Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리) Food Review: The Hits and the Misses

Finding great food in Seoul can feel overwhelming, but I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리). It’s tucked away in an alley near Dongdaemun Market, and it has been serving diners since 1978. What caught me off guard was how simple yet comforting their menu is, focusing solely on one dish: dakhanmari (whole chicken soup).

What kind of food does Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리) serve?

This restaurant specializes in dakhanmari, which is a whole chicken simmered in a flavorful broth. The preparation is straightforward but effective; the chicken is cooked until tender and served with finely chopped green onions that add a refreshing crunch to each bite. You might even find chewy rice cakes on the side, which you dip into their seasoned sauce.

The best part? The remaining broth after finishing the chicken can be transformed into kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) by mixing it with noodles and some seasoning. This method gives you another delicious dish from what initially seemed like just one meal. Honestly, if you want variety, this is a clever way to enjoy more than just a single dish.

What should you order at Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리)?

Order the dakhanmari; it’s the star here and what keeps locals coming back for more. Since it’s their only menu item, you’re guaranteed a consistent experience. When your dish arrives, don’t forget to savor the broth as well—it’s rich and has layers of flavor that develop from hours of slow cooking.

If you want to elevate your meal further, ask for extra seasonings to mix into your broth or noodles. The combination of flavors really brings out the essence of this comfort food classic. Just a heads up though: while you might want to try everything, sticking with their specialty ensures you get the most authentic experience. Curious what you think about that.

How much does a meal cost?

A meal at Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari costs about ₩15,000 (about $11 USD) for the dakhanmari. Given that this is a full meal featuring a whole chicken, it’s quite reasonable considering portion size and quality. Plus, since they don’t offer any other dishes, you won’t face any dilemma over choices or prices.

How do you find and get to Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리)?

The restaurant is located at 18 Jong-ro 40ga-gil in Jongno-gu, Seoul. To get there using public transport, take Line 1 or Line 4 to Dongdaemun Station and exit through Exit 9 or 10. From there, it’s just about a 10-minute walk—easy enough if you follow Google Maps.

As for parking? There isn’t any available directly at the restaurant. If you’re driving, be prepared to find street parking nearby or consider using public transport instead to save yourself some hassle. The place opens at 10:30 AM and remains open until 1:00 AM the next day—good for those late-night cravings!

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