Korean restaurant, Madtongsan II, in Brisbane’s CBD shuts its doors after 20 years
Foodies have flocked for the final time to a popular Asian restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD, which diners believe set a standard in the city.
Southeast
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The restaurant which diners believe set the standard for Korean food in Brisbane has closed after more than 20 years of being one of the most popular eateries in the city’s CBD.
Residents flocked to Madtongsan II on Elizabeth St for a taste of the venue’s Korean cuisine for the last time on Saturday before the doors were shut for good.
Owners Hans and Tang made the decision to close after problems arising since the Covid-19 pandemic and said on social media it was the closing of a chapter for them.
“Ever since the Covid pandemic, Hans and I have been struggling to keep the restaurant afloat,” they posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“Unfortunately we have made the painful decision to close down for good.
“The last few weeks have been very difficult for me and struggling to express my feelings through words.
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“As we come to close our 20 year journey of Madtongsan history, I would like to deeply thank you for all your support and love.
“I couldn’t have done it without you. I really appreciate it. We will always remain friend. Love Hans and Tang.”
The original restaurant was so successful an offshoot was opened at Market Square, Sunnybank, Brisbane’s unofficial Chinatown, where it became one of the most popular of the many Asian eateries in the precinct.
The CBD venue was hit by a double whammy, however, with office workers still not returning to the CBD since Covid lockdowns lifted.
As well, the basement restaurant relied heavily on Asian students, who still have not returned in the same numbers since overseas travel bans were lifted after Covid infections tapered off.
Before the pandemic the CBD had been bustling with Asian students, sparking a boom in cheap restaurants, which was driven by Council incentives to convert lower-grade office buildings into student accommodation.
The closure left diners shocked, with more than 100 comments on social media from fans saying how much they would miss the restaurant.
“Oh how I’ll miss your delicious food! It was such a comfort during my uni days in Brisbane and I kept going back whenever I visited for holidays. All the best to you! You sure set the bar high for Korean food in my world,” one comment said.
“I’ll miss your restaurant. I’ve been going to your restaurant since 2004 at the bottom of Elizabeth Street Arcade, thanks for being one of the first to bring the Korean food experience to Brisbane,” another post said.
Madtongsan II was the second longstanding Asian restaurant to close in Brisbane’s inner-suburbs after Thai Rose Bar and Cafe at Woolloongabba went into receivership.
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