Gwanghwamun house — Restaurant in Seoul

Really great experience eating here. The food is really good, and it's fuss-free. We were ushered to the second floor because the first floor was packed when we arrived. The staff only speak Korean so be prepared to converse in basic Korean. It's basically 7000 per person for the Kimchi Stew, and the staff will ask you if you want the rolled omelette as well. We didn't get the omelette but the stew was really good. They pre-cook it in individual pots so it is served immediately on a gas burner at your table. You can start eating once it starts boiling. The stew itself is flavourful and not too spicy!

It may be hard locating this place as the map seems to show it is along the main road. However, don't panic if you can't find the place! It's located in a small alley just behind the main road; head into the alley and you'll see a no-frills sign saying "광화문집" over a small plastic door. Pull open the door and you'll be greeted by the friendly owners and a room full of satisfied diners.

Do also note the stew comes with pork and may therefore not be suitable for...

A small hole-in-the-wall kind of restaurant that has been serving kimchi stew for decades. This place has remained unchanged and unpretentious and serves kimchi stew with succulent pork belly and some sides, but I highly recommend also getting the omelette to pair with the kimchi stew. This place is not fancy be warned, but the food is simple, hearty, unpretentious and most importantly, delicious!

Note that the restaurant is hidden in an alley way but not hard to miss. It only accepts cash (I think) and there is no English menu but they only serve 3 items so just order...

I made a point to find this place to eat kimchi jigae because of the GREAT reviews but I was NOT impressed. Maybe because it was a Sunday? there was hardly any tofu and it was just average. I noticed several pots on a shelf with jigae already in them and I assume they start heating for you when you sit down. I am a Korean American and I’ve had my share of good and bad kimchi jigae and I have to say that I was underwhelmed...but while looking for this restaurant I stumbled across a great bakery/cafe called woodbrick. GO THERE! Delicious...