Donghak (동학) – Sillim-dong (신림-동)

Name: Donghak

Location: Sillim-dong

Reviewed by: Paul Jaesun Cho on: July 20, 2012

Paul’s Thoughts:I thought I went back in time and was starring in an epic style traditional Korean history drama, like Jumong.  The floors were literally made with packed dirt and a traditional straw type carpet laid over it.  The walls were made of concrete  with cracks in it, adding to the authenticity of the traditional feel and appearance.  The wallpaper was old newspapers.  Overall an incredible experience of traditional, historic Korea in a very busy, modern area of Seoul.

LOCATION                                       FOOD

Service:         3 * * *                               Hameul Pajeon (해물파전) : 4 * * * *

Style:             5* * * * *                                   (Generous on the squid)

Ambience:    5 * * * * *

OVERALL:    4 * * * *

MAKGEOLLI

Burnt rice makgeolli (느룽지):

5 * * ** *

(refreshing, melt in your mouth crushed ice)

Seoul Makgeolli (서울 막걸리): 5* * * * *

(milky, sweet and very fresh)

What Paul liked:

The burnt rice makgeolli with flaked ice was so refreshing.  The ice was almost like pop rocks candy that burst in your mouth.  The makgeolli was also served in a big pot with a spoon…one of my favorite things.  The set up was so surreal, you couldn’t not like it.

What Paul didn’t like:

After only a couple pots of burnt rice makgeolli, the house ran out of ice.  This iced makgeolli is a huge pull for customers, so it was pretty dissapointing that there was no more so early on.  We offered to wait for the ice, but they said it would take the machine a couple of hours.

 How to get there:

We haven’t been there and let’s face it, Paul had one bowl too many. So, check out this great google map with street view.

 Phone Number: 02-872-6107

Address: 서울시 과낙구 대학동 244-62

Links:

We have found one Korean review about this makgeolli house.  There are a bunch of great photos to check out on this blog named 가람슬기의 음식 탐방기 (Garam Interviewer: The Wisdom of Food).

Thanks:

To the same blog we mentioned above, for all of these pictures.

FYI:

Mamas and Papas went to another Donghak in Soongil-dong.  We  are pretty sure they are not the same place.  We will let you know when we find out.

Do you know if it is a franchise or a one off?  Have you been to this blast from the past, Donghak, before? Have you tried more dishes or have more opinions? More questions?  Leave us a comment below and tell us what you think.


Makgeolli Mamas & Papas
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