Friday, April 3, 2026
Review of Visiting Popular Chinese Restaurant Gangdongwon Restaurant in Mangwon-dong
While visiting Mangwon-dong multiple times, especially Mangridan-gil, I finally visited Gangdongwon Restaurant, a Chinese restaurant I had always wanted to go to, with my husband. This place, whose name is memorable as it shares it with a famous actor, means a Chinese restaurant located ‘east of the Han River.’ Gangdongwon Restaurant, which opens at 11 AM, is already known as a popular eatery loved by many.
Opening Hours and Waiting Information
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM (Break time available)
Closed: Mondays
Round tables were visible at the entrance, and there was a notice for writing on the waiting list. We arrived at 11:15 AM, and the waiting number was already 30. On the waiting list, you must write your name, number of people, contact information, and the dishes you wish to order in advance. They call out your name at the entrance when it’s your turn, and if you’re not there, they will call you by phone. Please note that they serve about 35 teams for lunch and about 30 teams for dinner.
There were about 9-10 tables inside, and it seemed they also operated a second floor. Estimating that we would be seated around 1 PM, we visited ‘Ugly Bakery,’ which is about a 15-minute walk away. As expected, we were called exactly at 1 PM and were able to enter.
Menu Tasting Review
The restaurant was rather cozy, and the dishes we pre-ordered arrived about 15 minutes after ordering.
Black Rice Bowl
This dish was a signature menu item featured on SBS’s ‘Master of Living.’ The generously served rice bowl had a large portion of rice, and the black pepper flavor was excellent. The stir-fried vegetables were cooked to a suitable degree and seasoned well, but it would have been better if there was slightly less oil. Nevertheless, the thick pieces of pork were a delight to chew.
The accompanying egg drop soup had a clear appearance and was lightly seasoned. A subtle flavor of dried shrimp broth was noticeable. I thought it would have been better with more chopped or green onions.
The cucumber and radish pickles were crisp and not too salty, which was nice. They were a welcome change from the usual pickled mustard greens and pickled radishes.
Ganjjajang (Dry Jjajangmyeon)
This is the most frequently ordered signature menu item at Gangdongwon Restaurant. The fried egg and a single shrimp on top caught my eye. While typical ganjjajang is served with shredded cucumber, it was unique and interesting that this place served shrimp instead.
My husband enjoyed this dish, and the sauce, with cabbage and onions cooked to only about 30% done, was very satisfying. He also mentioned that the black bean paste flavor was distinct from other Chinese restaurants.
Tangsooyook (Sweet and Sour Pork]
The tangsooyook, with a visual similar to *gangjeong* (sweet puffed rice snacks), had a crispy exterior like a cracker. The sauce was on the sweet side, and it felt more like sweet pork *gangjeong* than tangsooyook. The crispiness, which allowed enjoyment without the debate of whether to pour the sauce over or dip it, was impressive.
Take-out is not available here, but they packed the leftover tangsooyook in a small paper container. I took it home for my child, but when reheated in the air fryer, the crispiness disappeared, and it became soggy, which was disappointing. I recommend eating the tangsooyook fresh at the restaurant.
Useful Tip
Around 1:30 PM, most of the waiting customers were already seated and eating. If there were leftover ingredients from the morning service, they sometimes accepted additional customers on the spot. On this day, they accepted three additional customers, and we saw locals or solo diners who knew this tip being let in.
While Chinese food can be polarizing, my husband, who likes Chinese cuisine, enjoyed the food at Gangdongwon Restaurant. This information might be helpful when visiting Mangwon-dong.
Current Location and Travel Plans
I am currently in Ulsan. I am staying at my husband’s accommodation, having accompanied him to move his belongings for his head office work. I plan to explore various places for 2 nights and 3 days before heading back to Seoul. I will organize and post about my Jeju Island trip after I return home.
This is the ‘Gangdong Beach’ in Sanha-dong, Ulsan. The weather is clear, and the beach is truly beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful day enjoying the vast ocean! Wishing everyone good health!
Gangdongwon Restaurant Information
Address: 1st Floor, 3 Mangwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul Mapo District
https://naver.me/5WH5Q8FA
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