Unbeatable Value Seafood in Mokdong: A Feast at Yetnal Macha (옛날마차)

Discover a hidden gem in Mokdong, Seoul – Yetnal Macha (옛날마차), a restaurant boasting over 25 years of history. If incredible taste and exceptional value are a crime, then Yetnal Macha is utterly guilty! This long-standing establishment offers an unbelievably generous and cost-effective dining experience that will leave you amazed. Prepare to be impressed by the legendary “Yetnal Macha Special” set menu, a feast for both your palate and your wallet.

Location and Atmosphere: A Local Favorite Near Mokdong Station

Conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from Mokdong Station (Exit 1), Yetnal Macha is easily accessible. Despite being a “nopo” (노포 – old and established restaurant), it’s remarkably well-maintained, offering a clean and welcoming environment. You’ll find it filled with local residents, especially older generations and working professionals, who clearly know where to find delicious food at incredible prices. The restaurant even has a separate building (별관), indicating its popularity and ability to accommodate many diners.

An Extensive Menu Beyond Expectations

Yetnal Macha’s menu is incredibly diverse, almost resembling the vast selection of a “Kim Bap Cheon Guk” but with a focus on high-quality dishes, particularly seafood. They truly seem to have everything! While the à la carte options are tempting, the star attraction is undoubtedly the “Yetnal Macha Special” set menu. Priced at only 50,000 KRW in total (not per person!), this set offers an astonishing array of dishes perfect for sharing and experiencing a wide range of Korean seafood delights.

The “Yetnal Macha Special” Set: A Culinary Journey

The “Yetnal Macha Special” is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s a glimpse into the incredible dishes you can expect:

Appetizers and Side Dishes: A Delicious Prelude

The feast begins with fresh sea squirt (생아 사비) as a welcoming appetizer, setting the tone for the seafood extravaganza to come. The array of side dishes (banchan) is equally impressive, featuring:

• Seaweed Soup (미역국): A flavorful and comforting soup that’s a perfect start.
• Buchu-jeon (부추전): Savory chive pancakes, lightly pan-fried and delicious.
• Gogalbi (고갈비): Grilled mackerel “ribs,” showcasing perfectly cooked and seasoned mackerel. The reviewer humorously points out how the meat attached to the bone resembles ribs.

The Star: Spicy Raw Anchovy Salad (멸치 무침)

Yetnal Macha is particularly famous for its Mulhoe (멸치 무침), a spicy raw anchovy salad. Made with incredibly fresh, raw anchovies, this dish is a rare find in Seoul, especially one done this well. The anchovies are much larger and meatier than those used for stir-fried anchovies, offering a substantial and flavorful bite. Served with gim (seaweed sheets) for wrapping, the mulhoe is perfectly seasoned with a tangy and spicy sauce that’s addictive and incredibly delicious. Many consider this the highlight of the meal.

Seafood Medley: Sashimi and More

The seafood journey continues with a fantastic selection of fresh catches:

• Sashimi (회): A platter featuring popular Korean sashimi choices like flounder (광어), rockfish (우럭), and striped beakfish (숭어), all served with fresh vegetables and ssamjang (쌈장), a Korean dipping sauce.
• Seafood Platter (해산물): A generous assortment including sea squirt (멍개), conch (소라), shrimp (새우), abalone (전복), and ark shell (꼬막). Each item is incredibly fresh and of high quality, making it a seafood lover’s dream. The ark shells are particularly large and meaty.
• Soy Sauce Marinated Crab (간장 게장): A classic Korean dish with flavorful and savory marinated crab.
• Shrimp Fritters (새우꽝): Crispy and delicious shrimp fritters, another great addition to the seafood feast.

마무리 (Finishing Touch): Spicy Fish Stew (매운탕)

To complete this incredible meal, you can add a spicy fish stew (매운탕) for only 5,000 KRW extra. Adding hand-pulled noodles (수제비) is also highly recommended for just 2,000 KRW more. The stew is rich, flavorful, and perfectly spicy, acting as a comforting and satisfying end to the seafood extravaganza. The reviewer even jokingly calls it “a herbal medicine in the neighborhood” due to its restorative and delicious qualities.

Exceptional Value and a Memorable Dining Experience

Yetnal Macha offers an unbelievably generous and delicious seafood set menu at an unbeatable price of 50,000 KRW. The quality and quantity of food you receive are truly remarkable, making it an exceptional value dining experience in Seoul. Beyond the food, the friendly service from the staff (이모님들) adds to the positive atmosphere. If you are looking for authentic Korean seafood in a relaxed, local setting without breaking the bank, Yetnal Macha in Mokdong is a must-visit. Don’t miss out on the “Yetnal Macha Special” and be sure to try their famous mulhoe!

Restaurant Information:

Yetnal Macha (옛날마차)
Location: Near Mokdong Station (목동역) Exit 1, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울 양천구 목동)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (General Estimated Rating)
Specialty: “Yetnal Macha Special” Set Menu, Mulhoe (Spicy Raw Anchovy Salad)