Korea's Soul Food: The Complete Guide to 'Korean Chinese Food' (feat. Netflix 'Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody' Restaurants)

Have you ever seen characters in a K-drama or movie eating a black noodle dish on moving day or graduation day? That's 'Jjajangmyeon'. The Netflix K-food documentary series, 'Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody', deeply explores this fascinating dish and the world of 'Korean Chinese Food'.

Jjajangmyeon

If you're a foodie planning a trip to Korea, you must not miss this unique 'Korean Chinese Food', which is completely different from mainland 'Chinese food'. This article will be your perfect travel guide, introducing the essence of Korean Chinese food as highlighted by Netflix and the actual restaurants featured in the documentary.

What is 'Korean Chinese Food'? (It's different from Chinese food!)

'Korean Chinese Food' began about 100 years ago with Chinese immigrants who entered through the port of Incheon. However, over time, these dishes have been perfectly localized to suit the Korean palate.

While mainland China's 'Zhajiangmian' is based on a salty fermented soybean paste, Korea's 'Jjajangmyeon' is characterized by its sweet and savory flavor, made by stir-frying chunjang (a black bean sauce) in oil and adding onions, pork, and caramel sauce.

There is a 'Big 3' menu in Korean Chinese food that you should never miss:

• Jjajangmyeon (짜장면): Noodles with a sweet black bean sauce.

• Jjamppong (짬뽕): A spicy noodle soup loaded with seafood and vegetables.

• Tangsuyuk (탕수육): Crispy deep-fried pork (or beef) served with a sweet and sour sauce.

Jjamppong

Your Perfect Guide: Netflix 'Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody'

Hosted by Korea's famous food researcher Paik Jong-won, 'Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody' is not just a 'meokbang' (eating show). The documentary traces the modern history, culture, and people's memories contained in a single bowl of Jjajangmyeon.

Here's why this documentary is special for foreign tourists:

• Reliable Curation: Korea's top food expert has traveled the country to select the 'real' best restaurants.

• Understanding History: When you learn the background of how Jjajangmyeon became Korea's 'soul food', the food tastes even deeper.

• Diverse Variations: You can preview the world of Jjajangmyeon, which varies by region and recipe, including Uni Jjajang, Ganjjajang, and Yetnal Jjajang.

Watching this series on Netflix before your trip is the best 'preparation' for your culinary journey.

'Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody' Pilgrimage: Must-Visit Restaurants from the Documentary

'Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody' features many historical restaurants run by masters with decades of experience. Here are a few recommendations, considering tourist routes in Seoul and other major cities.

1. The Beginning of History: Gonghwachun (Incheon Chinatown)

• Location: Incheon

• Features: Highlighted in 'Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody' as the birthplace of Jjajangmyeon. It is known as the origin of Korean Jjajangmyeon and is featured prominently in the documentary.

• Travel Tip: Incheon Chinatown has a Jjajangmyeon Museum. It was created by remodeling the building of the first Chinese restaurant, 'Gonghwachun', which opened in 1912. To see the history of the original, you must visit the 'Jjajangmyeon Museum'.

2. Michelin Star Quality: Jin Jin (Mapo-gu, Seoul)

• Location: Mapo-gu, Seoul

• Features: This is the restaurant run by Master Chef Wang Yook-sung, who was introduced in the documentary. It is also famous for receiving a Michelin star and is renowned for its high-quality dishes, especially 'Menbosha' (shrimp toast) and 'Stir-fried Crab Meat'.

• Travel Tip: Recommended when you want to taste high-end Chinese 'dishes' rather than the usual Jjajangmyeon or Jjamppong. Reservations are essential.

3. The Pinnacle of Glamour, Truffle Jjajangmyeon: Mootan (Gangnam-gu, Seoul)

• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul

• Features: Showcased in 'Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody' for its modern variation of Jjajangmyeon. It is known for its glamorous dishes with generous ingredients, such as 'Hanu (Korean Beef) Truffle Jjajangmyeon' and 'Gochu Yuringi' (spicy pepper fried chicken).

• Travel Tip: Visit if you want to experience special Korean Chinese food in a luxurious atmosphere frequented by K-pop stars.

4. 70-Year Tradition Ganjjajang: Sinseongru (Incheon)

• Location: Incheon

• Features: Its history was highlighted in the documentary as one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Incheon. It is introduced as a master of 'Ganjjajang' (sauce fried to order) and 'Yuni Jjajang'.

• Travel Tip: After visiting the Jjajangmyeon Museum, visit this place if you are curious about the real original taste. You can try authentic Ganjjajang topped with a fried egg.

5. (Outside Seoul) The Mecca of Jjamppong: Boksungru (Gunsan)

• Location: Gunsan (Jeollabuk-do Province)

• Features: If your journey extends to the southern regions beyond Seoul, you can't miss 'Boksungru' in Gunsan, which has gained national fame for its 'Jjamppong'. Also featured in the documentary, this place is famous for its rich soup piled high with meat and seafood.

• Travel Tip: It's famous for its incredibly long waiting lines, so it's recommended to visit right at opening time.

Conclusion: The One Bowl to Complete Your Korea Trip

'Korean Chinese Food' is not just a simple meal. It is a 'soul food' that embodies Korea's history, culture, and people's memories.

Before visiting Korea, watch 'Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody' on Netflix and try adding at least one of the restaurants from this guide to your itinerary. A bowl of sweet Jjajangmyeon or spicy Jjamppong will make your trip to Korea a richer and more unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is Korean Chinese Food spicy? A. It depends on the menu. 'Jjajangmyeon' is not spicy at all; it's sweet and savory. However, 'Jjamppong' is very spicy, as it's based on chili powder and chili oil. If you can't eat spicy food, choose Jjajangmyeon or Tangsuyuk.

Q. What is the difference between Jjajangmyeon and Ganjjajang? A. Jjajangmyeon: The sauce is pre-made in large batches and poured over the noodles. Starch is added to the sauce, making it smooth and moist. Ganjjajang (간짜장): The sauce (chunjang and vegetables) is fried to order and provided separately. It contains little to no water or starch, resulting in a stronger, more robust flavor and a crispier texture from the ingredients.

Tangsuyuk

Q. Tangsuyuk: 'Bumeok' vs 'Jjigmeok'? (Pouring vs Dipping?) A. This is a fun debate among Koreans about how to eat Tangsuyuk sauce. 'Bumeok' (부먹) is the style of pouring the sauce over the fried meat. 'Jjigmeok' (찍먹) is the style of dipping the fried meat into the sauce. There is no right answer, so enjoy it according to your preference! (Tip: If you want to maintain maximum crispiness, 'Jjigmeok' is recommended.)