Hyundaebok Jeonju Main Branch Review: Essential Bean Sprout Soup

Hello, fellow food adventurers!

Ever find yourself wondering where to grab a satisfying breakfast or a hearty hangover cure, especially on a rainy morning? In Jeonju, the answer for many locals and travelers, from dawn till late at night, is Hyundaebok. This iconic spot operates 24 hours a day, ensuring you can always get your fix. It's also a favorite for road trippers, boasting two impressively large parking lots nearby. If you're exploring the city without a car, their Hanok Village branch is a great alternative!

You'll find two large parking lots operating near the main branch.

When the rain starts pouring and you're craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, Jeonju offers two classic choices:

Pihyuntae Gukbap (Korean blood sausage soup) or...

...the classic Kongnamul Gukbap (bean sprout soup).

If you prefer your bean sprout soup boiling hot, I recommend the 'Maeuntang-style' (spicy hot pot style) Kongnamul Gukbap. Otherwise, the 'Nambu Market style' is absolutely delicious!

Make sure to try eating the su-ran (poached egg) exactly as recommended – it's a game-changer!

While I wouldn't suggest adding extra bean sprouts, definitely consider adding the squid topping; it's a fantastic addition.

Yes, I went solo for this meal. Early morning meals often are a solo affair!

The pickled squid (ojingeo jeotgal) is my favorite side dish, and yes, it's refillable!

That squid topping you see? It costs ~$1. While it might seem a bit pricey for domestic squid, it's worth every penny!

The su-ran comes with a drizzle of sesame oil, giving it a wonderfully nutty flavor and a beautiful, glistening sheen!

It's rare to find such quality domestic squid, and though it's a splurge, it's absolutely delicious!

Once everything's mixed, the visual might not be the most stunning, but don't let that fool you! One minor drawback of the toryeom-sik (rice-in-soup style) is that the broth isn't as piping hot as I'd like. It's a small detail, but I always wish the soup was a bit hotter.

Slurp, slurp, slurp!

This toryeom-sik with squid can be quite spicy, as it seems to have some chili added to the broth. It's definitely not suitable for children, so if you're dining with little ones, make sure to order them a separate, milder dish.

Once you start eating, you'll finish it in no time!

Another downside of the toryeom-sik is that because the broth isn't super hot to begin with, if you ask for a refill of bean sprouts and rice, it cools down significantly. For someone like me who loves to enjoy a second helping, this can be a bit disappointing! Just something to keep in mind!