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Home-style meals · Itaewon

Bada Sikdang

바다식당

Since 1970Blue Ribbon

The home of johnson-tang, Itaewon's own take on budae-jjigae (army stew), serving since around 1970. Instead of a spicy chili broth, ham, sausages and beans simmer in a rich beef-bone broth with cabbage and melted cheese. Order a plate of their big beef sausages on the side.

서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 245

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How it works here

🥢 How Korean restaurants usually work

Waiting

Short wait
Just join the line

Weekend lunch can mean a wait; weekday afternoons are easier.· 2 reviews

What to order

  • Johnson-tang존슨탕

    Army stew in beef-bone broth with ham, sausage, cabbage and cheese.

  • Beef sausage소고기 소시지

    Big grilled sausages, a famous side.

  • Turkey sausage칠면조 소시지

How much to order

  • 👤 2A johnson-tang pot sized for two, with rice and a plate of beef sausages.
  • 👤 3-4A larger johnson-tang pot, beef and turkey sausages to share.

Insider tips

  • It is milky and savory rather than spicy, so it suits people who don't like much heat.· 3 reviews
  • Fried eggs are self-service: there is a corner where you fry your own to go with the rice.· 3 reviews

Why it's famous

Bada Sikdang has served this stew between Itaewon and Hannam-dong for over half a century, close to the former US Army base whose canned ham and sausages gave Korea budae-jjigae. It recently moved upstairs into a brighter new room.· 5 reviews

  • Blue RibbonListed in the Blue Ribbon Survey, and often named one of Seoul's three great army-stew restaurants.· 2 reviews

Did you know?

  • Budae-jjigae ("army base stew") was born after the Korean War, when Koreans cooked surplus ham and sausages from US military bases into stew. Itaewon grew up next to the Yongsan base.· 2 reviews

Good to know

  • Open 11:30 to 22:00. Closed on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of each month.· 2 reviews
  • On the second floor at 245 Itaewon-ro, between Itaewon and Hangangjin stations (Line 6), near Leeum Museum.· 3 reviews
Where this comes from (22 reviews)

Summarized in our own words from Korean diners' blog reviews; each fact is backed by at least two reviews. Last checked 2026-10-29.