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Discover Hidden Gems in Ichon-dong Mukja Golmok: Authentic Korean Street Food & Cozy Pocha Vibes

If you’re looking to experience the true essence of Korean street food and a warm, inviting atmosphere, then Ichon-dong Mukja Golmok (이촌동 먹자골목) is a must-visit destination in Seoul. This charming food alley, known for its cozy and intimate restaurants, has even been spotlighted on Korean TV shows featuring celebrities like Shin Dong-yup and Lee Young-ja. Today, I’m excited to share my experience at two fantastic spots within this beloved alley: Golmok House (골목집) and a hidden gem, let’s call it “Pocha 2 Cha” (포장마차 2차) for now.

Golmok House: Your Friendly Neighborhood Pocha

Golmok House is a small, indoor pocha that instantly makes you feel at home. Perhaps it’s the genuinely kind owner, or maybe it’s the snug interior, but there’s an undeniable charm to this place. The décor perfectly matched my taste, creating a wonderfully cozy ambiance. The only minor inconvenience was their cash-only policy, but honestly, the food and atmosphere more than made up for it.

Must-Try Dishes at Golmok House

On this visit, I opted for Makgeolli instead of Soju and was delighted to find Golmok House boasts a diverse selection of Makgeolli. We started with their signature dish, the Samgyup Deodeok (삼겹더덕). This unique combination of thinly sliced pork belly, Deodeok root salad, and fresh chives might sound unusual, but trust me, it’s incredible. Each ingredient tasted fantastic on its own – and all sourced domestically! But when eaten together, the flavors harmonized perfectly. It’s no wonder this dish is a crowd favorite – highly recommended!

The menu at Golmok House is extensive, featuring various Makgeolli options and other Korean comfort food. Many patrons also rave about their Gyeran Mari (계란말이), the Korean rolled omelet. We decided to try the Yukjeon (육전), savory beef pancakes, and paired it with Jipyeong Makgeolli. As someone with experience eating Yukjeon in Jinju (a region famous for it), I can attest to the high quality of Golmok House’s version. The accompanying sweet and sour pickled onion relish was a delightful touch. Wrapping the Yukjeon with the onions created a delicious bite, almost like a Korean-style “Samhap.”

The atmosphere is further enhanced by classic Korean songs playing in the background, adding to the nostalgic and comfortable pocha vibe. Be aware that Golmok House is popular, so you might encounter a wait, especially during peak hours.

Pocha 2 Cha: Seafood Delights and Lively Ambiance

For our second stop in Ichon-dong Mukja Golmok, we ventured to Pocha 2 Cha (포장마차 2차), located right next door to Golmok House. This place was buzzing with energy! We even spotted a famous actor enjoying a drink – a testament to its popularity. To avoid waiting, I recommend arriving right when they open.

The menu here is classic pocha fare, straightforward and comforting. Inside, you’ll find both regular tables and “Daji” style standing tables, adding to the authentic street food experience. The highlight, visible through the window, is their impressive Seafood Platter (해산물 모듬). We had to order it, and it was a true seafood feast – squid, sea squirt, conch, octopus, and shrimp, a real “Avengers” lineup of fresh seafood. Despite being in Seoul, the seafood was incredibly fresh. Dipping it in a mix of gochujang and wasabi made it the perfect pairing for Soju. Every other table seemed to have ordered the seafood platter – it’s clearly a must-try!

Next, we tried the Kkomjangeo (꼼장어), grilled eel. The owner expertly grills it over charcoal right at the entrance, filling the air with smoky, spicy aromas that are incredibly tempting. Even as someone who’s not the biggest fan of spicy food, I found it absolutely delicious. The texture was perfectly chewy and the flavors were addictive.

Finally, we indulged in the Saeujeon (새우전), shrimp pancakes. These were thick, generously filled with shrimp, and perfectly savory. Despite being our second stop of the night, we couldn’t resist devouring them.

Just like Golmok House, Pocha 2 Cha also operates on a cash-only basis, which is a bit of a drawback. I wish we had tried their “Soohan” (perhaps another signature dish), but maybe next time!

Overall Rating: Both Golmok House and Pocha 2 Cha are fantastic destinations in Ichon-dong Mukja Golmok, easily earning a 4.5 out of 5 stars for their authentic atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly service.

Locations:

• Golmok House (골목집): Ichon-dong Mukja Golmok, Seoul, South Korea (Specific address may vary within the alley).
• Pocha 2 Cha (포장마차 2차): Adjacent to Ichon-dong Mukja Golmok, Seoul, South Korea (Likely very close to Golmok House within the alley).

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