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Gunja Station 맛집 Tour: Discovering Hidden Gems for Summer Gourmet Delights – Min-geo & Yakitori

Looking for the best eats around Gunja Station in Seoul? Get ready for a flavorful journey! This blog post will introduce you to two hidden gem restaurants that locals love, perfect for your summer gourmet adventures. We’re diving into the delicious world of seasonal Korean cuisine, starting with a refreshing seafood experience and ending with savory grilled skewers. Let’s explore!

Part 1: Fresh Summer Min-geo at China Market Han-Do (중국 시장한 도)

Located within the bustling China Market (중국 제일 시장) near Gunja Station, China Market Han-Do (중국 시장한 도) is a seafood lover’s paradise. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming market location; this restaurant boasts top-quality, domestically sourced ingredients at incredibly affordable prices. Known for its Daebang-eo (Japanese Amberjack) in winter, Han-Do shines even brighter in summer with its exceptional Min-geo (Korean sea bass) and striped jack (줄무늬 전갱이).

As soon as you glance at the menu, you’ll be amazed by the sheer variety – it’s truly a seafood wonderland! While the choices might seem overwhelming, the prices are undeniably attractive, reflecting the generosity of a traditional market eatery. For our visit, we opted for the “Summer Special Modeum,” a platter featuring the star of the season, Min-geo.

Summer Min-geo: A Taste of Luxury at an Unbeatable Price

Min-geo is a premium summer fish, often considered a luxurious treat in Seoul due to its high price. However, China Market Han-Do breaks this barrier, offering Min-geo at a “갓성비” (god-level cost-effectiveness) price point. The “Summer Special Modeum” platter is indeed special, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality 숙성회 (aged fish). Despite being in a market, the aging process is expertly handled, resulting in exceptional texture and flavor.

The Min-geo itself was outstanding – firm, chewy, and incredibly fresh. To elevate the experience, we added a side of Uni (sea urchin). Whether it’s Chilean or domestic, the Uni was rich and creamy, perfectly complementing the delicate Min-geo. This combination is truly heavenly! It’s so good; you’ll want to tell everyone you know about it.

Beyond Min-geo: Striped Jack (줄무늬 전갱이) and More

Next up was the 줄무늬 전갱이 (striped jack), also known as Shimaji. Served as sushi, the striped jack was of such high quality that it felt like dining at a premium sushi restaurant. While perhaps slightly over-aged on the day of our visit, it was easily remedied by making sushi with the provided rice – transforming it into a truly delightful experience. Just like Daebang-eo in winter, striped jack is the must-try seasonal fish during summer.

Don’t miss the 민어 껍질 (Min-geo skin), a flavorful and chewy delicacy. And for a perfect side dish, we highly recommend the 전복 라면 (abalone ramen). Priced at just ₩5,000 (like the spicy seafood stew, 매운탕), the abalone ramen is an absolute steal and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

China Market Han-Do Overall Rating: 4.5/5

• Location: China Market (중국 제일 시장) near Gunja Station (군자역)
• Must-Try: Summer Special Modeum (Min-geo, Striped Jack), 전복 라면 (Abalone Ramen)
• Atmosphere: Bustling market eatery, casual and authentic
• Price: Very affordable, excellent value

Part 2: Soulful Skewers at Soo-Soo Charcoal Grilled Skewers BBQ (수 수불 직화 꼬치 바베큐)

After the refreshing seafood feast, we moved on to our second stop: Soo-Soo Charcoal Grilled Skewers BBQ (수 수불 직화 꼬치 바베큐), located a short 5-minute walk from Gunja Station Exit 4. This place is a true Gunja 맛집 (local favorite), so good it’s said to make even a saint lose their mind! The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, filled with locals enjoying delicious skewers and drinks.

Stepping inside, you’ll immediately notice the vibrant energy and the tempting aroma of charcoal-grilled skewers. Soo-Soo is renowned for serving high-quality food at incredibly reasonable prices, making it a beloved spot for locals of all ages. And their 생맥주 (draft beer) is exceptional – truly refreshing and perfect for a summer evening.

Korean Yakitori at its Finest

The skewer selection is fantastic, ranging from classic 염통 꼬치 (chicken heart skewers) and 삼겹살 꼬치 (pork belly skewers) to the signature 롱다리 닭 꼬치 (long leg chicken skewers). Each skewer is meticulously grilled over charcoal right at the entrance, coated in a flavorful, slightly spicy 양념 (sauce) that creates an irresistible smoky aroma. This is Korean Yakitori at its absolute best!

The skewers are cooked to perfection, with a wonderful char and juicy tenderness. The spicy sauce adds a delightful kick that pairs incredibly well with their ice-cold draft beer. Every bite is a burst of flavor, making it hard to stop at just a few. The 삼겹살 꼬치 (pork belly skewers) were particularly noteworthy – incredibly flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Soo-Soo Charcoal Grilled Skewers BBQ Overall Rating: 4.8/5

• Location: 5-minute walk from Gunja Station (군자역) Exit 4
• Must-Try: 롱다리 닭 꼬치 (Long leg chicken skewers), 삼겹살 꼬치 (Pork belly skewers), 염통 꼬치 (Chicken heart skewers), 생맥주 (Draft Beer)
• Atmosphere: Lively, local favorite, perfect for casual dining
• Price: Affordable, great value for quality

So there you have it – two fantastic restaurants near Gunja Station that are perfect for your summer culinary adventures! Whether you’re craving fresh and flavorful seafood or savory and smoky skewers, Gunja Station has something to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss out on these hidden gems on your next Seoul food tour!

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