Hwadeok Sikdang Gangneung Review 2026: The Best Korean Set Meal

Sometimes, the best travel discoveries are completely unplanned. That's exactly how I stumbled upon Hwadeok Sikdang, a fantastic Korean restaurant near Gangneung Station. I had another spot in mind, but it was closed for the day, so I just wanted to grab a quick bite nearby. Little did I know, this unassuming eatery would become my absolute favorite dining experience of my entire Gangneung trip!

Hwadeok Sikdang

28 Seongdeokponam-ro 153beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Hours of Operation

Daily 10:30 AM ~ 8:00 PM

*Closed every Sunday

Hwadeok Sikdang Location

Gangneung's Hwadeok Sikdang is conveniently located about a 15-minute walk (roughly 0.75 miles) from Gangneung Station. There's no dedicated parking lot, but it seems like most people just park on the shoulder of the road.

From the outside, with its bright red sign and obscured interior, I admit I was a little hesitant. But I quickly learned this place is a true local institution in Gangneung!

Interior

I arrived right at opening, making me the first customer of the day. Even though I was dining solo, I didn't feel out of place at all; the staff were very welcoming.

The restaurant features private rooms, and the main dining area alone can comfortably seat over 20 people, making it perfect for groups or families.

Menu

Let's take a look at Hwadeok Sikdang's menu. For two or more people, they offer delicious options like Beef Bulgogi, Spicy Pork (Jeyuk) Set Meal, Brisket Soft Tofu Stew, and Black Pork Belly.

I opted for the Fish Set Meal (Saengseon Jeongshik), which comes with a generous serving of an entire mackerel, a flatfish, and a rockfish! If you just get the regular Baekban (Korean set meal), you only get one fish, so for just ~$3 more, definitely go for the Fish Set Meal. Honestly, if you're dining with two or more people, you can't go wrong with any of the main dishes on the left side of the menu.

The side dishes alone were enough to make my jaw drop. It's rare to get such a lavish spread when dining alone!

I'm talking seven different banchan, plus fresh lettuce, garlic, and a perfect soy sauce with wasabi for dipping the fish. It was an absolute feast.

And let me tell you, each side dish was a work of art, glistening and bursting with flavor. I could have easily finished a bowl of rice with just the banchan alone! The fish took a little longer, so I was about halfway through my rice when it finally arrived.

Behold, the magnificent trio of fish! It was truly impressive. While the photos might not fully capture it, the fish fillets were incredibly plump and meaty.

Forget Sundubu Jjampong or Dakgangjeong in Gangneung – I'm not exaggerating when I say the fish at Hwadeok Sikdang is all I can think about from my trip.

There's really nothing more to say. An entire mackerel, flatfish, and rockfish, plus all those amazing side dishes, for just ~$9? If this place were near my home, I'd be there every single day.

The next time I visit Gangneung with friends or family, Hwadeok Sikdang will be the first restaurant I take them to.

And to top it all off, complimentary sikhye (sweet rice punch) for dessert – perfection! I truly love this place.

What started as a spontaneous stop turned into discovering my new favorite Korean set meal restaurant. Take my word for it and pay them a visit!