Tasty alley
Myeongdong Dakgalbi Alley
명동 닭갈비 골목
Where Chuncheon's dakgalbi was born
Chuncheon is the home of dakgalbi, and this cluster of about 20 restaurants in the city's busiest downtown is where you go to eat it. Chicken marinated in sweet-spicy sauce is stir-fried tableside with cabbage, sweet potato and rice cakes, then finished with fried rice. The alley drew global crowds after Winter Sonata's hallyu wave.
What to see & do
Tableside dakgalbi Sweet-spicy marinated chicken stir-fried with cabbage, sweet potato and rice cakes on a hot cast-iron plate.
Finish with fried rice When the chicken is nearly gone, order fried rice and the server cooks it right at your table.
Cold makguksu Chilled buckwheat noodles are the classic way to end the meal if you still have room.
Winter Sonata fame The alley became a hallyu landmark after the 2000s drama sent international fans flocking here.
Eat & do here
- O.Neul Chuncheon오.늘 춘천 A hanok-turned-cafe with made-to-order fresh juice and red bean butter baguettes, plus eco-friendly reusable cups. Instagram
- ASAS애즈애즈 An espresso bar riding Korea's espresso trend, with a wide range of espresso drinks, desserts and non-coffee options. Instagram
- Cafe Unkyudong카페운교동 Thin, crispy crepes with a choice of Nutella or whipped cream and toppings like strawberry, banana, almond and cookies. Instagram
Source: Korea Tourism Organization, “Korean Streets & Alleys” (2024). Rewritten for DealSeoul; details may have changed since 2024, confirm hours and openings before you go.
