Unlike the common misconception, Korean cuisine is not just about fried chicken and Korean BBQ; there’s a whole other side to this delicious cuisine and that side includes spicy, comforting and refreshing seafood dishes. Jjamppong
Unlike the common misconception, Korean cuisine is not just about fried chicken and Korean BBQ; there’s a whole other side to this delicious cuisine and that side includes spicy, comforting and refreshing seafood dishes.
Jjamppong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup)
A fiery red-looking hot soup is often intimidating to some, but this Korean soup is very addictive.
If you watch Kdramas or Korean variety shows on a regular basis, you must have heard the word “Jajangmyeon” more than just a few times. While Jajangmyeon is a sweet and savory noodle dish, Jjamppong is the soupy and spicy version. This dish is a comforting combination of fresh noodles, several vegetables like zucchini, cabbage and bok choy and various kinds of seafood like prawns, octopus and clams and all served in a red hot soup base. In Korea, this is one of the common dishes one can order in a restaurant and the reason why it’s so popular is because it tastes very refreshing and is usually considered very healthy for the human body.
South Korea’s Best Restaurants for Jjamppong:
Jjamppong Jeejon:
Open 24/7 hours, great atmosphere and serve good quality food.
Address: 44-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Contact Information: 02-332-6158
Customer Review: “The place is huge and spacious; if you ever decide to organize a party in Hongade, this restaurant is perfect.”
Mongjungin:
A restaurant with a home-like atmosphere and the specialty of the house includes a whipped cream jjamppong.
Address: Near Yangpyeong Station, southwestern Seoul
Customer Review: “The first bite yields a rich seafood flavor. The food served here is very comfortable.”
Ohyangga:
A nice-looking restaurant and traditional cuisine
Address: 73-2, Garak-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Contact Information: 02-401-6999
Customer Review: “The taste is so good that I regret eating it now. There is nothing lacking in soft pork feet, crispy sweet and sour pork, and seaweed rice cake soup. The taste is good and the alcohol is really good. The downside is that the taste is so good that the wait is long. I waited an hour to get in here today.”
Maeuntang (Spicy Fish Stew)
When it comes to spicy seafood dishes, nothing beats Maeuntang!
This hearty and spicy fish stew is commonly prepared in most Korean households and is prepared by cooking fresh saltwater fish, fresh vegetables and tofu in the spicy gochujang paste. This classic seafood dish is famous for its spiciness, pungency and savory and by now this crazy Korean dish has hit several countries.
And, of course, this dish is incomplete if it’s not accompanied by soju, a Korean alcoholic beverage.
South Korea’s Best Restaurants for Maeuntang:
Namhangang Maeuntang:
A cozy restaurant that serves a special type of Maeuntang!
Address: 05295 1594, Yangjae-daero, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
Contact Information: +82-2-481-7779
Customer Review: “When I ate here before, I came back to the taste of this cool broth. It’s a cannon and it’s a seafood specialty. There are a lot of family members, and at the table, when you have a soup that’s really cool ~ Ah ~ Kya ~”
Yangpyeong Maeuntang:
Good-looking restaurant with friendly staff and great traditional Korean food!
Address: Sookmyung Women’s University, 149-3 Cheongpadong 1(il)-ga Seoul
Customer Review: “This is my second visit. Freshwater prawns in the soup. The soup is cool and delicious. It’s kind.”
Sinchon Maeuntang
Kind and enthusiastic restaurant owner and delicious food!
Address: 398, Sinchon-dong, Namwon, Jeollabuk-do
Contact Information: +82 63-625-6291
Customer Review: “The meat is delicious and the pepper tastes better. The owner has a super good English and is very enthusiastic. He will sincerely recommend which soup is more suitable for us.”
Chamchi Gimbap (Tuna Gimbap)
It would be strange if this Korean rice roll was not mentioned on this list. The filling of this meal-on-the-go seaweed roll is packed with protein, vegetables and carbs. Usually, this tasty gimbap contains spicy tuna, seasoned rice, egg and spinach and is served sliced into small pieces.
South Korea’s Best Restaurants for Chamchi Gimbap:
Gimbap Nara:
Popular place that serves cheap yet tasty Gimbap!
Address: 941, Gwacheon-Daero, Seoul
Customer Review: “The food and snacks here taste really good.”
Gimbap Cheonguk:
A friendly place with yummy food!
Address: 82, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul 04526
Customer Review: “Love their big size gimbap. It is delicious and cheap!”