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JangAn-dong’s Hidden Gem: Namdo Bossam – Authentic Korean Flavors You Can’t Miss

Hey everyone! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a truly fantastic restaurant I recently discovered in Jangan-dong. I’m so excited to share this place because the food is absolutely incredible! Let’s step inside and explore this culinary gem together.

This restaurant, initially a small single-unit establishment, has become so popular that it expanded, first to two units, and now even three! It’s amazing to witness such growth, and it speaks volumes about the quality of their food and service. This place, known for its Bossam (boiled pork) and Pajeon (scallion pancake), is a must-visit in JangAn-dong.

A Taste of Authentic Korean Cuisine

Namdo Bossam Pajeon truly specializes in delivering authentic Korean flavors. As the name suggests, their signature dishes are Bossam and Pajeon. But they offer so much more! From the moment you sit down, you’ll be greeted with incredibly delicious side dishes, especially their kimchi, which is simply outstanding. This is the kind of place where you can easily enjoy great food with drinks, perfect for a casual get-together or a hearty meal.

Must-Try Dishes at Namdo Bossam

Bossam (보쌈)

Let’s start with their star dish, the Bossam. The pork is incredibly tender, indicating it’s been perfectly boiled to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The kimchi served with the Bossam is also exceptional, featuring fresh oysters that add a burst of savory flavor. The combination is simply divine! They also offer 생굴회 (fresh oyster dish) and 굴 추가 (oyster add-on) for oyster lovers. The Bossam here is not only delicious but also offers amazing value for money, making it a top choice.

Pajeon (파전) & Guljeon (굴전)

Next up, the Pajeon (scallion pancake). While they modestly mention it might not be “the best Pajeon ever,” it’s definitely a fantastic choice, especially considering the generous portion size for the price (around 20,000 won for a large). It’s crispy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, especially when paired with rice – a surprisingly delightful combination! They also offer Guljeon (oyster pancake), which is equally delicious, showcasing the freshness of their ingredients. While initially considering 감자전 (potato pancake), they opted for 화전 (flower pancake) instead of offering 감자전 on the regular menu to manage customer expectations. However, on this visit, they were served a special service of 감자전 which was unbelievably delicious – crispy, savory, and quite possibly even more popular than the Pajeon itself among regulars!

Service 감자전 (Gamjajeon – Potato Pancake) – A Hidden Delight

Speaking of surprises, the service dish of 감자전 (potato pancake) was a revelation. It’s not on the regular menu, and it’s exclusively offered to regulars, which makes it even more special. This Gamjajeon is incredibly delicious – crispy on the outside, savory and tender on the inside. It’s made with shredded potatoes and has a unique, addictive flavor. The hosts even suggested it might be more popular than their Pajeon if they were to add it to the menu! This hidden gem is a testament to their culinary skills and generous hospitality.

Atmosphere and Overall Experience

The restaurant has a cozy, almost countryside-like vibe, making it a comfortable and inviting place to dine. It’s the kind of spot that feels like a neighborhood favorite, where you can relax and enjoy delicious home-style Korean food. Friends who have been brought here rave about it, continuing to talk about how delicious it was even after leaving. The owner is incredibly welcoming and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. Despite not specializing in 홍어 (fermented skate), they do offer 홍어전 (fermented skate pancake) which is easier for beginners to enjoy, though they recommend sticking to their specialties.

Location and Highly Recommended

Located in JangAn-dong, this restaurant is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered. While I can’t provide a specific address in this review, searching for “Namdo Bossam Pajeon JangAn-dong” should lead you right to it. Based on the incredibly positive experience and feedback, I wholeheartedly give this place a very high rating. If you are in JangAn-dong or anywhere in Seoul and craving authentic, delicious, and value-for-money Korean cuisine, especially Bossam and Pajeon, Namdo Bossam Pajeon is an absolute must-visit!

Make sure to try their 굴보쌈 (oyster bossam) during oyster season! You won’t be disappointed!

General Rating: Highly Recommended

Location: JangAn-dong, Seoul, South Korea