Tteokbboki road

“I want to die but I want to eat Tteokbboki.” 

In 2022, amidst the ongoing pandemic, a book was released by an author struggling with depression. Although I haven’t read it, the title caught my eye. Tteokbboki, a favorite street food among Korean girls during school days, holds special significance—a comforting treat during stressful times of studying or catching up with friends.

Every time I travel to a new place, I seek out the famous Tteokbokki snack bars in the area. They all seem familiar—owners scoop out pre-cooked Tteokbokki onto a flat plate, then add tuigim (fries) and dip it in the Tteokbokki sauce. Another variation is Jeukseok Tteokbokki, served to cook on the table.
But, suddenly, the internet led me to a new world of Tteokbokki! Planning my trip to Jeju Island, I searched for unique experiences and stumbled upon Modakchigi—a special variation of Tteokbokki.

Modakchigi refers to “putting everything together on one plate.” While many snack bars offer Modakghigi on their menu, they’re slightly different from each other. Most serve typical Tteokbokki dipped in red pepper sauce, but Jjanggu Bunsik in Seogwipo City stands out, conveniently situated near the Olle Open Market. 

At Jjanggu Bunsik, they offer a special Fried Tteok that isn’t fully dipped in the sauce. Unlike the soggy texture of the dipped version, it still has a chewiness to it. Additionally, they serve Gimbap, Rice Cakes, Boiled Eggs, and Fried Fish Cake on the plate. However, once I finished all those items, I discovered Kimchi Jeon (pancake) and Noodles. Despite ordering a small plate for myself and feeling confident I could finish it all, I ultimately failed. 

If you’re craving a unique style of Tteokbokki, Jjanggu Bunsik is a must-try.

Jjanggu bunsik
Address
5 Jungdong-ro 48beon-gil, Seogwi-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Opening hours
Monday – Friday : 12:00 – 21:00 (break time 16:00-17:00 )
Closed on Thursday

Price range(won)
Modackchigi : 12,000(small), 15,000(large)
Tuigim(fries) and Tteokbokki : 5,000
Gimbob : 2,000
Tuigim mandu : 3,000
Ramen : 4,000
Add tteok : 3,000