Goong Jeon Restaurant

04/03/11

< than + but not so bad I won't give it another try.

by BURT 2011 at Citysearch

I met a client here for lunch. He is a Korean national and recommended the restaurant.

The Sign outside was in Korean with Goong Jeon in much smaller font that was difficult to see when driving by Crain Highway- fortunately we like most have navigation.

I had a negative experience but only because of my timing. There were 3 Korean tour buses which arrived while I was walking in so the place was packed and the service while very friendly was lacking because they were just overwhelmed.

The buffet was out of the question, only again because of the crowd. I was lucky to get a table. One thing I liked was a button on the table that summoned the waitress. This helped greatly.

I ordered the Miyuk Gook- which sounded really good (light seaweed and beef soup), instead I recieved Miso soup. No big deal, having waited tables in my youth I understood. The Miso Soup was very good.

My client had several recommendations, and I was disappointed that none of them were from the authentic Korean section. Incidentally they offer Chinese and Japanese fare too.For the main course I ordered the Moo Mandu (beef and vegetable dumplings)- this wasn't prepared very well. Probably because the kitchen was rushed.

We never saw our waitress again after she took our order, other staff took care of us- thank goodness for that button at the end of the table.

I think if I return, it will be during a week night. I suggest giving it a try. I don't think my experience was the norm.

07/24/10

Awful Service - Do not even bother!

by TDN888 at Citysearch

We've eaten at Goong Jeon before several years ago and was not impressed with the service. It was bizarre how the waitresses were constantly running back and forth even though it wasn't that busy.

After reading the good reviews on Yelp today, we decided to give it another try tonight. The service is still AWFUL! There were 2 other tables being served. When we were seated at a table, we were not given menus. I had to grab the menu myself. When the waitress finally showed up, she was very impatient that we bothered her by asking if they had duboki. After answering that question, she just ran off. We finally had enough and left without ordering. Instead, we ate at Thai Cafe across the street. The service there is much better!

I'm shocked by the glowing Citysearch & Yelp reviews of Goong Jeon. It makes me wonder if these reviews are generated by people associated with the restaurant.

• Cons: Service

01/26/09

It's authentic

by DocMVO at Citysearch

This is the best Korean Restaurant outside of Korea. In fact, it is better than some of the places in Korea. The service is great; the food is authentic; access is unparalleled. If you like this type of cuisine, it doesn't get better!

08/12/08

If it's good enough for mom, it's good enough for anyone.

by koreankgirl at Citysearch

This is the best Korean restaurant in Central Maryland, hands down. My mom, a native of Seoul, first introduced me to this place and it's always full of Koreans. She is friendly with the staff, as well, so the food is extra good when we order. I've been to too many other places that over-cater to Americans, even cutting some vital items from the menu. Goong Jeon -- the Palace to you Westerners -- is the best, taste the best, and second only to mom. Seriously, if I lived closer, I'd weigh a lot more.

• Pros: Ample parking, good prices, no compromise on autheticity.
• Cons: You eat so much, it hurts.

09/01/07

Good...not great Korean food

by kentrosi at Citysearch

I went there mid-week in August. The service is decent and attentive. The food was OK. Not nearly as good as you get in NYC or West Coast. I had the Bibum Bop and the spicy chicken wings. The kimchee was very good. This is a good place to eat if you are in the BWI area, but I would not make a special trip there.

• Pros: Good kimchee, plenty of parking
• Cons: The food is average