Going Underground: Wangjing, Line 15

“Going Underground” is a regular magazine column in which we explore the neighborhoods surrounding subway stations.

SELLING POINT
With high-rise monstrosities as far as the eye can see, Wangjing isn’t the prettiest part of Beijing. But what the place lacks in charm it certainty makes up for in kimchi. The so-called “Koreatown” is home to Beijing’s largest non-Chinese community – perfect if you feel like going abroad but can’t foot the fare for a flight.

EAT
Dozens of inexpensive restaurants around the subway station offer sizzling stone-pot rice, saucy jajangmyun noodles, and spicy barbecue. Walk a little further west to Zhongfu Shopping Center at the intersection of Nanhu Beilu and Huguang Beijie. Jahamun, located next to KFC, is wildly popular with locals. But if you’re feeling homesick for Western food, find your way to The Full English, which serves up fry-ups and brunch on Saturdays.

SHOP
Keep walking south and you’ll come across Nanhu Market (aka the “Big Blue Hall”), where you can buy pretty much anything at knockdown prices, from salted fish and dried seaweed to cigarettes, potted plants and malnourished pets.

DRINK
Five minutes south of the subway you’ll find a cozy little watering hole called Mei Mo Mei. It’s a Korean “Hof,” or snack bar that serves spicy chicken and the strong, sweet Korean liquor called soju. Known to neighborhood expats as “Car Bar,” it also features well-priced Yanjing beer and year-round Christmas decorations.

This article originally appeared on page 7 of the January issue of the Beijinger.

Photo: tumbler.com