Explore the Favorite Dine-Out Spots of Hallyu Stars: Episode 2 - Bada Sikdang

Are you curious to know where the stars of the Korean Wave dine when they are not on set? We invite you to embark on a culinary journey — a delightful sub-plot to your Korean adventure — exploring the favorite dine-out spots of Hallyu stars.

As you wander through locations seen in dramas, movies, and music videos, imagine finding traces of your favorite Hallyu stars, enhancing your Korean travel experience with a splash of flavor and excitement.

If a trip to Korea is on your agenda, we highly recommend this special feature highlighting must-visit eateries that are a big hit with the Hallyu stars. Keep your eyes open for the SNS links under the celebrity photos for a direct connection to their personal accounts, bringing you a step closer to your favorite stars!

Today, we shine the spotlight on the main branch of 'Ssangdaepo Sogeumgui', situated near Exit 10 of Sookmyung Women's University Station on Line 4. Bear in mind that the parking space is limited, encouraging visitors to opt for public transportation or nearby public parking lots.

Though the interior of this pork barbecue house, which opens at 9 a.m., is not expansive, the closely arranged round tables offer a nostalgic ambiance. The iconic dish here is the special samgyeopsal (pork belly), however, the Ssangdaepo Mixed Special — offering a taste of everything on the menu including different cuts of pork — is also a crowd-puller. A complimentary serving of soft tofu stew, which pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice, adds to the culinary delight.

The real highlight is the grilled meat which you can enjoy with a dab of cheese and sauce, and a range of cold noodle dishes are available to round off your meal. After a satisfying meal, why not indulge in a cultural spree? Attractions nearby include the Colonial History Museum, Hyochang Park, and the Kim Koo Museum & Library, setting the stage for a rich and fulfilling tourist experience in Korea.

Indulge in a gastronomic journey that tantalizes your taste buds while walking in the footsteps of the Hallyu stars. It’s a culinary fan’s dream come true, blending the best of Korean cuisine with a touch of star-studded glamour. Join us as we explore the Hallyu stars’ go-to gourmet spots, beginning with the unrivaled Ssangdaepo Sogeumgui. 

This is a restaurant that sells thick beef bone broth-based Budaejjigae (spicy sausage stew). This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is sausage stew. >>>> More 

Nestled in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu in Seoul, 'Bada Sikdang' stands as a testament to South Korea's rich culinary history, operating since the early 1970s for over 40 years. The restaurant is renowned for its signature dish, the Johnson Tang, a hearty stew brimming with ham, sausage, and cabbage. The specialty doesn't end there; it beautifully marries the sweetness of cabbage and the generous amount of sausages with the savory goodness of cheese, creating a gastronomic symphony of flavors that keep you coming back for more.

For those unacquainted with Korean cuisine, the star of Bada Sikdang, Budae-jjigae (known as army base stew in English), originated from South Korea and embodies a spicy Korean stew crafted with an assortment of ingredients, which are often canned or processed for an enriched flavor profile. The harmonious blend includes elements such as ham, sausage, Spam, baked beans, kimchi, instant noodles, and the Korean chili paste, gochujang. Not just a treat for your palate, it has become a popular anju (a dish accompanied with alcoholic drinks) and a go-to comfort food prepared in a large pot to share the joy with others. It doesn't just offer a hearty meal but an experience of Korean culinary traditions deeply ingrained in the culture, resonating with names such as army stew and spicy sausage stew.

What further elevates the allure of 'Bada Sikdang' is its reputation as a hotspot frequented by K-POP idols and Hallyu stars. It has essentially turned into a hallmark of Korean tourism, offering not just a feast for your taste buds but also a treasure hunt for fans where they can find traces of their favorite stars' visits. As such, the establishment promises not just a meal, but a rich experience steeped in Korean culture and the modern phenomenon of the Hallyu wave, enticing fans and food enthusiasts alike to make a necessary stop in their Korean journey. It holds a position of reverence in the world of gastronomy, showcasing the authentic flavors of Korea while letting you brush up with the star-studded visits, making it a must-visit destination in Seoul.  >>>> More 


Address
18, Itaewon-ro, 49-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 245

Inquiries
•1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-795-1317

Operating hours
12:00-22:00

• ADDRESS: 2nd floor, 245 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Map
• CLOSED: 1st and 3rd Monday of every month
• MENU: Budae-jjigae (부대찌개; literally "army base stew")
  Pork Ribs BBQ
  Beef Rib BBQ
• OPERATING_HOURS: 11:30-22:00
• TELEPHONE: +82-2-795-1317
• TRANSPORTATION: *10-minute walk from Exit 2 of `Itaewon Station` on Subway Line 6
  *5-minute walk from Exit 1 of `Hangangjin Station` on Subway Line 6