Onjeongdang Gangneung Review 2026: No Wait for Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu!

Your travel buddy, always ready for an adventure!

⚽ Happy exploring!

:: Restaurant ::

🍲 Onjeongdang 🍲

After an incredible extended stay in Gangneung, on my very last day, I thought I’d explored all the local foodie spots.

But then, out of nowhere, Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu caught my eye!

Now, Choe Il-sun Jjamppong Sundubu is arguably the most famous spot for this dish, but I had all the time in the world back then, being a 'time millionaire' during my break.

Yet, why did that place always have over 100 people waiting, even on a weekday morning?

Eventually, I started searching for other Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu spots nearby and finally found one! Phew!

Let me introduce you to Onjeongdang, a hidden gem I want to recommend near Gangneung Jungang Market!

You'll find all the restaurant details at the very bottom.

01 Onjeongdang Location

Onjeongdang is conveniently located just a short walk off Wolhwa Street, the main thoroughfare next to Homeplus, as you head towards Gangneung Jungang Market.

Look for the alleyway right beside Gilgamja, and you'll find it tucked away there.

I didn't even know this charming alley existed until I stumbled upon it once. The ambiance looked so inviting, I made a mental note to visit. Turns out, this spot is not just for Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu but also a renowned Jang Kal-guksu (Spicy Noodle Soup) hotspot!

And here’s a bonus: if you make a reservation in advance, you can enjoy grilling Samgyeopsal (pork belly) outdoors, giving you that fantastic 'pocha' street food vibe! 😋🥓

02 Onjeongdang Waiting

Since Onjeongdang is a popular eatery, you might encounter a wait during peak lunch and dinner hours.

I went just after noon on a weekday and there were fewer than 10 groups waiting. But don't worry, being a noodle soup place, the turnover is pretty quick!

And guess what? I got seated right away!

How, you ask..?!

03 Onjeongdang Menu

It's because I was dining solo! 😅

I'm not sure if they intentionally created these spots, but there were a few single seats in what would otherwise be awkward spaces between tables. So, I unintentionally 'cut the line' – score!

Onjeongdang offers a fantastic selection of Gangneung's signature dishes, including Jang Kal-guksu (Spicy Noodle Soup), Jjamppong Sundubu (Spicy Seafood Tofu Stew), Mul Makguksu (Chilled Buckwheat Noodles), and Ongsimi (Potato Dumpling Soup).

Honestly, it didn't seem like a particularly unique restaurant, so my expectations for the taste weren't sky-high. ^^;

But the verdict? The Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu I'd been craving was absolutely delicious! My expectations were completely exceeded!

Onjeongdang is open until 9 PM, and with dishes like Suyuk (boiled pork slices), Odolppyeo (spicy grilled pork cartilage), and Golbaengi Somyeon (spicy whelk salad with noodles), it’s also a fantastic place to grab a drink and some appetizers in the evening!

04 Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu

Even though it was a pretty warm day, there was no way I was passing up Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu! Haha.

Just looking at that piping hot earthenware pot, you can already spot the melting mozzarella cheese, right?

A bubbling, boiling hot Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu! 🔥🔥🔥

After a quick stir, the cheese and the chewy jjolmyeon noodles revealed themselves! 😋

Of course, I can't directly compare it to Choe Il-sun's version (since I haven't tried it), but Onjeongdang's Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu was incredibly delicious!

​

The robust, spicy flavor of sundubu jjigae was perfectly balanced by the creamy cheese and soft tofu, while the jjolmyeon noodles added a fantastic chewiness.

And what truly surprised me was how it was packed with plenty of seafood, just like a proper jjamppong! Seafood plus minced meat – need I say more?

05 Mixing in Rice for the Ultimate Flavor

I thought I was full and should stop eating, but that broth... it was just too good to resist!

It was an irresistible flavor. The rice just kept disappearing, bite after delicious bite! 🤤

I knew I'd regret it 100% if I left any behind, so despite being full, I scraped every last bit from the pot!

Living in Gangneung (especially during the summer), the thought of an endless wait at a restaurant is just unbearable. It's hot enough without adding more exhaustion to the mix! 😰

If you're near Gangneung Jungang Market and craving delicious Jang Kal-guksu or Cheese Jjolmyeon Sundubu without the typical long lines, I highly recommend checking out Onjeongdang!

I'm already planning to go back with friends to enjoy some outdoor grilled Samgyeopsal! 🎵

Make sure to stop by if you visit Gangneung Jungang Market!

​

​

Gangneung Wolhwa Street Night Market, Outdoor Dining Recommended: Donggukine Buchimblog.naver.com

Gangneung Gilgamja Review: 50-Minute Wait, But Worth It!blog.naver.com