김영애 순두부 본점

Kim Young-ae Sundubu Bonjeom in the Haksapyeong area of Sokcho, Gangwon Province, is a long-established restaurant that stakes its reputation on a single menu item: sundubu baekban. The restaurant operates only until lunchtime, a testament to the confidence behind its focused approach. Priced at 12,000 won per serving, the sundubu is remarkably soft and crumbly with a pure soybean nuttiness, finishing clean without any sharp or heavy flavors — a quality that makes it particularly suited for breakfast. Adding the provided seasoning sauce deepens the flavor profile while keeping the dish accessible to nearly any palate. The accompanying biji-jjigae (okara stew) is a highlight in its own right, built on an anchovy stock base that produces a thick, savory porridge pairing perfectly with steamed white rice. Side dishes including cucumber salad, spinach, seasoned dried pollack, shishito peppers, and kimchi each contain a subtle touch of perilla seed that adds a consistent layer of umami across the spread. Despite their unassuming appearance, every banchan is carefully prepared with no weak link in the lineup. All ingredients are domestically sourced, and the quality of the rice and water comes through in the glossy, flavorful bowls of steamed rice. The ordering process requires only stating the number of diners, after which food arrives swiftly, keeping wait times short despite the restaurant's popularity. Parking attendants are stationed full-time at the spacious lot, making vehicle access straightforward. Regulars note that the restaurant's understated appeal tends to grow on diners over time — a place where the fundamentals of Korean home cooking are executed with quiet precision.