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Discover Authentic Jeju Flavors in Seoul: A Delicious Dombe Meat and Gogi-Guksu Experience in Dapsimni

Hello food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share a hidden gem I discovered in Dapsimni, Seoul, that brings the taste of Jeju Island right to the city. I usually try to visit restaurants during off-peak hours, like 3 or 3:30 PM, or even request a lunch break opening if possible. But today was different! I managed to convince this place to open for me at 8:20 PM after their regular closing time, all for a special evening meal. Let me tell you, it was worth it!

Located in Dapsimni, near the Dapsimni Modern Market, this restaurant is a must-visit. If you walk up from the market area, you’ll find other notable eateries like Ilkwang Jokbal (pig’s trotter) and Seongcheon Makguksu (buckwheat noodles), and across the street is Hanokjeong, a Korean restaurant I’ve introduced before. But today, our destination is here!

Savoring Jeju Dombe Meat and Makgeolli

We started by ordering their signature dish: Dombe Meat (돔베고기). We also asked if they had Makgeolli (Korean rice wine), and thankfully, they did! The weather was pleasant, not too cold, which was a nice change, especially since I’ve been battling a cold – seems like I get one about three times a year these days. I had visited this place before and been wanting to feature it. Recently, my Jeju Island trip content got a great response, and while there are many Jeju food restaurants in Seoul, this place stood out for its exceptional Dombe meat. Personally, I wished the kimchi was a bit more flavorful, but honestly, the Dombe meat alone is so good it’s worth a visit just for that.

My companion, Hyunsu, was about to taste it, and I was eager for his reaction. We also talked about Gogi-guksu (pork noodle soup). Have you ever been truly surprised by Gogi-guksu? Hyunsu admitted not really, even after trying famous places in Jeju like Sister Noodles (자매국수). He felt like it’s similar to Tonkotsu ramen – a clean, pork-based broth, comforting but not overly complex. For him, Gogi-guksu often felt too heavy and the portions too large.

Generous Portions and Delicious Noodles

This restaurant’s Gogi-guksu isn’t about being mind-blowingly different, but it offers a massive, satisfying portion at a reasonable price of 9,000 won. It’s good, hearty, and definitely filling! Hyunsu opted for the Bibim-guksu (spicy mixed noodles). Someone had commented on my channel, asking me to order whatever Hyunsu wanted. Apparently, he had jokingly said he didn’t want anything, and viewers teased him for it! So, we made sure to get him what he wanted.

The owner, who is from Jeju Island (specifically Hallim, and later Jeju City until high school), brought us some Jeju Makgeolli. It’s less sweet, almost a bit salty, which might be surprising at first. Regional alcohols have a certain charm. In Gangwon-do, you think of Gondre Makgeolli; in Gyeongsangbuk-do, maybe Cham Soju. Finding Jeju Makgeolli in Seoul is a treat! This particular Makgeolli isn’t very sweet; it’s quite dry, almost salty. Initially, it might seem bland, but it has a savory, nutty flavor that grows on you. It’s definitely memorable, especially with its pink bottle.

High-Quality Pork and Satisfying Dishes

The Dombe meat arrived – thick slices of beautifully cooked pork. I always say that tasty fat makes delicious meat, and this pork proved it. Look at the thickness! Each piece is substantial. Just dipping it in salt… amazing! Hyunsu agreed, digging in quickly. We also ordered Sundae (Korean sausage). While they have Chapssal Sundae (sticky rice sausage), they also have regular Sundae. We tried the Chapssal Sundae. Even though I usually prefer blood sausage (pisundae) and less filling types, this Chapssal Sundae was addictive. The pork fat was perfectly rendered, making even the Sundae delicious.

The portions are quite generous. The thick-cut Dombe meat feels very satisfying. They mentioned using pork shoulder (front leg), sourced from a supplier that provides Jeju pork. The thickness and quality of the meat are what make it special. We also tried the Bibim-guksu. It comes with some Dombe meat on top, which is a nice touch. The Gogi-guksu also has a generous amount of pork – six slices!

I must admit, I had a little mishap, dropping a large piece of Dombe meat! It was a tragedy! In my excitement, I fumbled it. It was so big! We ordered Hallasan Soju (another Jeju specialty), the 21% ABV version, along with some Cheongyang chili peppers for extra spice. The Dombe meat, with its rich flavor in every bite, is fantastic. Initially, you might worry about the flavor being too subtle, but the thickness ensures a full, meaty taste. If you can’t get to Jeju Island, this place is a great alternative for authentic Jeju cuisine, especially the Dombe meat. I was genuinely impressed with the Dombe meat. The Bibim-guksu is good, though perhaps the seasoning is slightly different from my personal preference. But the Gogi-guksu is incredibly filling.

For drinks, sharing a Dombe meat plate (14,000 won) with Makgeolli, plus a Bibim-guksu and a Gogi-guksu, is perfect for two people. While they also have Sundae (13,000 won for a large plate, about 10 pieces), I was already quite full. The Dombe meat with just salt is the best way to enjoy it. The quality of the pork shines through. During lunchtime, having Dombe meat with a cup of Soju would be pure bliss. The Chapssal Sundae, even though I’m not usually a fan, was really good – very flavorful, not too heavy.

In conclusion, Osorok (오소록) in Dapsimni is a fantastic place to experience genuine Jeju flavors in Seoul. While it might not be ideal for large family gatherings, it’s perfect for casual meals and drinks. The value for money is excellent, especially considering the generous portions. If you’re looking for Dombe meat and Gogi-guksu, I highly recommend trying their Dombe meat plate and either the Bibim-guksu or Gogi-guksu. Pair it with Hallasan Soju for a truly Jeju-like experience. This Gogi-guksu is one of the best I’ve had – in over ten places I’ve tried, this one changed my perception of Gogi-guksu. At 10,000 won for a Gogi-guksu with extra meat (for a 곱빼기 – larger portion), the quality and quantity are unbeatable. This place is a hidden gem – very, very nice! Definitely a “very nice” find in Dapsimni. If you are nearby, you must visit! I confidently recommend their pork quality and the taste of their Gogi-guksu.

Restaurant Information:

• Restaurant Name: Osorok (오소록)
• Location: Dapsimni, Seoul, South Korea (Near Dapsimni Modern Market)
• General Rating: Highly Recommended (Based on positive review)

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