I recently visited Seoul Sikdang in Gangneung and ordered jeyukbokkeum. Along with the main dish, a neatly arranged variety of side dishes—seasoned bean sprouts, garlic scapes, pickled onions, and pickled perilla leaves—was served.

The side dishes were seasoned just right, so I kept reaching for them even to put on plain rice. Since it was the hot summer, they served a cool, tangy cucumber and seaweed cold soup instead of a warm soup, which refreshed the palate between bites and was perfect for cooling down.

The main dish, jeyukbokkeum, had seasoning that penetrated the meat, and it was cooked well without being dry, giving a very pleasant chew. With the generous side dishes, it made for a hearty and satisfying meal, so I recommend visiting if you’re looking for neat Korean food in Gangneung.