Soondubu Jjigae: A Warm and Comforting Tofu Stew Near COEX

If you're visiting COEX for an exhibition and find yourself hungry around lunchtime, there's one spot worth checking out: Bukchangdong Soondubu, located near Hall A4. This place is a go-to for comforting Korean soft tofu stew, known as soondubu jjigae (순두부찌개).

 

What I Ordered

I chose the mild version of the seafood soondubu jjigae — a white broth that’s soothing, not spicy. It came bubbling hot in a stone pot, filled with soft tofu, shrimp, clams, an egg, and green onions. The mild flavor brought out the seafood sweetness without overpowering heat. You can also crack in a raw egg if you like, which cooks gently in the broth.

Soondubu jjigae with sotbap

 

Bubbling hot mild soondubu jjigae in a stone pot

 

A Unique Rice Experience

Instead of regular rice, they serve sotbap — rice cooked in a small pressure pot for each diner. When served, the pot is covered with a wooden lid, keeping it piping hot. The staff brings out hot water for you to pour into the pot after scooping your rice into a bowl. This creates nurungji, a delicious scorched rice tea that you enjoy at the end of the meal.

Sotbap  — rice cooked in a small pressure pot for each diner.

Nurungji

The Side Dishes

The meal came with an impressive spread of banchan (side dishes), including:

• Freshly made kimchi
• Stir-fried bean sprouts
• Grilled mackerel (crispy outside, juicy inside)
• Seaweed sheet with soy sauce to dip in
• A type of fermented seafood (jeotgal), slightly salty and rich in umami—possibly pollack roe or a similar kind
• A whole egg to add to your stew if you like

Everything tasted clean and homemade, especially the kimchi, which was bright, crunchy, and perfectly fermented.

Self-Ordering and Seating

Orders are made through a tablet on each table — available in multiple languages. You can choose your stew’s spice level (spicy or mild), which is helpful for international visitors. The restaurant feels casual and clean, with wooden chairs and modern lighting. On one side, a wall of pressure cookers bubbles away, cooking rice to order for every guest.

💡 Local Tip: Where Are the Chopsticks and Napkins?

If you're dining in a Korean restaurant and don't see any utensils or napkins on the table — don’t worry! Check the drawer built into the side of your table. You'll often find chopsticks, spoons, and napkins neatly stored inside. It’s a clever and space-saving solution many Korean eateries use.

 

Chopsticks and napkins in Korean restaurant table drawer

Menu Highlights

Here are a few popular options you’ll find on the menu:

• Classic Bukchangdong Soondubu Set – ₩11,500
• Ham & Cheese Soondubu – ₩11,000
• Spicy Small Intestine Soondubu – ₩13,000
• Beef Soondubu – ₩12,000
• Seafood Soondubu – ₩12,000
• Oyster Soondubu – ₩12,500
• Soybean Paste Soondubu – ₩12,500

Combo sets for 1 or 2 diners are also available with grilled fish, bulgogi, LA galbi, and more.

How to Get There

📍 Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

From inside COEX Exhibition Center A4 Hall, go down the escalator, walk across to the food court area, and then take the next escalator up. The restaurant is located on that upper dining floor.

If you're in the mood for a comforting, well-balanced Korean meal that doesn’t require spicy tolerance, Bukchangdong Soondubu at COEX is a satisfying choice. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a first-timer, this dish offers a warm welcome into Korean home-style flavors.