Sarangbang Sikdang 사랑방식당

Sarangbang Sikdang is a Korean restaurant originally from Yeongwol-eup, Gangwon Province, with a branch operating in the basement of the Royal Building near Gwanghwamun in Seoul. In continuous operation since 1982 and now run by its third generation, the restaurant has earned Blue Ribbon recognition for twelve consecutive years, underscoring its unwavering quality. The signature dishes are the squid bulgogi and pork bulgogi, both prepared in a sweet-and-spicy sauce that pairs irresistibly with rice. Ordering the mixed version brings both proteins to the table at once. The essential ritual here is cooking the meat at your table, then finishing by adding rice directly into the remaining sauce to make either bibimbap or fried rice. When making fried rice, the key is adjusting the amount of rice to match the sauce - roughly one and a half bowls of rice for two servings of bulgogi hits the ideal balance. The gyeran-mari (rolled egg omelet) is thick, moist, and studded with vegetables, generous enough to serve as a substantial side. The fried squid features thick, meaty squid rather than just batter, delivering satisfying chew. Side dishes are prepared in a wholesome, home-cooked style, and mixing shredded radish, seasoned bean sprouts, seaweed flakes, and sesame oil into leftover rice makes for a perfect finale. Located steps from Gwanghwamun Station Exit 1, it has become a go-to lunch destination for the surrounding office crowd.