For an unbeatable value lunch near Nakseongdae Station, 815Gwangbok 2nd Branch is a top pick. This Korean restaurant offers a lunch special that includes generous side dishes, a hot stone pot rice, spicy stir-fried pork (duruchigi), soybean paste stew (doenjang jjigae), fermented soybean stew (cheonggukjang), and steamed eggs, all for around $8-$9 USD. It's a favorite among local workers looking for a hearty and affordable meal.
What's Included in the 815Gwangbok 2nd Branch Lunch Special?
The lunch special at 815Gwangbok 2nd Branch is designed to be a complete and satisfying meal, especially for busy professionals. When I visited, my spicy stir-fried pork (gochujang duruchigi) set came with the main dish, a comforting bowl of soybean paste stew (doenjang jjigae), a hot stone pot rice that you can use to make crispy rice (nurungji) afterwards, and a variety of banchan (side dishes). The 'bomb' steamed egg (poktan gyeranjjim) was particularly impressive with its generous portion. My mom raved about the fermented soybean stew (cheonggukjang), which is a specialty here. Even arriving close to opening time, the restaurant was already buzzing with customers, a clear sign of its local popularity. The clean and spacious interior easily accommodated the numerous side dishes, making for a comfortable dining experience.
How Affordable is the Lunch Menu at 815Gwangbok 2nd Branch?
Related Articles
815Gwangbok 2nd Branch offers a special discount for office workers on their lunch menu, making it incredibly affordable. In today's economy, enjoying a hearty meal for around $8-$9 USD is a significant advantage. The lunch special, which includes dishes like spicy stir-fried pork, fermented soybean stew, steamed eggs, and the hot stone pot rice, is priced competitively. Considering the quality and quantity, especially with the inclusion of hot stone pot rice (which allows for making nurungji, or scorched rice soup, at the end), the value is exceptional. This affordability is why the restaurant is consistently busy during lunchtime.
Tips for Visiting 815Gwangbok 2nd Branch
If you're planning a visit to 815Gwangbok 2nd Branch, here are a few tips. First, it gets very crowded with office workers during peak lunch hours. To avoid the rush, try visiting shortly after they open or a bit earlier than the typical lunch rush. I noticed many customers already dining even close to opening time. Second, while the restaurant is also known for its delicious grilled meats like samgyeopsal (pork belly) and 5-layered pork, the lunch specials are the main draw during the day. I plan to return for dinner to try their grilled options. Interestingly, the name 'Gwangbok' (meaning Liberation Day in Korean) suggests a patriotic theme, as the restaurant was established to commemorate this significant day. The tables are also designed with built-in shelves, which are very practical for holding multiple side dishes.
Beyond Grilled Meats: Exploring 815Gwangbok 2nd Branch's Diverse Menu
While 815Gwangbok 2nd Branch is renowned for its grilled pork belly and 5-layered pork, their lunch specials are incredibly popular and offer fantastic value. The lunch menu features hearty Korean staples such as spicy stir-fried pork (duruchigi), flavorful fermented soybean stew (cheonggukjang), and comforting soybean paste stew (doenjang jjigae). Each meal comes with a hot stone pot rice, allowing diners to enjoy crispy rice at the end, along with a variety of banchan (side dishes) and a signature 'bomb' steamed egg. This comprehensive offering makes it a go-to spot for a satisfying and affordable Korean meal, especially for those seeking authentic K-food experiences.
