Cha Hyeonhui Sundubu Cheonggukjang Bonjeom 차현희순두부청국장 본점

Cha Hyeonhui Sundubu Cheonggukjang Bonjeom is a large-scale sundubu (soft tofu) restaurant in Chodang-dong, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, holding one of the highest profiles among Gangneung's Chodang sundubu establishments. Recommended by Gangneung locals as a go-to dining destination, it maintains steady popularity with waits of 20 minutes or more even on a weekday afternoon at 2 PM. The restaurant's large capacity and fast turnover mean that despite the visible queue length, actual entry proceeds relatively quickly. New building expansion construction is currently underway. The main menu centers on sundubu set meals, offered in two directions: white sundubu (soy sauce-based) and spicy sundubu hot pot. The white sundubu preserves a clean, pure soybean flavor with gentle seasoning, suiting diners who prefer non-aggressive tastes. The biji-jjigae (okara stew) is exceptionally smooth with a texture resembling early-stage tofu, and its creamy nuttiness draws repeated assessments as a quality difficult to encounter elsewhere. Ordering the set meal produces a banchan spread approaching Korean buffet levels in variety: jeyuk-bokkeum (stir-fried pork), grilled pollack, grilled flatfish, okara, fried tofu, perilla leaves, kimchi, and seasoned marinated crab. Most banchan, including the jeyuk-bokkeum, are eligible for refills, driving high satisfaction relative to the price point. The doenjang-cucumber salad receives particular praise. The per-person set meal price of approximately 20,000 won represents reasonable value given this composition. However, the grilled flatfish occasionally carries an off-odor, and a noticeable sweetness pervades several banchan items and main courses alike. The cheonggukjang-jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew) earns favorable reviews for its pronounced nutty soybean flavor. The staff contingent is large, with workers actively circulating among tables to check burner status, take additional orders, and identify needs, a level of attentive service that stands out as a strength. The practice of offering to pack leftover food for takeout is another distinctive touch. The trade-off of high traffic volume is closely spaced tables and a somewhat hectic environment, and the emphasis on turnover may create a feeling of being hurried through the meal. A large parking lot sits in front of the restaurant, though weekend spots are difficult to secure. After dining, presenting the receipt at a nearby cafe yields coffee and gelato for 10,000 won. Operating hours run until 8 PM.