Comfort found in the old alleys of Jongno, an afternoon at Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari
2026-01-17
At the end of an old alley, a scene of rising steam
Near Jongno 5-ga Station, the back alleys of Dongdaemun Comprehensive Market (Dongdaemun Jonghap Sijang) are always bustling with people. As you walk along the narrow alleys, the thick, slow-cooked scent of chicken broth tickles your nose. The sign for 'Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari', which has kept its place since 1978, feels even more endearing with the layers of time upon it. As soon as I opened the door, the rush of heat and the noisy chatter of people made me feel as if I had found a warm refuge amidst the noise of an unfamiliar city.
The aesthetics of pure taste from a 35-day-old young chicken
There is only one menu here: the 'Dakhanmari' (whole chicken). Without any complex worries, once you sit down, a white chicken in clear broth is brought to your table. Perhaps because they use only 35-day-old young chickens, the texture is exceptionally soft and clean. The longer it boils, the deeper the broth becomes, and taking a spoonful fills your mouth with a refreshing sensation. My personal tip is to add plenty of the provided kimchi and garlic into the broth. Once the pungent garlic scent is added, the broth finally becomes complete. As you eat the rice cakes first, then dip the tender meat into the sauce, a subtle warmth starts to rise from deep within your body.
How to enjoy additional toppings, and the night in Jongno
By the time you feel moderately full, adding noodle toppings is a must. When you put the noodles into the rich broth and let it boil vigorously again, the broth thickens, and the noodles soak up the soup, creating an explosion of umami. Adding potato toppings and mashing them into the broth makes for a truly perfect meal. When you come out after the meal, the night scenery of Jongno comes into view. It is a great course to lightly browse the nearby Dongdaemun Comprehensive Market (Dongdaemun Jonghap Sijang) or to take a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream to digest. This alley, which feels as if it has defied time amidst the flashy city, is a place I feel I will return to suddenly on days when I need some warm comfort.
FAQ
- Is the way there complicated?
- It is located inside the Dongdaemun Food Alley near Jongno 5-ga Station. Since the alleys are narrow and crowded, it is recommended to move slowly while checking a map if you are a first-time visitor.
- What is the best time to visit?
- There is usually a long wait during meal times. If you want to enjoy it in a more relaxed manner, it is recommended to visit by avoiding the peak meal hours slightly.
- Are there any places worth visiting nearby?
- After your meal, it is great to explore the Dongdaemun Comprehensive Market (Dongdaemun Jonghap Sijang) or enjoy a light walk along the nearby Cheonggyecheon Stream.