In the previous article, we covered Samcheongdong where the tradition and modernism co-exist to present unique charm. In this article, let’s move to Jongro 3-ga and 4-ga where we can readily spot people bargaining for things that glitter. There is an enormous selection of wholesalers and retail jewelry shops in this district, spread throughout Jongro 3-ga and 4-ga. The glittering showcases of these shops are especially popular for couples and foreign tourists who are looking for jewelry at affordable prices. Shops in this jewelry district have prices that are 30 to 40% lower than other jewelry outlets in Korea. In addition, the selection of design is extraordinarily diverse. For these good reasons, Jongro 3-ga and 4-ga attract many people and the streets are filled with lots of restaurants.

There is a restaurant, Samhaejib, which is famous for Bossam and Gamjatang in the heart of the Jongro district. It is a place to hang out and enjoy Soju(one of the most famous distilled beverage of Korea). You can enjoy a very folk-life atmosphere ? loud conversations, big crowds, big laughter’s. It’s a family like environment where you can even mingle with strangers next to you. The main menu is Gamjatang and Oyster Bossam. Gamjatang is potato stew boiled in pork broth with a spicy tinge. Bossam can be described as Korean Fajita. Instead of a Tortilla, green vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, etc. are used to wrap steamed pork and radish Kimch.

The great thing about Samhaejib is that you can taste both menus for the price of one. You can order Bossam, and Gamjatang comes as a side dish. Or, you can order Gamjatang, and Bossam comes along together. Emptying a glass of Soju after a bite of Bossam and top it off with a spoonful of Gamjatang ? that is the taste of Korea. However, there is one thing you have to keep in mind. The place is always crowded and there is a long line outside of the restaurant. The wait time can be 10 to 20 minutes. So be prepared to sit on the street. It is easy to find Samhaejib. Enter the Bossam street right next to Seoul Theater in Jongro 3-ga (Gate Number 15). “Samhaejib(삼해집)” is written in red on a yellow signboard. Price: KRW 30,000~50,000 for 2 people. Tel) 02-2273-0266

Naengmyeon, or “cold noodles,” is a very popular Korean dish. While some may know it as a simple meal after eating Bulgogi or other heavy dishes, Naengmyeon actually is a tasty delicacy by itself. The restaurant, Yujin naengmyun is famous for its North Korean Style of Mul naengmyun (noodles in cold soup, KRW 5000). The main characteristic of this style of Naengmyun (Pyongyang naengmyun) is its coarse noodles made of buckwheat and contained in broth made from beef, chicken or Dongchimi (watery radish Kimchi). Luckily these noodles are less slippery and not difficult to hold with wooden-chopsticks. Yujin also has Bibim naengmyeon which is served with a spicy dressing made primarily from Gochujang (red chili paste) and eaten all mixed. In the case of Bibim naengmyeon, a bowl of soup broth used in Mul naengmyeon or plain broth from the boiled noodles is often served on the side.

The great thing about Yujin naengmyun is that it caters to ordinary people. All foods are affordably priced and the prices are 10~15% cheaper than other restaurants. However Yujin naengmyun does not lower its standard for taste. Yujin naengmyun is located in near Jongro 3-ga station (Gate Number 5). Tel) 02-764-2835

Well, we are already finished with Bossam and Naengmyeon. After these good meals, you must have some lingering taste in your mouth. And, it is time for coffee! Here I recommend you to go to ‘Cafe Themselves’. It has a comfortable atmosphere, amazing coffee and small piece of cake and warm service. Now, let me introduce you to “Cafe Themselves.”

The reason why it attracts so many people is because of its cozy atmosphere. When you enter the Cafe, you can sense a beautiful scent of coffee from everywhere and hear the rhythm of jazz music. The scent makes us feel fresh. The chairs and tables are black and white and their simple design makes people at ease. Many people come here to relax in comfort. Another reason is the taste of its coffee and its famous tiramisu cake. There are many kinds of coffee that you can choose from. However, I recommend ‘Latte Macchiato’. It contains caramel syrup, milk and espresso, so it feels the sweetness of caramel and melt in your mouth. Tiramisu is a cake that dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of egg yolks and flavored with liquor and cocoa. Many people come to this Cafe for just this cake. If you like coffee and a small piece of cake, there is no other perfect place than here. Lastly, they provide kind service. Every waitress and waiter welcomes the guests with warm smile and pleasant service. And it is located in Jongro 3-ga next to the movie theater “Cine-Coa”. Food price is from 3,000 won to 5,000 won. The price of coffee is about 4,000 won. Tel) 02-2266-5947

Kwon Hyeok-Jun(Reporter)

dalbon86@kookmin.ac.kr