Bokseonggak Mapo Bonjeom 복성각 마포본점

Bokseonggak traces its origins to 1953 in Sinchon, where it was founded by a Hwagyo (Chinese-Korean) family that has passed the restaurant down through three generations. After relocating to Mapo in 2011, the brand now operates four branches including locations near Sinchon, Seoul Station, and Deoksugung. The main branch sits in the basement of the Samchang Plaza building, midway between Mapo Station and Gongdeok Station, and its seven decades of history are evident in the solidly executed traditional Chinese cooking. The signature garlic tangsuyuk features thin-sliced pork fried to a chewy-crisp texture in the kkwabaorou style, topped with a sauce studded with coarsely chopped garlic that delivers both sweetness and a sharp garlic punch. The distinctively sticky, clinging texture of the sauce is a hallmark unique to this restaurant. The stir-fried jjajangmyeon takes a moderate approach - neither too salty nor too sweet - focusing instead on a clean, nutty depth, while the napjakgochu jjajangmyeon (flat pepper jjajang) is a house creation not found elsewhere. The XO fried rice comes in generous portions with deep umami character, and the Chinese-style fried pork features a pillowy batter with dried chili crisps and peanuts that build savory richness with each bite. The gyeongjang yuksa is generously topped with scallions and cilantro, and the pan-fried dumplings have been steadily improving according to regular patrons. Multiple private dining rooms make the venue well suited for gatherings and corporate dinners, with the largest VIP room seating up to twelve guests. Three hours of complimentary parking and a free beverage machine add practical convenience.