[Gwanghwamun Deodeok Sundae] The “Crunchy” Veggie-Filled Sundae Spot—A Hidden Alley Sundae-guk + Assorted Platter

Here’s “Gwanghwamun Deodeok Sundae,” a sundae-guk (Korean blood sausage soup) restaurant tucked into a narrow alley near Gwanghwamun Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Note that they have a break time from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM after lunch service, so plan accordingly.

Step inside and you’ll get a retro, slightly nostalgic vibe—cozy and old-school in a way that feels comforting.

The basic sides include kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), sliced onions, chives, green chili peppers, and ssamjang—a lineup that already hints at how you’re meant to build your bites.

Sundae-guk is served bubbling in a stone pot, made with a milky pork-bone broth and filled with sundae, head meat, and assorted offal. In Korea, it’s one of those go-to comfort foods—especially on cold days.

In the pale broth, you’ll see plenty of sundae and head meat. What sets this place apart is the sundae itself: many people say it tastes a bit different from the standard style. Instead of being heavy on glass noodles, it’s made with more vegetables, so you get the usual chewy bite plus a light crunch. Just be careful—those first bites can be extremely hot.

The broth is described as clean and refreshing rather than heavy. Add perilla seed powder if you want extra nuttiness and a smoother mouthfeel, and don’t forget to toss in the chives from the side dish plate—aroma goes way up. If you like heat, add some green chili, too. Being able to customize the bowl to your taste is half the fun.Rice comes alongside the soup, and you can eat it separately or stir it into the broth. Some Koreans even add a splash of kkakdugi brine for extra kick.

The video also featured an assorted platter, typically including head meat, liver, and other offal, served with a onion-and-chive salad. Try a bite of meat with the salad—the vegetables add crunch and freshness, and reviews say there’s very little odor. Since it’s a different experience from the sundae in the soup, it’s worth ordering if you want to compare.

One thing to note: some reviews mention that cleanliness may be a bit inconsistent, so if you’re especially sensitive about hygiene, it’s a good idea to keep that in mind before visiting.