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Samgeori Nongwon Damyang: Discover the Legendary Korean Spicy Chicken Stew (Dakdoritang)

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Damyang, South Jeolla Province, lies a culinary gem that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers across Korea. Samgeori Nongwon (삼거리농원) isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination, famed for its exceptional Dakdoritang (닭볶음탕), Korean spicy chicken stew, cooked in a traditional and labor-intensive way.

Why Samgeori Nongwon is a Must-Visit Restaurant

What makes Samgeori Nongwon so special that people travel from all over the country to find it? Firstly, its location is remarkably remote. Situated far from urban bustle, with the nearest convenience store 6km away, Samgeori Nongwon thrives solely on its reputation. This isn’t a place you stumble upon; it’s a place you seek out.

This dedication is rewarded with an unforgettable dining experience. Samgeori Nongwon has been featured on numerous popular Korean television programs, including “생생정보통,” “서민갑부,” and even “극한직업,” highlighting both its incredible taste and the demanding work behind its signature dish.

The Legendary Dakdoritang: A Culinary Masterpiece

The Size and Ingredients

The Dakdoritang at Samgeori Nongwon is not your average chicken stew. They use a massive No. 18 native Korean chicken, the largest available. Priced at 69,000 KRW for a whole chicken, it might seem steep initially. However, once you witness the preparation process and taste the result, the price becomes completely justifiable.

The Unique Cooking Process: A Touch of “Extreme Job”

Samgeori Nongwon’s Dakdoritang is cooked in a large iron pot (솥뚜껑 – sot-뚜껑) over a wood fire. This traditional method is key to its unique flavor. Each pot is meticulously prepared with a whole chicken and broth, then placed over a roaring fire for approximately 40 minutes. The staff constantly monitors the fire, ensuring even cooking without burning.

Once the chicken is nearly cooked, fresh vegetables like onions, scallions, and peppers are added. The entire pot, still bubbling over the fire, is then brought directly to your table. This is where the “극한직업” (Extreme Job) aspect comes into play. The heat radiating from the wood fire is intense, making the cooking process incredibly demanding for the staff who endure these conditions daily, serving countless customers.

For an extra treat, add ramen noodles (라면 사리). They are cooked right in the same pot, absorbing the rich Dakdoritang sauce, creating a unique, spicy noodle dish. Afterward, don’t miss the bokkeumbap (볶음밥), Korean fried rice. The remaining sauce is used to fry rice directly in the pot, often finished with a heart shape – a charming touch before you devour it.

Taste and Verdict: Worth the Hype?

Despite the visually impressive cooking process and numerous accolades, one might wonder if the taste truly lives up to the hype. Having tried it, the answer is a resounding yes. Initially skeptical that a Dakdoritang could be significantly different, the experience at Samgeori Nongwon proved otherwise.

Unlike some native chicken dishes that can be tough or gamey, Samgeori Nongwon’s Dakdoritang is surprisingly tender, thanks to the long, intense cooking in the sot-뚜껑. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, perfectly complemented by their patented sauce, made with aged green onion. The sauce isn’t overwhelmingly spicy but rich and deeply savory, clinging beautifully to the chicken. It’s a harmonious blend where the sauce and chicken become one, unlike some dishes where they feel separate.

While the ramen noodles were decent, the real star besides the Dakdoritang itself was the bokkeumbap. Perfectly balanced and flavorful, it’s the ideal way to conclude your meal.

Waiting and Entertainment

Samgeori Nongwon is immensely popular, meaning waiting is almost inevitable, especially on weekends. Reservations are not accepted, so be prepared to wait. However, they offer unique activities to make the wait enjoyable:

• Wood Chopping: Try your hand at chopping wood, a surprisingly therapeutic and unique experience for city dwellers.
• Wishing Stone (돌멩이 점): Engage in a local tradition where you lift a heavy stone while making a wish. If you can’t lift it, your wish is said to come true!

Location and General Rating

Location: Samgeori Nongwon (삼거리농원 본점), Bongsan-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea (전라남도 담양군 봉산면 삼거리농원 본점)

General Rating: Highly Recommended. A truly unique and delicious dining experience that justifies the travel and wait. Expect to be impressed by the taste, the cooking process, and the overall ambiance.

If you’re planning a trip to Damyang or anywhere in Jeollanam-do, make sure to include Samgeori Nongwon in your itinerary. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of Korean culinary tradition and dedication.