Mandu Jip 만두집

150m from Apgujeong Rodeo Station. A North Korean-style dumpling house that has been running for nearly fifty years in Apgujeong-dong, with a separate rented space next door used solely for hand-wrapping dumplings every day. The wrappers are moderately thick with good chew, and the filling - bean sprouts, pressed tofu, pork, and black pepper - stays restrained and clean. The signature manduguk is a clear meat broth with chili paste settled at the bottom; stir it in for a sharper kick, and it doubles as hangover food. The gochu-jeon is stuffed with enough meat to feel substantial with every bite, and the mung-bean pancake is crisp outside and moist inside, pairing perfectly with makgeolli. Biji is a quieter menu item that shows the depth of Northern Korean cooking, and in winter the house serves warm water - a small touch that registers. Pricing reflects the Apgujeong location, and the seating policy requires your full party to be present before sitting.