Gaboo Otojongdak Sokcho: Sizzling Stone Plate Jjajang Review

Gaboo Otojongdak

Text & Photos © vivivin

During a recent trip to Sokcho, we discovered Gaboo Otojongdak. After enjoying plenty of seafood, we were looking for something different and kid-friendly for our 3-year-old.

Despite its name, which might suggest a traditional chicken soup restaurant, Gaboo Otojongdak is actually renowned for its incredible Seafood Stone Plate Jjajang. I later found out it even gained fame after being featured on a popular Korean food program, 'Jeon Hyun-moo's Plan'!

Location & Parking Information

Address: 32 Haksapyeong-gil, Nohak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Phone: +82-33-636-0201

Hours: Daily 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM / Closed Thursdays

Parking: Available behind the restaurant

Other: High chairs and children's tableware are provided.

We visited on a rainy weekday, well past the typical lunch rush, around 3 PM. Thankfully, there was no wait, but a good number of diners were still enjoying their meals.

While the closing time is listed as 5:00 PM, they sometimes close earlier if ingredients run out, so it's always a good idea to arrive with some buffer time.

Self-Service Bar & Restaurant System

By the time we finished our meal, the restaurant was almost empty due to our late arrival.

There are plenty of tables inside, and because jjajang is a noodle dish with a relatively quick turnover, even if there's a wait, it likely won't be too long.

The well-stocked self-service bar was a standout feature of this restaurant.

From basic side dishes and sauces to tongs, scissors, extra plates, and even aprons, everything you might need is conveniently available at the self-service bar. You can grab as much as you like.

They also have children's spoons, forks, and high chairs, making it very comfortable for families dining with kids.

A huge plus was the unlimited plain white rice available at the self-service bar.

Our 3-year-old happily ate the jjajang sauce mixed with rice, which was a lifesaver!

Each table also comes with disposable table covers and wet wipes, which are perfect for keeping things tidy, especially with the sizzling hot stone plate jjajang.

Menu & Ordering

We easily placed our order and paid in advance using the convenient table-side ordering system.

The main menu items include:

Spicy Seafood Stone Plate Jjajang

Non-Spicy Seafood Stone Plate Jjajang

Mini Sweet and Sour Pork (Tangsuyuk, 1 serving)

The Culinary Experience

Once we ordered, the staff brought out the stands and basic side dishes, matching the number of stone plate jjajang orders. It's a bit tricky to move the hot stone plate once it's on the stand, so we strategically placed both the spicy and non-spicy versions in the middle, ready to share.

The standard side dishes included pickled radish, raw onion, and chunjang (black bean paste). But the real star was the pickled radish salad (musaengchae)!

This refreshing side paired incredibly well with the stone plate jjajang. Especially with the non-spicy seafood jjajang, which could get a little rich, the crisp and tangy musaengchae was the perfect palate cleanser.

The jjajang arrived sizzling and bubbling on the hot stone plate! The best part is that it stays warm until the very last bite.

Even for someone with a moderate spice tolerance, I actually preferred the spicy seafood stone plate jjajang. The 'spicy' level wasn't overwhelmingly hot; rather, it added a fantastic depth of savory flavor. If you're the type who sprinkles chili powder on your jjajang, the spicy version is definitely for you!

Our 3-year-old happily devoured the non-spicy seafood stone plate jjajang, making it a perfect and stress-free meal option for families with young children.

The Mini Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork) was the perfect accompaniment. I especially loved the generous mound of onions and sauce piled on top – exactly to my taste!

Don't forget to order the Tangsuyuk too – it's a must-try! 😉

Overall Verdict

Gaboo Otojongdak offers a fantastic dining experience where everyone can find something to enjoy, whether you prefer mild flavors or a touch of spice, making it ideal for families with children. The unlimited rice at the self-service bar also provides excellent value for money.

If you plan to visit on a weekend, expect a wait, so I recommend allocating extra time to fully enjoy your meal.

⬇️ Discover More Sokcho Restaurants ⬇️

Sokcho Joyang-dong | Sokcho Tapgol Makguksu Main Branch Kids' Set Mealblog.naver.com

Sokcho Nohak-dong | Kimsatgat Hoe Makguksublog.naver.com

© vivivin