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<h1>Is the ₩109,000 Haeshinang Jjamppong Worth It? A Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup Review from Pyeongtaek, Korea</h1>

Ever wondered what the most expensive Jjamppong (Korean spicy seafood noodle soup) in Korea tastes like? Today, we delve into the infamous Haeshinang Jjamppong, priced at a staggering ₩109,000! This is by far the priciest Chinese dish I’ve ever reviewed, even surpassing the ₩57,000 Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) from The Gre গ্রেat in Josun Palace Hotel, Seoul. While that Jjajangmyeon boasted premium ingredients like Hanwoo beef and truffles, the sheer price for a single serving was hard to justify. Now, enter the Haeshinang Jjamppong from Daegimanseong (대기만성) in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do. It’s not just for one person; it’s a massive bowl serving 4, packed with luxurious seafood not typically found in your regular Jjamppong. Featured on the TVN show “Six Sense” two years ago, it gained notoriety for its price and extravagance. But does the ₩109,000 price tag truly reflect the quality and taste? Let’s find out!

<h2>Daegimanseong: A Spacious Restaurant with a Premium-Priced Jjamppong</h2>

Located in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, Daegimanseong is a large restaurant, easily over 100 pyeong (approximately 3560 sq ft), giving a spacious and comfortable dining environment. However, trying the Haeshinang Jjamppong isn’t as simple as walking in and ordering. It requires a reservation at least two hours in advance and a prepayment of ₩109,000. Yes, you read that right. Prepayment! Upon my visit, having diligently booked and paid, I was the only customer indulging in this extravagant dish. Self-service basic side dishes like pickled radish, onions, and Jachai (Sichuan pickles) are available. Interestingly, the serving was automated by robots, adding a modern touch to the experience.

<h3>Unveiling the Haeshinang Jjamppong: A Seafood Mountain</h3>

Before the main dish arrived, a staff member suggested separating the noodles due to the sheer volume. While I appreciate the concern, I wanted to experience the dish in its original presentation. The staff, worried about the noodles getting soggy, initially added only 2 servings of noodles out of the supposed 4-serving portion, assuring me that more noodles were readily available. The ingredients were indeed impressive: 10 small abalones, 10 large prawns, 2 octopuses, 1 king tiger prawn, and 6 shrimp tempuras. Hidden beneath this visible seafood mountain were the usual Jjamppong ingredients – clams, mussels, squid, baby octopus, pork, and more, generously portioned.

<h2>Taste Test: Does ₩109,000 Equal Exceptional Flavor?</h2>

The million-dollar question: was it worth ₩109,000? Initially, I wanted to believe that even if it was just as good as a high-quality seafood hot pot, the price might still be a stretch. However, my experience fell short of even that expectation. Sadly, it didn’t quite live up to the hype, especially considering the price. The noodles started to get soggy quickly, prompting me to separate most of them. While this is somewhat expected with such a large portion and I opted against separate noodles initially, it was still a noticeable drawback during consumption. The Jjamppong itself had a smoky flavor and was decent, suggesting the restaurant’s base Jjamppong might be above average.

However, the seafood quality was questionable for the price. The shrimp tempura, while visually appealing, became soggy and lost its crispness in the soup – a textural mismatch. The king tiger prawn, advertised as fresh on “Six Sense,” turned out to be another fried shrimp tempura, even with the thick shell still on! The octopus was, to put it bluntly, rubbery and tough, far from the tender texture of a good octopus. Even the abalones, while decent, appeared smaller than those shown on the TV program and lacked the detailed knife cuts that were highlighted on the show. There was a noticeable discrepancy in quality between what was broadcast and what I received. It felt like a considerable letdown for such a premium price.

<h2>Final Verdict: Overpriced and Inconsistent Haeshinang Jjamppong</h2>

Despite the restaurant potentially offering flavorful basic Chinese dishes, the Haeshinang Jjamppong at ₩109,000 feels like a dish designed more for publicity stunts than genuine customer satisfaction. While the “Six Sense” broadcast and other online reviews consistently showcased a higher quality, my experience was significantly underwhelming. It raises concerns about consistency and value for money. For the same price, you could order a feast of other dishes at Daegimanseong – Jjajangmyeon, regular Jjamppong, fried dumplings, sweet and sour pork, Yangjangpi (cold jellyfish salad), and Palbochae (stir-fried seafood and vegetables) – and likely have a much more satisfying and diverse meal. If you’re really craving Jjamppong, ordering four regular Jjamppongs or even two servings of their ₩35,000 Octopus Jjamppong Jeongol (hot pot) would be a more sensible and economical choice.

While I appreciate the restaurant’s potential for tasty Chinese cuisine, the Haeshinang Jjamppong, in my experience, is not worth the exorbitant price tag due to inconsistent quality and questionable value. Perhaps it was an off-day, but at this price point, consistency is paramount. Daegimanseong itself might be a decent Chinese restaurant, but the ₩109,000 Haeshinang Jjamppong, as I experienced it, is a pass.

Restaurant: Daegimanseong (대기만성)

Location: Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Rating: 2/5 (for Haeshinang Jjamppong specifically)