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Discovering Pohang’s Hidden Gems: A Foodie’s Journey to Find the Real “Matjib”

Embarking on a quest for authentic local flavors is always an exciting adventure. This time, our destination was Pohang, a coastal city in South Korea known for its fresh seafood and vibrant market scene. The mission? To uncover the true “Matjib” – a Korean term for a restaurant that’s genuinely delicious and loved by locals, not just tourists.

First Stop: Sweet Nostalgia at Cheolgyu Bunsik

Our first stop took us to Cheolgyu Bunsik (철규분식), a place with a history stretching back 70 years. Stepping inside felt like traveling back in time. Unlike trendy cafes, this humble eatery was filled with locals, mostly older generations, enjoying simple yet comforting dishes. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold winter air outside.

Cheolgyu Bunsik is famous for its Jjinppang (찐빵, steamed buns) and Danpatjuk (단팥죽, red bean porridge). We decided to try both. The jjinppang was soft and fluffy, with a generous filling of sweet red bean paste. But the real star was the danpatjuk. It was incredibly smooth and rich, with a deep, natural sweetness that tasted almost chocolatey. It was so good that it felt like discovering a hidden treasure. The warm, comforting flavors were perfect for a cold day, and it was clear why this place has been a local favorite for so long.

Cheolgyu Bunsik (철규분식) Location: Near Jukdo Market, Pohang (Exact address needs further verification for online maps)

General Rating: Highly Positive for Traditional Taste and Nostalgic Atmosphere

The Ultimate “Matjib” Revelation: Incheon Sikdang

After the delightful sweet treat at Cheolgyu Bunsik, we continued our quest, seeking a truly authentic local dining experience. We asked a friendly local vendor at Jukdo Market for a recommendation, someone who knew the real Pohang flavors. They pointed us towards Incheon Sikdang (인천식당), a place near Yukgeori (Six-way intersection), and touted it as a favorite among locals for over 20 years.

Incheon Sikdang specializes in Duruchigi (두루치기), a spicy stir-fried pork dish. Upon arrival, we were greeted with incredible hospitality and a table laden with generous side dishes, including fried eggs and stir-fried fish cakes. The Duruchigi itself was a revelation. The pork was incredibly tender and flavorful, having absorbed the rich, spicy sauce perfectly. Unlike some places where the sauce feels separate from the meat, here it was deeply integrated, creating an explosion of taste in every bite. The sauce was described as being deep and rich, coating the palate with a satisfying savory-spicy flavor that was simply irresistible.

What truly set Incheon Sikdang apart was the overall quality of the food. Even the basic side dishes were exceptionally delicious, highlighting the restaurant’s dedication to good cooking. We also tried the Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개, Soybean Paste Stew), which was equally impressive. The restaurant owner confidently declared Incheon Sikdang as the “number one Matjib” and after experiencing the incredible Duruchigi and warm hospitality, it was hard to disagree.

Incheon Sikdang (인천식당) Location: Near Yukgeori (Six-way intersection) and Fire Station, Pohang (Exact address needs further verification for online maps)

General Rating: Extremely Positive – A True “Matjib” Experience with Exceptional Duruchigi and Hospitality

Pohang: A Foodie Destination Worth Exploring

Our Pohang food adventure was a resounding success. From the nostalgic sweetness of Cheolgyu Bunsik to the fiery and flavorful Duruchigi at Incheon Sikdang, we discovered that Pohang is a city brimming with hidden culinary gems. It’s a place where you can still find authentic, delicious food loved by locals, offering a genuine taste of Korean cuisine beyond the typical tourist traps. If you are looking for a true “Matjib” experience, Pohang is definitely worth exploring.

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