☕ Visiting Gangneung just for coffee? Let’s go beyond that.
During this trip, I promised myself I’d try one of Gangwon-do’s traditional dishes — ‘Gamja Ongshimi’, a hearty potato dumpling soup.
Luckily, I came across a place that served both Makguksu (cold buckwheat noodles) and Ongshimi.
It was right near our hotel — a place called “Gangneung Station Ongmak (옹막)”.
Filled with anticipation, I stepped in to try Ongshimi for the first time 😊
📍 Store Info
- Name: Gangneung Station Ongmak (강릉역 옹막)
- Address: 9, Junggi 2-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon State, Korea (1st Floor) (Google map link)
- Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last order 3:30 PM)
- Weekends: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last order 5:00 PM)
- Closed: Every Thursday
- Note: No groups over 5 people / Unisex restroom available inside
🚗 Parking
There are 4–5 parking spots right in front of the store, but space is tight.
If no spots are available, park near the main road at the entrance of Junggi Alley and walk.
Or you can visit the Ongmak Anmok Branch, which offers parking for over 10 cars.
🏠 Exterior – A Harmony of Traditional and Modern
The first impression was great — the exterior resembled a traditional Korean house,
and the courtyard was beautifully maintained. It gave off a fusion vibe of heritage and minimal modernity.
🪑 Interior – Bright and Cozy
The interior was warm and inviting, thanks to large glass windows letting in natural light.
Tables were spaced nicely for a quiet and relaxed dining experience.
We saw solo diners, couples, and families — this place is clearly popular with a bit of waiting time.
🧾 Self-Service & Welcome Side Dishes
There’s a self-service area for utensils.
Every guest receives barley rice and kimchi as a welcome set:
- The barley rice was nutty and mild.
- The kimchi had a slightly aged flavor — cool and not overpowering, perfect to pair with warm dishes.
🍴 What We Ordered
- Mul Makguksu (Cold Buckwheat Noodles – ordered by my boyfriend)
- Gamja Ongshimi (Potato dumpling soup – my pick!)
- Strawberry Makgeolli (Out of curiosity 😄)
🍓 Strawberry Makgeolli
It looked just like a strawberry smoothie!
But taste-wise, it was more like thick makgeolli (rice wine) blended with fresh strawberries.
I expected something fruity and refreshing, but the body was quite heavy and rich.
If you like full-bodied traditional alcohol, you might enjoy it —
but if you prefer light and tangy flavors like me, it might be too strong.
🥣 Gamja Ongshimi
This was the highlight of my trip — a dish I’d never tried before!
I imagined it might be chewy like mochi, but the texture was surprisingly different.
- Soft and slightly chewy, like hand-torn dough
- Each dumpling was plump and satisfying
- The soup was mild and nutty — very comforting and perfect for a light meal or hangover cure
Personally, the dumpling texture wasn’t exactly my style,
but the broth was absolutely memorable and delicious.
🧊 Cold Buckwheat Noodles (Makguksu)
Makguksu is something we’re used to, but this one had its own twist.
The seasoning was on the mild side, which some people might find bland.
You can request extra sauce to adjust the flavor to your liking.
If you season it just right, it’s a perfect summer dish!
⭐ Overall – For Those Who Love Clean, Healthy Flavors
Trying Ongshimi for the first time was a special experience.
As someone who’s used to bold flavors, it didn’t leave a huge punch,
but I truly appreciated the clean, healthy, and comforting nature of the food.
Would I come again? Yes, especially with my parents.
For anyone looking for a soothing meal in Gangneung, I highly recommend this spot.
✅ Highlights:
- Traditional flavors without overwhelming spice
- Peaceful ambiance and kind service
- Complimentary barley rice + kimchi = thoughtful presentation
- A local experience — you can’t leave Gangneung without trying Gamja Ongshimi!
