Myeonyukdang

About

Cozy basement Korean eatery near Garosu-gil helmed by Michelin-starred chef Lee Jae-hoon, serving comforting dumplings, noodles, and grilled pork.

Tucked two blocks off Sinsa-dong’s Garosu-gil, Myeon-yuk-dang sits in a quiet semi-basement space that defies its upscale Gangnam surroundings. Helmed by Chef Lee Jae-hoon—celebrated for fine dining establishments like Tutto Bene and Yisuljae—this modest Korean eatery channels culinary precision into everyday comfort dishes, backed by a multi-year Michelin badge by the door. Inside, the mood is hushed and unassuming, operated via prepaid tablet orders. The kitchen excels across both broth and grill, using high-grade beef sources like Born & Bred. The *son-manduguk* (handcrafted dumpling soup) is an essential order, arriving with four oversized dumplings filled generously with tofu and pork, wrapped in delicate skins and simmered in a clear, soothing broth. For noodles, the house *kalguksu* offers thick, chewy strands served in a pure, quietly deep broth topped with shredded chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and sliced egg garnish. Those seeking bolder flavors lean toward the *yang-sogogi gukbap*, a ruby-hued, peppery soup packed with tender tripe and beef that doubles as a serious hangover remedy. In summer, the *mul-makguksu* surprises with its amber broth marked by a distinct savory soy profile. Evening tables pivot to communal plates, notably the *gochujang samgyeopsal gui*, served over a wire rack with charred scallions and chewy thin rice cakes in a balanced spicy-sweet glaze. The cold *yang-muchim* (seasoned tripe tossed with scallions and shiitake) proves remarkably tender with zero gaminess, pairing naturally with a bottle of soju. With a remarkably accessible corkage fee of 6,000 KRW per bottle, guests often bring their own wines to pair with *hanwoo bassak bulgogi* and hot dumpling hot pots. Do not skip dessert: nodding to Chef Lee’s Italian dining pedigree, the menu finishes with a slice of house-made tiramisu, making a trip down these stairs feel like Gangnam's best-kept neighborhood secret.