Myeongdong Tenka - Korean Restaurant

Myeongdong Tenka or 明洞天下 literally means bright town/den world. Myeongdong World would be a better translation as it probably represents one of Seoul's most popular tourism, shopping, and eating districts - Myeongdong.

Myeongdong Tenka is located about 4 blocks South-east of Yokosuka-Chuo station and just a bit farther down the road than the 12 frogs place Tori Gin.  See the blog map for an exact location.

This husband and wife run restaurant dishes out authentic Korean food. A humble and pleasant couple, the Mr. is Korean and the Mrs. is Japanese and does the cooking in the kitchen. The only thing I couldn't find on the menu that I was expecting was Kalbi ribs. Perhaps they are on a special menu that I didn't see? Otherwise the menu covers all your typical Korean dishes from kimchi, stews, bibimbap, pancakes, and even samgyetang (sam gye tang).

3 sides

5 sides

Those who've have been to Korea or really good Korean restaurants know that every meal comes with a good variety of side dishes called banchan. The problem is that finding Korean restaurants in Japan willing to serve those up to you is difficult. Myeongdong World gets partway there by serving 3 sides with your meal. Some pickled vegetables, some kimchi, and a simple scallion pancake. This likely varies from day to day.

The plate with 5 sides was ordered from the menu and is also pictured above.

Here is a good picture showing what you are missing as far as banchan goes. Go to Korea and your table will be filled with these tasty delights.

Their entire menu can be found here. Translate it using your browser and you'll have their entire menu in English. Additional photos here.

Myeongdong World is open for lunch and dinner. Unfortunately smoking is allowed. Both times we've eaten here there have been some heavy smokers nearby. Luckily, we were able to move to a private room upstairs.

Egg soup

Yanyomu Chicken (sweet and spicy sauce)

Gyoza

Bibimbap

Private room upstairs

Samgyeopsal is fatty pork that you cook over the fire. It's usually served with some sauces and can be wrapped in lettuce. You can see a picture of it on the 6th menu below.
Pudechige or more accurately "budae jjigae"  is Korean hot pot which can have sausage, spam, hot dogs, ramen noodles, etc. Evidently is was invented after the Korean war when food was scarce and stews were made from excess food around U.S. Army bases. Budae means army.  They can have a wide variety of items added to it, and I don't know what Myeongdong adds to theirs. Try it and find out since it's ranked the second most popular dish.