How to Choose a Restaurant in Sangmyeon Before and After a Round at Gapyeong Benest GC

This article was machine-translated from the Korean original. Read the Korean original

Located on Dundeokmal-gil in Sangmyeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Gapyeong Benest GC is a 27-hole membership golf course built at an altitude of around 400 meters on the slopes of Mt. Gaeju. It opened in September 2004 by the Resort Division of Samsung C&T, and it is known that world-renowned course designer Jack Nicklaus participated in the initial design. The three courses—Maple, Pine, and Birch—each possess distinct characteristics, and befitting a prestigious course that consistently ranks among Korea's top 100 golf courses, the evaluation of its course maintenance standards is particularly favorable.

When gathering reviews from various bloggers who have visited this golf course, one notable characteristic stands out: stories about the clubhouse meals and snack bars appear much more frequently than reviews of restaurants in the nearby Sangmyeon and Cheongpyeong areas. This implies that many golfers choose to dine inside the clubhouse, and the reviews from those who have actually eaten there are quite positive. Add to this the pine nut tofu street near the entrance, and your dining concerns before and after a round are fully resolved.

01The clubhouse restaurant is worth the meal.

A common remark among golfers who have visited Gapyeong Benest GC is that "the food is delicious." One review mentions ordering a Tomahawk pork cutlet after a winter round, noting that it came with cartoon-style meat that you could tear into with your hands. There are also reviews stating that the Jjamppong, beef short rib set, and seafood rice bowl ordered by companions were all satisfying. The atmosphere of the second-floor restaurant, which offers a refreshing view of the golf course through floor-to-ceiling windows, also plays a significant role. There are numerous reviews praising the impressive view from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the clubhouse, and many golfers, in particular, arrive early in the morning to enjoy breakfast at the clubhouse restaurant before heading out for a leisurely round.

The food at Gapyeong Benest is delicious. The Tomahawk pork cutlet even comes with cartoon-style meat that you can hold and tear into.

lsummerius

Befitting a golf course affiliated with Samsung, the clubhouse itself is widely praised as being flawless. One golfer visiting for a group round noted that it is a place rarely accessible without a membership and even meticulously took photos of the breakfast and half-rest area menus. If you are fully satisfied with the clubhouse meal alone, you can head straight out for your round; however, if you wish to take a little extra, you can head over to the half-rest areas and restaurants along the access road introduced below.

02Unexpected menu at the shade house

One golfer who played a round on the Pine & Birch course reported that they made an unexpected discovery at the clubhouse rather than the difficulty of the course. They noted that the massage chairs provided at the par-3 hole resthouse and the Stella wood-fired pizza sold there were the most memorable elements of the round. If you want to rest your legs and fill your stomach during the round, the clubhouse menu is worth checking out. Another review mentioned Oden soup and the so-called "Burning Duck" as clubhouse menu items that are even talked about among Samsung executives; however, since the official menu names or sales locations could not be confirmed, it is best to inquire with a staff member upon visiting to be sure.

03Pine Nut Tofu Street found at the entrance

As Gapyeong is famous for its pine nut production, there are long-standing Korean restaurants specializing in pine nut tofu located near the golf course entrances. The most frequently mentioned place is 'Eondeokmaru Gapyeong Pine Nut Tofu House.' Described as a representative traditional Korean restaurant near the entrance of Gapyeong Benest GC, it serves savory pine nut tofu bossam and pine nut tofu hot pot made directly with Gapyeong's specialty, pine nuts. It is considered one of the most preferred spots for golfers before and after a round.

Along the roads of Cheongpyeong and Sangmyeon near the golf course, there is also a street lined with 'Songwon' restaurants specializing in pine nut tofu bossam and dakgalbi. It is recommended for a comforting dried pollack hangover soup before a round, and for a light and refreshing meal of dakgalbi and makguksu afterward. If you are unsure about which place to choose, feel free to select one that fits your travel route.

04The reason you have to go all the way to Kimgane Pine Nut Tofu deep inside the alley

Located in an alley off the way from the golf course, 'Kimgane Pine Nut Tofu' is situated at 7-10, Yeokchon-gil, Sangmyeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. Business hours are from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily (last order at 7:00 PM). Although access is somewhat inconvenient as it is tucked away in an alley rather than on the main road, many reviews state that the taste is well worth the inconvenience. The restaurant explains that the pine nut tofu is made fresh every morning using domestic soybeans, and the pine nuts used are sourced from Gapyeong. As for the chicken and duck dishes, they receive free-range chickens only upon receipt, so it is safer to make a reservation at least an hour in advance. It also features a spacious parking lot, making it convenient to visit by car.

Will I visit again or recommend to other golfers: Yes to the after-party and the meal.

mr_happykim

The description states that it is a place well-suited for filling up on tofu stew before a round and celebrating afterward with chicken soup or spicy braised chicken (doritang). It is also repeatedly mentioned that the flavor is spicy, rather than the sweet seasoning commonly found in chain restaurants these days.

05A quick overview of the places introduced today

Prices and business hours are based on the time of this review and are subject to change, so we recommend confirming by phone or map app before making a reservation or visiting.