Changgyeonggung Restaurant Gogungmorninig, located near Seoul National University Hospital, offers a 45-year legacy of Korean flavors, making it an ideal spot for family meals with its traditional yet mild Hanwoo Bulgogi and Bulgogi Hot Pot (Bulnak Jeongol). For anyone in the Changgyeonggung area, this long-established restaurant offers both authentic tastes and a comfortable, modern dining space, perfectly suited for quiet gatherings and family visits.
Overview
Seoul / Changgyeonggung Restaurant – A perfect spot near Seoul National University Hospital, ‘Gogungmorninig ‘ is a classic Changgyeonggung gem with a 45-year tradition, serving mild yet flavorful dishes that make it ideal for dining with family.
I was looking for a restaurant near Seoul National University Hospital when I found Gogungmorninig, famous for its 45-year history and dishes like Hanwoo Bulgogi (Korean beef bulgogi) and Beef & Octopus Hot Pot (Bulnak Jeongol). Located along the main road just past the large pharmacies near the hospital’s main gate, it was easy to spot.
Gogungmorninig offers parking reimbursement at nearby Samsung Cancer Research Center parking – up to 40 minutes on weekdays and 1 hour on weekends – if you bring a parking receipt. If you dine with a bill above 30,000 KRW, they cover parking for one car per table!
Operating Hours
- Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (Last Order: 8:30 pm)
- Sat-Sun: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Last Order: 8:30 pm)
- Break Time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
For those using public transit, it’s a bit of a walk from Jongno 5-ga Station’s Exit 1, but the restaurant is ideally located right across from Changgyeonggung Palace.
The name Gogungmorninig reflects its proximity to the palace. I anticipated a vintage atmosphere, but they’ve beautifully remodeled the interior to feel clean and modern while preserving a sense of tradition.
Outside, banners show the menu, including lunch-friendly options like Galbitang (short rib soup), Yukhoe Bibimbap (raw beef mixed rice), Yukgaejang (spicy beef soup), and Haemul Soondubu Jjigae (spicy soft tofu stew with seafood) at affordable prices. It’s easy to spot from afar with its traditional yet well-maintained exterior.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by a display fridge showcasing high-quality Hanwoo beef cuts. Gogungmorninig has maintained a faithful following over the decades, thanks to a menu of carefully selected dishes, especially its star items: Hanwoo Bulgogi, Beef & Octopus Hot Pot, and Hanwoo Flower Sirloin (Hanwoo Kkot Deungshim).
Interior and Atmosphere of Changgyeonggung Restaurant, Gogungmorninig
The space is split between the main hall and several private rooms, which add to the comfortable, open atmosphere. One wall is fully windowed, allowing a lot of natural light and an open view. Even arriving after the lunch rush, the hall was bustling, and it was heartwarming to see many elderly diners, a sign of the restaurant’s long-standing reputation and appeal.
Private rooms are cleverly named, like Yeonguijeong and Jwauijeong, after historic Korean governmental positions. These rooms feel perfect for family gatherings near Changgyeonggung.
I was seated in a flexible room that could be separated with a partition, ensuring a quiet, personal dining experience – a thoughtful setup! After overhearing conversations from the adjacent room, I simply closed the partition for added privacy.
I ordered the highly recommended Hanwoo Bulgogi right away, without even browsing the menu.
Hanwoo Bulgogi (25,000 KRW per person)
Gogungmorninig also offers hot pots like Beef & Octopus Hot Pot, Tripe Hot Pot (Gopchang Jeongol), and Beef-Tripe-Octopus Hot Pot (Nakgop Jeongol) for those who crave something spicier and heartier.
But I wanted something simple and not too heavy for lunch, so I settled on the classic Hanwoo Bulgogi.
The bulgogi arrived promptly – tender Hanwoo beef marinated in a mild sauce that was fragrant and inviting. It came with a generous selection of well-prepared side dishes, all mildly seasoned to complement the main dish. I appreciated the restrained flavors, as they allowed the natural taste of the beef to shine through.
The bulgogi, gently simmered on the grill, had a perfectly tender texture, and the marinade wasn’t overly sweet or salty – just a delicate, traditional balance that didn’t overwhelm the senses. I enjoyed it with a bowl of rice, mixing the meat and the sauce for a comforting taste that wasn’t heavy on the palate.
To-Go Options and Final Thoughts
I noticed several people were packing up meals to go, likely for family members at the hospital. It made me think that this might be a great spot to bring my parents next time and even take a meal to-go for them.
The flavors of the sides and the main Hanwoo Bulgogi dish were mild and healthful, perfect for those who prefer lighter, less spicy Korean dishes. It’s a great place for a casual but well-prepared lunch, especially for nearby office workers or anyone visiting Changgyeonggung.
The private rooms, traditional flavors, and friendly service make Gogungmorninig an ideal choice for a family meal or quiet gathering. And for anyone visiting Seoul National University Hospital, this is definitely a spot worth bookmarking!
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