Cheong Hae Wool

Ssambap is one of my favourite Korean meals: there’s nothing I love more than a table full of little side dishes — meat, fish, vegetables, soup — to accompany a bowl of fragrant rice. This restaurant (which unfortunately doesn’t have an English name) doesn’t look like it’s been in business for long but it surely will make a name for itself as they offer very good food for a very reasonable price: just 12,000 won per person.

The restaurant is on the second floor and it has its own parking lot. There are both floor seating and tables with chairs, and plenty of private rooms. The atmosphere is very elegant; I was surprised the meal was so cheap!

There is no menu in Cheong Hae Wool: all they have to offer is their ssambap. This, however, contains so many options it’s hard to find something you won’t like.

Apart from the kimchi, sauces, and various leaves to wrap the rice, their menu includes grilled fish, green onion pancake, sauteed mushrooms, japchae (stir-fried noodles), seasoned sprouts, fish and radish stew, spicy pork stir-fry, seasoned kimchi stew, crab, and beef rib stew. The rice is served in a stone bowl and after consuming it, hot water can be added to make nurungji (crispy rice) porridge.

The meal also includes dessert: a chocolate muffin! This was a first for me in Korea.

I love the fact that the entire meal is served on one gigantic tray that is brought by the waitress and directly put on the table. So very practical!

The restaurant serves lunch from 11:30 to 4 pm and dinner from 5 to 10pm. There is no difference in the menu we were told.

I would definitely recommend this place for visiting family or a date. The fairy lights on the ceiling add a romantic touch and the environment is very clean and beautifully decorated. She’ll never believe you only spent twelve thousand won! 😉

Cheong Hae Wool is located in Samsandong.