“Champon†is eaten by stir-frying ingredients such as meat, seafood, and vegetables in oil, then adding broth and sauce to make it spicy. The origin of champon is broadly divided into two categories: Korean origin theory and Japanese origin theory. The former believes that at the end of the 19th century, Chinese people from Shandong Province who lived in Incheon developed a spicy flavor to suit the tastes of Koreans. The latter is thought to have started with a local version of tang lushimen (pork noodles) by the owner of a Chinese restaurant in Nagasaki. Nowadays, when the weather continues to be cold, I can't help but think of hot soup. Let's warm up your frozen mind and body with a bowl of champon bursting with seaweed. Here are 5 of the country's best champon restaurants, the country's emerging champon cuisines, which are filled with the scent of fire.
Chinese champon restaurants in Seoul include Daebang-dong Daesung Hall, Jangchung-dong PR Pavilion, Yeongdeungpo Songjukjang, Nonhyeon-dong Hongmyeong, Apgujeong Gadam, Sogong-dong Dorim, City Hall Hongyeon, City Hall Hongyeon, City Hall, Dowon, Song Chef in Sinsa-dong, Il-hyang, Bomun-dong Andong Branch, Seoul Shilla Hotel Palseon, Yeonhui-dong Magnan, Hongdae Mangwon-dong Jinjin, Bangbae-dong Joo, Namdaemun Paladshin, Dunchon-dong Baeun Chinese Restaurant Gukbo-seong, Hongdae, Hongdae Myeongdong Ippumhyang, Mapo Sinseonggak, Hapjeong Florida Branch, Cheongdam Pavula, Yeonnam-dong Sanwang Branch, Yeonnam-dong Zhonghua Fuchun, Sangsu Station Taste China, Jongno Center, Samseong-dong The One Restaurant, Namgajwa Rak Hee-an, Shinnonhyeon Hou, Gwanghwamun Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Yuyuan, Apgujeong Big Bag, Gongdeok-dong Yeomyeong, Yeonhui-dong Ewha Garden, Samgakji Famous Flower Garden, Seoul National University Excursion Park, Imun-dong Cinema, Jeongdam, JS Garden Seorae Village Seorae Hyang, Yeouido Seogung, Huigyeong-dong Gyeongbalwon, Cheongdam-dong Mong Jung-heon, Euljiro Andongjang, Dongdaemun Donghwa Branch, Cheongdam SMT House China Room, Hapjeong Daejeong Wonheung, Myeongdong Gaehwa Gaehwa, Hongdae Yeongbin Tower, Banpo Modern Nulang, Myeongdong Hyangmi, Mangwon Gawon, Yeonnam Chuncheon Gold, Guro Dongheung Hall, Gyodae Ga-hyang, Apgujeong Luxury Spot, Mapo Pingha-hyang, Seoul Station, Hongneunggak in Jongno, Mapo Buyeong-gak, Euljiro Oguban Branch, Daechi-dong Hongunjang, Mapo Oebaek, Mapo Hyunnae-jang, Cheongdam-dong The Round, Yeouido Shindong Yangban Branch, Gongneung Gwangseong Branch, Bongcheon-dong Arichai, Gyodae Haochai, Mangwon-dong Dongdong-ro, Seochon China, Myeongdong Lanjuramien, Seongbuk-dong Old Chinese Restaurant, Grand Walkerhill Seoul Geumryong, Yangjae Bruce Lee, Seolleung Madam Ming, Samseong-dong Chairin, Sinchon Wan Chai, Yeouido Wan Chai, Yeouido Thyme Hyang, Daehak-ro Jina-chun, Bulgwang-dong Zhonghuayuan, Gasan-dong Yu Won, Songpa Eo-yang, Yangjae Mao, Myeongdong Crystal Jade, Sinchon Bok Seong-gak, Samcheong-dong Sichuan House, Samcheong-dong Gil Woon Club, Korea University Songlimwon, Samcheong-dong Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnasse Weilu, Chungmuro Donghoe-ro, Yeongdeungpo Daemun Branch, Cheonho Donggang, Dangsan Daewon, Cheonho China-dong, Ho Chi Minh Gyeongjeon, Dongdong Gaehwa, Jongno Seohojang, Yeonhui-dong Jinbo, Dobong Hongbangwon, Nonhyeon-dong Imperial Palace Seoul Chinese Restaurant Cheonsan, Yeoksam Pakruan, Sangam-dong Seorong, Singil-dong Singil Dongmaeun Champon, Apgujeong Mutan, Hannam-dong Jue, Daechi-dong Haibo, Jamsil Signiel Club Chinese Restaurant, Sangam Poppy Champon, Korea University Gongfu, Hongdae Seogyo-dong Jinhyang, Yeonhui-dong Delicacy, Jamsil Lotte World, Dorim The Ro Sampal Gyojakan and Gyodae Yangga Dining Table are famous.
Champon restaurants across the country include Incheon Shinseungban Branch, Imperial Treasure, Chinatown, Republic of Chun Chun, Mandabook, Ham Chun-won, Yonghwa Branch, Geummundo, Jinheunggak, Jeon Ga-bok, Shin Seong-ro, Man Kang-hong, Shandong So-ja, Yeon-gyeong, Zhonghua Road, Seoin-ban Branch, Bupyeong New York Branch, Deokhwawon, Bok Hwa-ru, Ilsan Gunwon, Gamrae Light, Goyang Oulu, Suwon High School Branch, Honghwa Road, Bucheon Bok Seong Won, Guri, Pa Ha Eunhajang, Sun Champon, Best Ya Haemul Champon, Yangju Promotion Hall, Deokhwawon, Yeoju Yujajang, Pocheon Mimi Hyang, Bundang Chihong, Supreme House Champon, Legend of Hwa, Old Hand Jajang, Osan Chairan, Uijeongbu Shinrae-hyang, Ji Dong-gwan, Hwaseong Shanghai Road, Pyeongtaek Taehwa-ru, Hongtae-ru, Inhwa-ru, Yeongbin Ru, Gaehwa Restaurant, Yongin Jinrae, Yangpyeong Hongchun-gwan, Jin Yeong-hyeon, Yeoju Siheung Earthenware Pot Hualong Champon, Gwangmyeong Hoya Dumbling, Anyang Kwon Seonsaeng, Geumsan Myeongseonggak, Jangchungwan, Gongju Donghaewon, Jinheunggak, Jang Shun-ru, Peking Tangsuyuk, Cheonan Way, Dongsunwon, Asan Cotton Branch, Seosan Yeongseong Hwanghaewon, Dangjin Bingbing Branch, Geumja-pagoda, Seocheon Dongseong Inbalu, Cheongju Dangjang Chinese Cuisine, Yangja-gang, Kyodong-dong Branch, Gyodong Branch, Gyodong Branch, Gyodong Branch, Gyodong Branch Champon, Okcheon Gyeongjingak, Jecheon Romantic Jajang, Danyang Hyangmi Restaurant, Boksaeng Branch, Yeongdong Deokseunggwan, Chungju Noeun Branch, Sangchon Restaurant, Busan Oksaenggwan, Bokseong Branch, Hwaguk Branch, Ippumhyang, Fairytale Branch, Shinheung Branch, Donghaeun Branch, Noodle Restaurant, Jang Seong-hyang, Taebaek Hall, Won Hyang-jae, Paradise Hotel Busan Nampoong, Central South Sea, Bukwang Branch, Hongseong Bang, Yangjagang, Mingju, Geummun, Okseong Branch, Daegu Subong Branch, Jinheung Branch, Shinshin Branch, Gaya Seong, Yongsaengdeok, Daedong Branch, Yuchang Branch, Chunghwa Branch, Daepung Branch, Yeongbaljang, Bokhae Branch, Yeongyeong Branch, Rian, Mimi Champon, Gwangju Frankincense, Zhangjiajie, Honggung, Malihua Branch, Sinrae Branch, Donghae Branch, Laurel Restaurant, Daejeon Dongcheon-hong, Karma Champon, Movie Bar, Daesung Hall, Taehwajang, Oriental Pearl Branch, Langman, Hong Long Branch, Happy Branch, Yeonrai Chundaeban Branch, Ra Chau, Ulsan Cheonjajang, Ulsan Cheonsonjajang, Hanabaeban Branch, Mandang, Gangwon Gangneung Gyodong Branch, Wonju Janggeumseong Chinese Cuisine, Chuncheon Hoeyoung Road, Pyeongchang Jintaewon, Donghae Deokchuwon, Gyeongnam Masan Hongwon, Sacheon Deokhapban Branch, Jinhae Shinseongwon, Gyeongsan Bucheon Province, Changwon Wonhae-ro, Geoje Cheonhwawon, Gimje Daeheunggak, Gyeongbuk Cheongdo Gangnam Branch, Mungyeong Yeongheung Branch, Uljin Jeong Branch, Chilgok Manri Palace, Jeonnam Suncheon Golden Castle, Yeosu Suncheon Golden Castle, Yeosu Sunshimwon, Eunbanhye Branch, Namwon Gyeongbang Tower, Mokpo Zhonghwa Road, Goheung Ilsung Restaurant, Jeonbuk Gunsan Bokseong Road, Susong Branch, Jilin Province, Ssangyong Branch, Binhaewon, Kokusai Branch, Jeongeup Famous places include Yangja-gang, Jeonju Nobel Branch, Gojaru, Daejeon, Iksan Shin Dongyang, Gil Myung Ban Branch, Imsil Taiwan, Taebok Jang, Jeju Arseowon, Deokseongwon, Hongseong-bang, Darae-hyang, Imseong-ban, and Bo-yeong.
1. Just like the taste of memories, Bomun-dong “Andong Branchâ€
Image source: joy_gimme's Instagram
Image source: joy_gimme on Instagram
“Andong Branch†has a long queue in a quiet residential alley in Bomun-dong. After taking a break for a year due to redevelopment, I moved to a slightly larger space in February of last year. The signature menu, “Samseon Champon,†contains so many seafood and vegetables such as shrimp, squid, and octopus that you can't even see the noodles. Champon is presented in an old-fashioned style with a clean, non-greasy soup. Combining the sweetness of vegetables with the freshness of seafood, it boasts a refreshing soup flavor. Another popular menu is “cha-chae rice,†which is seasoned with spicy chapchae mixed with spicy stir-fried rice. The smooth grains of rice and the chewy chapchae meet to provide a rich flavor and texture.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 35-1 Goryeo-daero 1-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 11:00 — 20:00 every day, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
â–²Price: Samseon champon 12,000 won, chapchae rice 7,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Let's eat another meal): When I go with friends, I always give them champon and chapchae rice to share. Even though it's not a big cut, the amount is so large that I don't feel like it's lacking at all. After eating champon here, I often go there because I don't feel bloated and I feel comfortable. Regular champon is also delicious, but Samsun Champon is so full of seafood that it's not worth the price!
2. “Myungseonggak†in Geumsan, where you can relax your heart with excitement
Image source: jihoon.2's Instagram
Image source: jae_eun.89 on Instagram
“Myungseonggak†is famous enough to be visited from nearby areas such as Daejeon and Muju. The inside and outside of the store is always crowded, but the speed at which food comes out and the table turnover rate is fast, so you don't have to wait long. The signature menu is “champon,†which has a sharp soup that makes the stomach feel hot. Plenty of seafood, such as squid and blue crab, add depth to the flavor. The spicy flavor that deepens as you eat champon, which is soaked in broth between the elastic noodles, is addictive. I also like “sweet and sour pork,†which is deep-fried meat topped with a sweet and sour sauce. It's a great way to soothe your mouth dull with champon with sweet sweet and sour pork.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 66 Hamajeon-ro, Chubu-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
▲Opening hours: 10:30 — 19:00 every day, closed on Mondays
â–²Price: Champon 7,000 won, sweet and sour pork (small) 15,000 won
â–²Testimonial (The appeal of eating food): Myeongseonggak champon must be eaten the day after drinking. It's a magical flavor that you won't be able to let go of your chopsticks from the moment you take a bite. I think if I empty every bowl of champon while sweating, my hangover will go away. If you dry more than half of the noodles and then add rice and roll them up to eat, it's completely filling.
3. Kimje's “Daeheunggak†made the most of its richness with pork broth
Image source: al_vely_'s Instagram
Image source: jjang_bo_1537 on Instagram
“Daeheunggak†is a long-established Chinese restaurant that has continued its tradition in Gimje for over 40 years. Traces of time can be felt all over the store, such as the menu boards painted red and the chairs with a quaint feel. The signature menu, “Pepper Champon,†catches the eye with its visuals topped with plenty of long-cut pork and pumpkins. The soup, which is seasoned only with pork broth without seafood, has a rich umami flavor. The cheongyang pepper contained in the soup adds a subtle coolness and cleans up the aftertaste. “Nikumi jajang,†where noodles are eaten with jajang sauce containing finely minced pork and onions, is also a popular menu. The sauce thoroughly envelops the noodles and brings out the rich flavor.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 112-7 Seonangdang-gil, Gimje, Jeonbuk
▲Opening hours: 11:30 — 19:00 every day, B/T 15:30 — 17:00, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Chili Champon 8,000 won, Meat Jajang 8,000 won
â–²Testimonial (I want a shikigin hamster): When it first came out, it looked like gochujang pork stew. I was wondering if there was only a lot of pork on the outside, but there was a lot of it inside, so I felt like someone was refilling it the whole time I ate it. The name is pepper champon, so I was worried that it would be really spicy, but I was able to eat it casually rather than the spiciness coming very hard.
4. Gongju's “Jinheunggak,†a refreshing soup without any frills
Image source: Yummy.__.cc's Instagram
Image source: beloved_god's Instagram
“Jinheunggakâ€, along with Donghaewon and Jang Sun-ru, is known as one of the top three champon restaurants in Gongju. Since it first opened its doors in 1979, it has continued for the second generation and has welcomed customers with consistent flavors. The signature menu is “champon,†which takes about 20 minutes to start cooking at the same time as ordering without making soup in advance. Champon made with chicken broth is characterized by a non-irritating flavor that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages. You can adjust the seasoning using the spicy sauce on the counter side. The soup, which contains the flavors of various ingredients, has an excellent, clean flavor without any clutter. The store is only open for 3 hours to prepare ingredients, so be sure to check when you visit.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 20 Gamyeong-gil, Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do
▲Opening hours: 11:00 — 14:00 every day, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Champon 7,000 won, sweet and sour pork (small) 13,000 won
â–²Review (Shikigin Kobongmin enthusiast): This is a Chinese restaurant that only sells four main dishes: jajangmyeon, champon, champon rice, and sweet and sour pork. They seemed to be focusing on the main dish, so I was looking forward to it even before eating. Champon seems to be a nuisance, but it's a taste that reminds me of sake. Haha, I always think about sweet and sour pork when it comes in large quantities, but they also sell mini sizes here, so they are perfect to eat with a meal menu.
5. “Deokchuwon†in the East Sea, filled with 86 years of experience
Image source: choi_jh___ on Instagram
Image source: donghae.jmt's Instagram
“Deokchuwon†has maintained its position near Bukpyeong Folk Market for 86 years. They have a variety of menus, from meals that can be prepared for a simple meal to dishes where a gourmet feast unfolds. The signature menu, “Champon,†enhances the taste buds with the rich aroma of fire the moment it appears on the table. The flavor of the soup, which combines the flavors of various ingredients such as squid, shrimp, mussels, onions, and wood ear mushrooms, is excellent. The chewy noodles are in harmony with the hot soup, making it a pleasant experience. Another popular menu item is “sweet and sour pork,†which evokes memories, with a sauce made with carrots, cucumber, and fruit cocktails. The savory tempura and sweet and spicy sauce have a well-balanced flavor.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 118 Donghae Daedong-ro, Gangwon
▲Opening hours: 11:30 — 21:00 every day; Sunday 11:30 — 15:00; B/T 15:00 — 17:00; closed on the first, third and fifth Sundays
â–²Price: Champon 7,000 won, sweet and sour pork (small) 20,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Steamed Rabbit): Even though I have to try a different menu, the champon is delicious, so I only eat the same menu every day. The taste doesn't change every time I go, it's always the same, so I've never failed. My favorite dish, champon, has a very rich soup that sticks to your mouth.
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