[Seoul] I have walked past Gaehwa 개화 so many times in Seoul, that I finally decided to walk in.
You see, this long-established Korean-Chinese restaurant is prominently located at the ultra-popular Myeongdong near the Chinese Embassy. It is somewhere tourists are likely to come across.
On the other hand, it did seem part touristy and part too ‘old-school’.
Gaehwa has been serving customers for over three generations. Its nostalgic atmosphere is a significant draw, reflecting the restaurant’s long-standing presence in the area.
The menu leans heavily on Korean-Chinese fusion, with Jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce, 7000 Won) being one of the most popular choices.
Other noodle choices include Samseon gan Jajangmyeon (noodles with black soy bean and seafood sauce, 10,000 Won) and Samseon Jjamppong (spicy seafood and vegetable noodle soup, 11,000 Won).
For a more subtle flavour, there’s Udong (noodles with seafood and thick soup, 8,000 Won) or Honghap udong (noodles with thick ear soup, 8,000 Won).
Vegetarians can opt for Yachae Udong (spicy vegetable and seafood noodle soup, 8,500 Won).
The Jajangmyeon (7,000 Won) has thick black bean sauce coating over soft chewy noodles.
The sauce is both sweet and savoury, with diced pork and stir-fried onions adding texture and richness.
I found the sauce could be more robust or flavourful, but overall, it does the job of filling you up.
If you are a fan of spicy food, the Jjamppong (11,000) here might just be the highlight.
The broth is filled with prawns, clams, and squid, alongside vegetables. The heat from the broth is intense but I wished there was more of that briny sweetness of the seafood.
The Tangsuyuk (17,000 Won) is a classic rendition, and my favourite item of the three.
The deep-fried pork pieces are moderately crispy on the outside but tender inside.
There is a separate sweet-and-sour sauce that allows you to dip at your own pace, keeping the pork from getting soggy (though some may just choose to pour the sauce all over).
While the sauce was enjoyable, leaning more on the sweet side, I wished for a bit more tang.
Service at Gaehwa is efficient. Many customers appreciate the quick turnover, especially given the restaurant’s popularity, particularly during meal hours.
Gaehwa’s appeal may lean more toward the practical and efficient.
If you are in the Myeongdong area, it is worth a visit, especially for a quick meal before exploring the nearby attractions.
Gaehwa 개화
52-5 Namdaemun-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
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