Gwanghwamun Lunchtime Dining: Enjoying Beef Noodle Soup and Crispy Pork at Duckoo Sunsaeng
Finally Trying Duckoo Sunsaeng
After finishing an off-site work assignment at COEX and wondering where to have lunch, I finally decided to try ‘Duckoo Sunsaeng’ , a place I’d always hesitated to try due to the usual wait times. This place is famous for its Chinese-style beef noodle soup and crispy pork (Guobaorou), and I entered with a mix of anticipation and excitement.
The restaurant is located in the basement, so it was a little difficult to find at first. The sign wasn’t very prominent, which made me wonder, "Is this the right place?" But the rich aroma of food and the queue of people at the entrance reassured me. A few groups were already waiting since it was right after the lunch rush, but thankfully, tables turned over quickly, and I was seated soon. The interior was cozy and clean, with an open kitchen that allowed diners to enjoy watching the cooking process. The tables were set with plates and teacups decorated with traditional Chinese patterns, heightening the anticipation for the meal.
Main Dish: Beef Noodle Soup
The beef noodle soup I ordered as my main dish made a strong first impression. Green onions and cilantro were generously piled on top of the clear, rich broth, with springy noodles and tender beef hidden beneath. The moment I took a spoonful, my mouth was filled with a deep, savory flavor. The broth was not too salty, with a well-balanced blend of spices, and the beef, cooked to perfection, released its juices with every bite. The noodles had just the right amount of elasticity, perfect to eat with the flavorful broth. The broth, while rich and deep, was also clean, leaving me feeling satisfied but not heavy after finishing the whole bowl. The cilantro and green onions could be adjusted to taste, making it a dish that even those sensitive to spices could enjoy comfortably.
Crispy Delight: Guobaorou
The Guobaorou (crispy pork) we ordered was another highlight of this meal. Thinly sliced pork, deep-fried to a satisfying crisp, was tossed in a sweet and sour sauce, creating a unique and addictive flavor. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, every bite was enjoyable, and the sauce elevated the delicious taste of the pork. Dipping the beef noodle soup noodles into the leftover Guobaorou sauce created yet another delicious flavor combination—an unexpected delight that made the meal even more satisfying.
Care in the Small Details
As I finished my meal, I couldn't help but admire Duckoo Sunsaeng's attention to detail. The napkins were imprinted with a cute duck character and the name ‘Duckoo Sunsaeng,’ which showed the restaurant’s care and philosophy. This attentiveness could be felt not just in the food but also in the ambiance and service, making the entire lunch a delightful experience. The interior of the restaurant was clean and stylish, and the kind service from the staff made the meal even more enjoyable. If you are looking for a special lunch in the Gwanghwamun area, this is definitely a superb choice.
In Conclusion...
The combination of the deep and rich beef noodle soup and the crispy yet moist Guobaorou at Duckoo Sunsaeng was a wonderful meal that could satisfy anyone. This place, with its high degree of completion in every aspect, from the food to the space and service, made me want to visit again. Easily accessible, located on the 4th floor of D-Tower in Gwanghwamun, Duckoo Sunsaeng is so popular that there's usually a wait, so please keep this in mind when planning your visit. I'd like to try other menu items next time!
