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    So Gong Dong Restaurant

    3.9 (766 reviews)
    ModerateKorean
    Open 10:30 am - 8:30 pm

    Order So Gong Dong Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

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    SO GONG DONG RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - So Gong Dong Restaurant

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    Inside
    Tin Lung C.

    We try this Korean restaurant for the first time tonight. The restaurant is not that big, there are about 7 tables. The staffs seem friendly. My wife love beef intestine soup, so she ordered that, her review for this soup is only 5 out of 10 compare to other Korean restaurants. I went for the combo, Soondubu with seafood pancake. For $24, I think it is a good value meal, I don't know what is Soondubu, the waitress told me it is tofu, pork and beef stew, the bowl packed with a lot of tofu. Each dish also comes with a bowl of white rice and they also served 5 Korean small dishes. The small dishes quality is just average. Over all, I think this place offer good value for the food, not super pricy. I will go back to try other dishes.

    Mere U.

    If you're craving comfort in a bowl, this place serves the best soondubu (tofu soup) I keep coming back for. It's definitely my go to whenever I need something warm and satisfying. On top of that, the staff are always friendly and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. Great food and great service hard to beat!

    Original Soondubu
    Greg T.

    My in-laws have talked up SoGongDong for some time, and I'm happy to report that it lived up to the hype. Located on Keeamoku Street adjacent to the old site of Like Like Drive Inn, So Gong Dong is a small Korean restaurant that specializes in soondubu or soft tofu spot. There are several things that distinguish So Gong Dong's soondubu from other Korean restaurants: - First, the price is still reasonable at $15.25 for a standard-sized bowl of soondubu. Competitors charges range from $17-20 for a similar portion size. Additionally, combinations are also a good value at $23.55, as there was no noticeable difference in portion size between my individual order of soondubu and my partner's combination order of soondubu and meat jun. - Second, So Gong Dong's broth is rich and flavorful, featuring a thicker consistency than some other Korean restaurants in Honolulu and LA. My biggest complaint with many versions of soondubu is watery broth, and that was not a problem here. And, for better or for worse, So Gong Dong's original soondubu features ground pork and beef rather than thin slices or chunks. This makes for a soup with a noticeably stronger meat flavor. My only critique would be the run-of-the-mill banchan, which we found fairly unremarkable (read: average) compared to other Korean restaurants. Parking is free in the private lot attached to the shopping center, but there are a number of other popular businesses (e.g. YogurStory), which makes finding parking difficult. Metered street parking is also available on Rycroft or Kanunu.

    Beef Original Soft Tofu Soup
    Lauren D.

    Quick service, good authentic Korean food at a good price. This place has really tasty soon dobu at the best price compared to other Korean restaurants. For $14.55 you get a lot! I ordered the original soondobu MILD and it still tastes spicy. I recommend getting mild, their medium is too spicy for the average person. Side dishes were just OK. The soup comes out crazy BOILING hot, a little too hot to eat at first. They have a few tables inside and it gets busy around 7pm even on weekdays. I will come back when I crave Korean due to the good taste at a reasonable price.

    Takeout Original Soft Tofu Soup
    Nikki U.

    Found this place on DoorDash and was craving sundubu jjigae. I got the original soft tofu soup and it was really good! It has brown mushrooms, minced beef and pork, and soft tofu. The broth was super flavorful and addicting. I am not a mushroom fan, so next time I would opt for no mushrooms. It came with a side of rice and banchan. The banchan was ok, nothing amazing but still good although it could have used a little extra seasoning. Next time I will dine in! Their food is so good and I think it would taste even better in the stone pot!

    Kalbi
    Ronda D.

    Reliable Korean Comfort Food in the Heart of "Koreamoku" So Gong Dong is conveniently located near Park on Keeaumoku, Walmart, and the Pagoda Hotel -- right in the heart of what many affectionately call "Koreamoku." It's a central, easy spot if you're craving Korean food in town. Pricing isn't "cheap," but compared to how much many restaurants have raised their prices lately, it feels reasonable and not overly expensive for what you get. The tofu stews were flavorful and comforting -- definitely one of the stronger dishes. The mandoo was nicely meaty and satisfying. The seafood pancake did not disappoint. The kalbi was okay -- sliced a bit thin and not quite as juicy or sweet as some of my other favorite Korean restaurants, but still enjoyable. The chicken and ginseng soup wasn't what I expected. The broth was mild and lacked the depth of herbal flavor I usually associate with this dish. It didn't include glutinous sweet rice stuffing, dates, ginkgo nuts, or chestnuts, and the chicken was a bit tough. Because the broth was lighter, the texture of the chicken stood out more. Service was quick and efficient, though not especially warm compared to some other restaurants. The ambiance is average -- bright lighting and fairly tight table spacing -- more casual and functional than cozy. Overall, So Gong Dong is a solid option in the area, especially for tofu stew and mandoo, with fair pricing for today's market.

    Myning C.

    Best Soon Du Bu on isle? Probably....sides were fine- Kalbi was tasty but there were a few total fat pieces that was not edible- but thats just my opinion cause some diners love to eat the fat ...

    Tofu soup & Seafood Pancake
    Ann T.

    Very friendly attend services. Casual and comfy food spot for me. I like their tofu soup and seafood pancake.

    Ban Chan
    Wenz T.

    The ambiance is pleasant, pretty quaint restaurant. Service was VERY quick, which at first was very impressive. But the food temp wasn't hot, maybe pre prepared?? Then they rush you to eat, we weren't even done eating and the check was presented at the table. As we're trying to finish our meal, they came to the table with the credit card machine to pay . Being as the food was only "meh" don't think we'll return. There are so many other Korean restaurant to choose from. Additionally, the area is a little Sketch at night, since Yogur Story is closed, there aren't many people in the area. The people hanging around the area, weren't the types you'd want to walk past to get to your car.

    Bibim Bab
    Lily L.

    I go at least once a week because the food is amazing and fast and the staff is amazing. Like mom and pop kind of place that deserves hugs for feeding me all the best foods. They're generous with the banchans ash vs portions are amazing. Always have enough for 2 meals!

    Meat Jun
    Michelle C.

    This place is one of my go to Korean places. Whether I dine in or do takeout, the food is always good. This review is on my most recent visit. My husband and I went out for date night and I was craving Korean food. When we got there, there was a couple of people sitting inside and a lot of take out orders. We decided to order the soondubu and meat jun combo, seafood pancake and douk-bokki. We knew it was going to be a lot but we could always take the rest home. Everything came out quick and hot. The seafood pancake was my favorite. The douk-bokki was surprisingly not too spicy. I thought I remembered it being more spicy before but the soondubu was a lot more spicy than I remember. Staff is friendly and service is always good. Will definitely be back again.

    Milton K.

    Overall: *****Recommended***** Food: **** Value: **** Menu: *** Ambiance: *** Service: **** Parking: ***** free on other side of bldg When I asked a friend, who eats out often, "Where are your favorite Korean restaurants?" One of them that she recommended was So Gong Dong Restaurant. I've since been there several times and I've never been disappointed. Many of my friends and family go there for their soondubu and soft tofu soup with seafood, which are one of the best. The other half of the combinations (kalbi, BBQ chicken, bulgogi, meat jun) are good-to-ok, but you can find better tasting ones at other Korean restaurants. However, when we factor in the price, the ban chan and ample free parking, we find ourselves eating their often. RATINGS & RECOMMENDED ORDER: Seafood Tofu Soup = A Mandoo =A Soondubu = A Seafood Pancake = B Kalbi = C Meat Jun = C Bulgogi = C BBQ Chicken = C Covina = C Website: https://www.sogongdong.com/ Yelp: https://yelp.to/H5eTcMBtE5 YELP: Sorry! They allow only one 12 second video & the remaining to 3 seconds, with maximum of 10 pictures/videos. The full video can be found elsewhere: MiltonIn808 RATINGS KEY: A = Really Good - one of the best B = Good - would order again C = ok - similar, nothing special D = Not very good - wouldn't order F = Terrible - avoid

    Maricel Jane M.

    As much as I wanted to love and frequent this restaurant, Unfortunately i was so excited to try this place. I ordered the soon tofu soup which was ok, tasty but only a little bit of minced beef. It was tasty but I wish there was more meat. I also ordered Galbi and It was tasty but was not tender, some parts I couldn't even chew because the meat was tough. Plus size, the banchan was unlimited and very very good! Service was a little slow, I had to raise my hand twice because they hardly tended to me. Ambiance is cute, small, and ok. I wish the meat was more on the tender side and the amount of beef in the tofu soup was more generous and I wish the service was more tended too. Sadly, I have not returned to this place. I'd love to give it another try, maybe I just came on an off day.

    Inside restaurant

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    7 months ago

    Probably the best soondubu I've had on the island and the service is excellent they are so fast!

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    7 months ago

    Meat jun is tasteless the sauce is Salty. Tastes like all they use is Shoyu (Soy Sauce)

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    Page 1 of 20

    So Gong Dong Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - So Gong Dong Restaurant

    Do they cook with MSG?

    I'm not sure if they do to be honest. But so you know, alot of bottled soy sauce and ingredients used already contain msg. If you are hyper sensitive. I would avoid eating Asian cuisine since alot of sauces are used. Hope this helps. Btw...even… 

    Do you use charcoal or gas?

    Gas

    View All 3 Questions

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    Service was AMAZING as usual!! No one takes care of you the way the Korean aunties here do We came…read morefor my boyfriend's birthday and had a great time! The restaurant was clean, bright, and not too noisy. My new favorite Korean restaurant on Oahu!!! They even have uncles in the lot to help you park

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    Hot stone pot bibimbap
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    Hangang

    Hangang

    4.4
    (370 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Certified professionals

    I came here on a Saturday night and they were pretty busy. Luckily for us, we made a reservation so…read morewe were seated fairly quickly. We went with the Prix Fixe Menu of the 9 courses, for $70 per person. First we were given the banchans. They have A LOT and I love banchans so it was a great start to the meal. I wonder if you could get refills on the banchans like many other KBBQ spots... I didn't get the chance to find out as I was STUFFED by the end of my meal. The steamed egg also came fairly fast, they offered to serve it for us which we took up on that offer. Then we also received the kimchi pancake. Here is what I'd note, I am a bit confused on the portion sizes. As the prix fixe menu is per person, shouldn't the dishes and servings per person? Like why would the kimchi pancake be one and shared between two? As well as the egg? We then got all of the various cuts of the meats. Everything was good and quite enjoyable. We also had a choice between soup (soybean or tofu) and cold noodles (reg or spicy). We both chose the spicy cold noodles. It was very good and a refreshing side to pair with the KBBQ. We were honestly stuffed by the end of our meal and enjoyed it all. Despite my slight concern/confusion regarding the serving/pricing, I would possibly come back. Although I usually go for an AYCE kbbq spot as it is definitely more worth it value wise.

    Cravings satisfied! The ambiance is nice, the service was good and got the job done. But the food…read morewas really the best part! The kimchee pancake is one of the best I ever had. I also love their lunch special, it's so worth it. A purple rice, protein entree and soup! Can't wait to go back

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    Hangang
    Our lunch side dishes
    Our lunch side dishes
    Combination B -- $95.95

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    Jagalchi

    Jagalchi

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    I went in on a Friday evening for dinner and it wasn't busy. There is ample parking available in…read morefront of the restaurant and on the street. The restaurant gives off Korean pub vibes, decently sized, and best suited for smaller groups. We ordered a variety of food: chicken combo, kimbap, bulgogi, bossam, and spicy rice cakes. The food was very delicious. My favorite was the bulgogi because it was tender and flavorful. I also enjoyed the spicy rice cakes, but I wish they gave a bigger portion of it.. The chicken was okay, but not something I'd order again. The spicy sauce was drenched all over the chicken and was very spicy. The regular crispy chicken didn't have enough salt for me and was overcooked.

    Never had bossam before but thought it was fantastic. Just wished they gave more fixings for ssam…read more But extra fixings can be purchased. Soondubu was also one of the better tasting ones we've had. Prices though are a bit on the high side for the portion size. Service is basically minimal. Ordering takes place on the table kiosk. Don't know if it's normal but after bringing your food, the server is pretty much a ghost, at least that was our experience during this visit. Restaurant has a vibe for the younger crowd and for those who like or don't mind to listening k-music most of the time.

    Photos
    By the time we were ready to leave, the restaurant started to get more crowded.
    By the time we were ready to leave, the restaurant started to get more crowded.
    Bulgogi bibimbap
    Bulgogi bibimbap
    We went early, so the restaurant was pretty empty.

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    We went early, so the restaurant was pretty empty.
    Kyung's Seafood

    Kyung's Seafood

    4.4
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    I honestly hadn't been back to this place in a long time because of the lingering fish smell it…read moreused to have. However, since I was in the area, my partner and I decided to give it another shot...and now I'm hooked In fact, I went three times last month. Not only is the food amazing, but the service is on another level. Everyone is incredibly friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend calling ahead for reservations. My go-to order is always the poke and kalbi, and the third dish depends on whatever my partner is craving that day. Parking can be a little challenging, but I promise it's worth it. Everything we've tried has been absolutely delicious. If I could, I'd eat here once a week! It's currently my partner's and my favorite spot. 10/10, highly recommend!

    We are extremely disappointed with our recent experience…read more We've been loyal customers and typically eat here twice a week whenever we're on assignment on the island in the last five years. We have also left two previous positive reviews because we've genuinely enjoyed the food and wanted to support this small business. Earlier this week, we ordered the bulgogi for our kids, but the meat was too chewy and tough making it inedible. Wanting to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt, we ordered the bulgogi again the following day and even requested it be cooked well done. Unfortunately, it had the same too chewy and tough texture, and again, could not be eaten. After feeding the kids something else, bathing them, and putting them to bed, I called the restaurant around 10:00 p.m., but they had already closed. I called the next day, and the owner (a lady with glasses) returned my call. Instead of listening to my concerns, she repeatedly interrupted me and spoke in a passive-aggressive, dismissive manner. I was on speakerphone with four other adults in the car, and everyone commented on how unhelpful and condescending the conversation felt. I explained that I wasn't calling simply to complain - I wanted to share feedback because we genuinely care about the restaurant and have supported it for a long time. I even mentioned that I had previously provided constructive feedback about the takeout bowls, which the restaurant later improved. Before I could finish, she cut me off and said, "We're not talking about the to-go bowls right now, are we? We're talking about your bulgogi." She insisted that if I wanted a refund, I needed to return to the restaurant in person, and that if something was wrong in the future, I should come back immediately so they could remake it. Unfortunately, that's simply not realistic for us. We're staying in a hotel with two young children, and the restaurant is about 40 minutes away. By the time we discovered the problem, got the kids settled, and called, making another round trip would have meant roughly 80 minutes of additional driving with tired, hungry children. I understand that mistakes happen, and I wasn't expecting perfection. What disappointed me most was how the concern was handled. This business does not value customer feedback and will never first listen respectfully, even from repeat customers who have consistently supported and recommended them. Sadly, based on this experience with both the food quality and the customer service, we won't be returning.

    Photos
    Interior.
    Interior.
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    So Gong Dong Restaurant - korean - Updated August 2026

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