This was one of the greater Korean food experiences I’ve had in Seoul. I love mandu. I love big ones, baby ones, fluffy ones…I love them all. Then I discovered mandu casserole, Mandu Jeongol, and my life will never be the same. It’s unbelievably scrumptious and I don’t use that word often. The pot is heated at your table and it’s packed with spicy broth, veggies and meat.
To balance out the meat in our casserole, we tried two other vegetarian options, the kimchi mandu and cucumber and mushroom mandu. We washed my new favorite food down with a Korean wine made from black raspberries, Bokbunjajoo. You can buy it pretty much anywhere, but it’s delicious and I love it. It’s thick, sweetness was a perfect sidekick to the most amazing dumplings.
Looking for Jaha Son is not for the faint of heart…it’s tucked far back in Baum-dong. If my Korean friend, Phil hadn’t been there, I would have had a hard time finding it. He was able to tell a taxi driver just where to go. I’m including directions from Visit Korea at the bottom. But, it’s worth it. During the day the restaurant boasts a beautiful view. Spend the day in Baum-dong and have lunch at Jaha Son. It would be a day well spent.
Directions:
Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 3.
Take Bus 7022, 0212, or 1020 and get off at Buam-dong Office (부암동사무소)