I visited Insadong for work and took the opportunity to enjoy a rare outing. It's not a neighborhood I frequent, so it was a pleasant change. I heard there was a famous Gaeseong mandu (dumpling) restaurant, so I decided to check it out. Here's a review based on my actual visit.
Insadong Gaeseong Mandu Goong Location
- Address: 11-3, Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-733-9240
- Website: https://www.koong.co.kr
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aqKFLzVbg3GmQ9dw8
This mandu place is located near Ssamziegil, close to Anguk Station Exit 6. The area is full of cozy little alleys with shops, galleries, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The distinctly Korean vibe attracts many tourists, both local and international. It’s no surprise that with so many people, parking in Insadong is difficult and very expensive. I highly recommend using public transportation.
The Exterior of Insadong Gaeseong Mandu Goong
Walking through the winding alleys, you'll come across Gaeseong Mandu Goong. I had never tried Gaeseong mandu before, so I had no point of reference. However, a friend who was with me, whose family is originally from Gaeseong, said that this restaurant's mandu tasted the most authentic, just like the ones they had growing up. They were my living witness to the authentic taste of Gaeseong mandu.
There's usually a bit of a wait here, and they don't call you back, so you have to wait in line. I wondered if it was worth the wait, but those doubts quickly disappeared. The owner, a lady with a warm smile, is pictured with an elderly woman, perhaps her mother-in-law or mother. Seeing their faces on the sign gave me confidence—restaurants that proudly display their owners' faces usually have great food. My expectations were high.
Inside Gaeseong Mandu Goong
The interior wasn't very large. It was a bit past lunchtime, so the seating was more relaxed, but there were still quite a few people inside. Many of them were foreign tourists, likely drawn to this authentic and unique Korean dish in such a culturally rich area.
Gaeseong Mandu Goong Menu & Prices
The prices were honestly a bit shocking. A simple mandu soup is usually not this expensive. Perhaps it's because it's in a tourist area, or maybe the taste justifies the price, but the cost was enough to make me a little nervous.
| Category | Menu | Price (KRW) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Pot | Gaeseong Kimchi Mandu Hot Pot (per person) | 24,000 | Min. 2 people, can mix meat/kimchi mandu, spicy option available |
| Gaeseong Meat Mandu Hot Pot (per person) | 21,000 | Min. 2 people, can mix meat/kimchi mandu, spicy option available | |
| Noodle Add-on | 5,000 | Add-on menu | |
| Red Seasoning Add-on | 3,000 | Add-on menu | |
| Main Dishes | Jorongi Tteok Mandu Guk (Meat Mandu) | 19,000 | |
| Garaetteok Mandu Guk (Meat Mandu) | 15,000 | ||
| Garaetteok Mandu Guk (Kimchi Mandu) | 19,000 | ||
| Jorongi Tteok Guk | 19,000 | ||
| Garaetteok Guk | 15,000 | ||
| Gaeseong Meat Mandu Guk | 15,000 | ||
| Gaeseong Kimchi Mandu Guk | 19,000 | ||
| Seoritae Kongguksu (Black Bean Noodles) | 19,000 | Seasonal menu | |
| Steamed | Steamed Gaeseong Mandu | 15,000 | |
| Steamed Gaeseong Kimchi Mandu | 19,000 | ||
| Steamed Gaeseong Mushroom Mandu | 18,000 | For vegetarians | |
| Assorted Steamed Mandu | 19,000 | ||
| Set Meals | Bossam Set Meal | 26,000 | Comes with 3 steamed mandu instead of rice |
| Seafood Pajeon Set Meal | 22,000 | Comes with 3 steamed mandu instead of rice | |
| Nokdujeon Set Meal | 22,000 | Comes with 3 steamed mandu instead of rice | |
| Pancakes | Seafood Pajeon/Kimchi Pancake | 25,000 | |
| Nokdujeon (Mung Bean Pancake) | 23,000 | ||
| Gochu Buchu Jeon (Pepper Chive Pancake) | 23,000 | ||
| Fresh Potato Pancake | 20,000 | ||
| Anju | Boiled Pork Slices (Bossam) | 39,000 | |
| Dotorimuk (Acorn Jelly Salad) | 20,000 | ||
| Meal Kits | Cubed Mandu (2 servings) | 22,000 |
The prices are on the higher side, so it's a good idea to check them carefully before you order.
What Do the Mandu Taste Like?
My companions and I ordered the "Jorongi Tteok Mandu Guk (Meat Mandu)." It’s a very basic and classic menu item, and the best way to judge a restaurant's quality is to try the basics. The side dishes were dongchimi (radish water kimchi), yeolmu kimchi (young radish kimchi), and kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi). The side dishes were clean-tasting but well-seasoned, likely to complement the subtle flavor of the mandu.
Review of Jorongi Tteok Mandu Guk
The bowl came with four mandu. It was topped with shredded beef, seaweed flakes, and some scallions. The overall taste? It’s very simple and mild. The flavor is almost nonexistent, which means there’s no MSG. This is exactly the kind of food I love. You can only get this kind of clean, natural taste at a true restaurant. The broth was incredibly refreshing, clean, and easy on the stomach. The meat filling inside was very generous.
A unique point is that the bowl itself is warmed up. The staff brings it out and warns you not to touch it because it's hot. Eating the mandu from a steaming hot bowl made me feel like I was truly in Gaeseong. This Gaeseong mandu is completely different from the usual frozen dumplings you might buy at the supermarket. It’s not artificial at all and is just wonderfully clean. It’s no wonder so many people were here. The taste is something foreigners would also enjoy—it feels like a quintessential Korean dish.
There’s also a subtle scent, maybe a herbal or mugwort-like fragrance, that is different from regular mandu. It’s not an overpowering spice scent like you might find in some Indian cuisine, but a gentle, pleasant herbal aroma that makes the taste very good. The mild flavor of the mandu pairs perfectly with the strong taste of the kkakdugi and dongchimi.
The only slight disappointment was the Jorongi tteok (rice cakes). They were a bit small and felt hard. I wish they had been a bit softer and chewier. It's a bit funny to ask for improvements at such a famous restaurant, but that’s my honest thought.
Regardless of the 19,000 KRW price, it was a delicious meal.
After Visiting the Gaeseong Mandu Restaurant...
I finished everything, from the mandu to the broth. My stomach felt comfortable and so did my mind. It was a hearty meal that left me feeling great. It made me reflect on how much of the food we eat daily is instant or filled with artificial seasonings. This kind of food is what true Korean cuisine is all about. A delicious meal at Gaeseong Mandu Goong reminded me to eat better food.
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