 Why Locals Love This Spot

• 🍚 Hearty Cheonggukjang Set Menu — A deeply comforting, complete meal served with rich soybean paste stew, rice, and an array of banchan (side dishes).
• 🥬 DIY Korean Bibimbap Style — Mix seasoned vegetables with rice and a ladle of stew for a genuinely authentic way to eat like a local.
• 🥩 Flavorful Sharing Dishes — Offers tasty choices like Deodeok Fresh Oyster Bossam and Deodeok Octopus Bossam that are great for group dining.
• 🏙️ A Go-To Neighborhood Eatery — Conveniently located in Chungmuro, making it a popular dining destination for local office workers.

📍 Tips for International Visitors

• 🍲 Want to try authentic fermented dishes? → Order the signature Cheonggukjang Set. Made from naturally fermented soybeans, it has a distinctively deep, nutty aroma and rich flavor profile.
• 🥢 Want to craft your own bibimbap? → Add seasoned vegetables and side dishes to your bowl of rice, spoonfuls of stew, and mix everything together. It is a fun way to taste a harmony of flavors in one bite!
• 🥩 Dining with a group? → Check out the Bossam options, such as Deodeok Fresh Oyster Bossam or Deodeok Octopus Bossam. Feel free to ask the staff about portion sizes for sharing.
• 🌶️ Sensitive to strong aromas? → Cheonggukjang has a strong, pungent earthy smell common to fermented foods. If it is your first time, try mixing a little bit of stew into your rice and veggies to ease into the flavor!