Wonjo Ilmi Gopchang
원조일미곱창
About
Retro gopchang spot in Jongno 5-ga serving generous portions of stir-fried intestines and rich hot pot with open-front seating.
Tucked into the alley mouth opposite Gwangjang Market, just steps from Jongno 5-ga Station’s Exit 1, Wonjo Ilmi Gopchang captures the unvarnished soul of an old-school Seoul *nopo*. The narrow interior throws its front facade wide open to the lane, mimicking the breezy charm of street-side *yabang* dining while sidestepping roadside grit. It is tight quarters, smelling richly of sizzling offal and rendering animal fat, where locals squeeze onto low stools around battered metal tables beneath the evening twilight. The ritual begins with a modest spread of raw onions, garlic, kkakdugi, and a metal bowl of clear bean sprout soup. Served piping hot, the broth is sharp, clean, and bracing—a quietly restorative tonic that easily prompts the first round of soju before the main pans arrive. For the grill, regulars lean on *yachae gopchang* (vegetable stir-fried pork small intestines). Piled high over gas burners, the chewy, tender coils come tossed with sliced chili peppers, sweet onions, and glass noodles in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy red sauce devoid of funk. Wrapping up the pan requires a final scoop of crispy fried rice, an inexpensive closer seasoned directly over the lingering drippings. Those seeking warmth turn to the bubbling *gopchang jeongol*. Unlike standard heavy-handed stews, the kitchen builds its broth on a foundation deepened with dried baby shrimp, resulting in a savory, savory-sweet depth that stays clean as it simmers down. Perilla leaves wilt across the surface alongside plump rice cakes, thick dangmyeon noodles, sausage slices, and a brick of ramyeon that drinks up the fiery, fragrant broth. It is generous, communal drinking food tailored for cool evenings when the open shopfront pulls the neighborhood breeze straight to your table.
Menu
- Stir-fried Tripe with Vegetables₩12,000
- Beef Gopchang Hot Pot₩13,000
- 순대곱창(1인)₩12,000
- 알곱창(1인)₩12,000
- 막창구이(1인)₩13,000
- 닭갈비(1인)₩12,000
- 돼지껍데기(1인)₩10,000
- 곱삼볶음(1인)₩13,000
- 낙곱전골(1인)₩15,000
- 삼겹낙지볶음(1인)₩15,000
Local tips
- Sit by the fully opened front entrance for an airy street-side stall atmosphere.
- Pair your meal with the complimentary bean sprout soup, which helps cut through the rich flavors.
- Add fried rice for 2,000 KRW after finishing the stir-fried tripe.
Details
- Jongno 5-ga
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 10:00–22:00
- Monday
- 10:00–22:00
- Tuesday
- 10:00–22:00
- Wednesday
- 10:00–22:00
- Thursday
- 10:00–22:00
- Friday
- 10:00–22:00
- Saturday
- 10:00–22:00