Cheongwaok Main Branch

Cheongwaok Main Branch, located in Bangi-dong, Songpa, is a restaurant that made its name with a single bowl of Sundaeguk. Since being featured multiple times on TV gourmet programs, it's common to see long lines of waiting teams on weekend evenings, and even a dozen or so teams waiting during weekday lunch. A tip, if there is one, is to put your name down on the waiting list using the Tableing app in advance and then take a stroll around the neighborhood before returning. The signature menu item is, of course, Sundaegukbap. The broth is rich yet not heavy, and goes down cleanly; its true flavor shines even without adding *dadaegi* (spicy seasoning paste). The generous portions of meat and *sundae* (blood sausage) make one bowl satisfying, and the frequent mention of the white rice being exceptionally sticky and delicious is also a testament to this restaurant's strength. Pairing it with *kkakdugi* (diced radish kimchi), *musaengchae* (spicy radish salad), *ojingeojeotgal* (fermented squid), and *guljeotgal* (fermented oysters) further enhances the flavor of the Sundaeguk. It would be a shame to leave after only having Sundaeguk. The *ojingeo-bokkeum* (stir-fried squid) uses real squid, not giant squid, stir-fried with a smoky flavor, making it an excellent accompaniment for soju, and its reasonable price means it's always mentioned when talking about value for money. The *ojingeo-sutbul-gui* (charcoal-grilled squid) has a rich smoky aroma, and the finely textured *yukhoe* (beef tartare) is fresh and chewy, making it great to order with rice. The *pyeonbaek-jeongsik* (cypress set meal), a combination of *sundae*, *suyuk* (boiled pork slices), and bean sprouts, is light yet generous, perfect for sharing among several people. With children's noodles available for kids, it's a menu suitable for three generations to visit together without any issues. Parking requires some consideration. While there's a public parking lot in front of the store and a parking lot behind the building, they are often full during busy hours. It's more convenient to use the paid underground parking lot of the Hanseong Baekje Museum across the street, even if it means a short walk. As a side note, only *gukbap* (rice soup) can be ordered before 8:30 AM; the full menu is available only after that time, so it's good to know if you plan an early visit. One thing that needs to be addressed is the service. While many reviews praise the serving staff for being bright and friendly, there are frequent complaints about the unfriendliness of the male staff member at the counter. Given the high satisfaction with the food, it would be perfect if this aspect were improved. Nevertheless, there's little disagreement that it's a place worth enduring a long wait and revisiting. It's a Sundaeguk restaurant worth queuing for if you're passing through Bangi-dong, where a spoonful of its rich broth can satisfy a day's hunger.