MatJibs

OGoo, derived from the Korean address numbering system, denotes the address in Euljiro 3-ga, 59 Bunji (the former address system). Exiting from Metro Euljiro 3-ga Station’s exit number 2 and turn at corner, you’ll immediately spot its distinctive red exterior. Even if you can’t read Chinese characters, you’ll recognize it as a Chinese restaurant from its unique facade. And the interior? It’s predominantly adorned in red and gold.

Nopo

We refer to this restaurant as one of the “Nopo” (old restaurants) due to its 70-year history since 1953. The current owner of OGooBanJeom is the grandchild of the founder. As indicative of its longstanding legacy, vintage tables greet us right from the entrance, transporting us to a scene reminiscent of China. The owner promptly guides us upstairs to discover even more space awaiting our presence.

Menu

The menu is fairly standard, with JjaJangMyeon (black bean noodles) and JjamBbong (spicy seafood noodles) featured prominently among the meals, while other dishes are listed separately. Drinks are listed towards the end of the menu. Our usual order consists of JjaJangMyeon and JjamBbong, but it’s a must to also order the GoonMandu (fried Gyoza Dumplings) to complement the meal. 

In Korea, Goonmandu is often provided as a complimentary side dish when ordering multiple meals or dishes. Typically, restaurants serve pre-made Goonmandu, and customers do not need to order it separately. However, at OGooBanJeom, they prepare their Goonmandu in-house, ensuring high quality comparable to main dishes rather than treating it as a complimentary item. My friend and I always eagerly order it, and it has never disappointed us. 

Legit Retro

While waiting for our dishes, we couldn’t help but overhear conversations from nearby tables. To our surprise, the age range of customers was wider than expected. Behind us, there was a couple in their twenties, while at another table, four men dressed in office attire were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their friend. Meanwhile, an elderly couple in their sixties had already finished their Erguotou. It truly felt like an authentic, retro hole-in-the-wall eatery in this area.

Meanwhile, OGooBanJeom, known as a Matjib, maintains an average price level. I’m not sure what kind of cuisine Chinese restaurants overseas serve. However, based on my experience in other countries, each place seems to have its own unique style of Chinese food. How about in your country? Do you have Chinese restaurants that offer unique menus exclusive to your region? If so, feel free to share and recommend them to me. 🙂

Information

Address

60, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Opening hours

11:00 ~ 21:30 (Monday to Saturday) 
Closed on Sunday and national Holidays.

Price range

Meals(Noodles and Dumpling)
8,000 ~ 18,000 won
Cuisines
20,000~110,000 won

EZsPEDIA © 2024 by YUNMI LEE is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0