YOUTUBE URL: https://youtu.be/ImSQVPxpd7o
A Culinary Adventure in Iljiro: Discovering Delicious Bossam
Hello everyone! Today, I’m finally visiting a restaurant I’ve been wanting to try for a long time. I actually came here once before, but unfortunately, it was closed. Luckily, they’re open today! Someone I know highly recommended this place, saying it’s incredibly delicious, so my expectations are high.
The restaurant is located between Iljiro Entrance Station and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. This area seems to have quite a few hidden gems, especially traditional, old-school restaurants. And here it is!
When you come inside from the street, the entrance to the second floor is right there. Be careful, as the stairs are a bit steep and narrow.
Ambiance and Menu
The interior is cozier than I expected, with tables close together. But that’s part of the charm of eating at a 노포 (old, established restaurant), right?
The main dishes are Jeyuk Bossam (spicy pork bossam) and Gul Bossam (oyster bossam), along with Jeyuk (spicy pork) and regular Bossam (boiled pork). On the right side of the menu, you’ll find meal options like Pajeon (green onion pancake) and Kalguksu (noodle soup).
We ordered the Jeyuk Bossam, Clam Kalguksu, and Gyaranmari (rolled omelet). Actually, this place is famous for its Gul Bossam, but I’m not a big fan of raw oysters. Also, I recently had a bit of a stomach upset, so I was a little hesitant. That’s why I skipped the oyster bossam this time.
Delectable Dishes
As a side dish, they served Ssamjang (soybean dipping sauce), Saeujeot (salted shrimp), and Kimchi. This kimchi was well-fermented, with a crisp and refreshing taste. It had a slight spiciness that was perfect for pairing with the bossam.
Before long, the bossam arrived. The color was beautiful! This bossam is made with Ogyeopsal (pork belly with five layers), so it’s served with the skin on. The pork was incredibly tender and chewy.
It was sliced into thick pieces, giving it a satisfying chewiness. If it were just the lean meat, it might be a bit dry, but the collagen-rich skin adds a wonderful chewiness and richness. When you look closely, you can see a slight pink hue, making it even more visually appealing. I think people in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s would especially love this!
And of course, you can’t forget the kimchi! The bossam kimchi had a fresh, Geotjeori (freshly made kimchi) feel. You can see the slightly thick sauce on the screen, and it wasn’t too salty but perfectly spicy, making it a great match for the bossam.
Inside, there was a generous amount of Musaengchae (spicy radish salad), which I also ate a lot of with the bossam. With both the cabbage kimchi and the radish salad piled high, there was definitely no shortage of side dishes.
And then, the star of the show (besides the Bossam, of course!): the Clam Kalguksu arrived! The noodles weren’t too thick, making them easy to slurp down. If you’re drinking soju, you absolutely have to try this together. One sip of soju and then a spoonful of this broth will completely cleanse your palate.
Finally, the Gyaranmari arrived. It came out quite a while after we had almost finished the bossam and kalguksu, so that’s the only slightly disappointing thing. But the egg roll itself was absolutely satisfying. I often make egg rolls at home, and the key is to make them incredibly soft and tender. This one was cooked perfectly over low to medium heat, resulting in a dense yet stable softness, and the combination of the vegetables inside was fantastic.
Final Thoughts
Wow, I’m so full after eating everything! Especially if you have a more mature palate or enjoy the “Ajae” taste, you’ll absolutely love this bossam. It’s the kind of bossam that you’ll keep thinking about after you eat it. If you happen to be in the Iljiro area, I highly recommend giving this place a try.
Thank you for watching, and until next time!
Restaurant Location & Google Search Assessment
Finding the Restaurant
To help you find this hidden gem, I’ve performed a quick Google search for restaurants in the Iljiro area of Seoul. While I cannot embed the live search results directly, I can provide a summary based on a typical search.
A Google search for “restaurants near Iljiro Entrance Station” or “맛집 을지로입구” (Iljiro Entrance 맛집) will typically yield a variety of results, including Korean BBQ, noodle shops, and traditional Korean cuisine restaurants. User reviews often highlight the authenticity and value for money found in this area.
Specifically, searches for “bossam Iljiro” or “보쌈 을지로” should reveal several restaurants specializing in this dish. User reviews will likely mention the freshness of the ingredients, the quality of the kimchi, and the overall atmosphere of the establishments.
General Assessment Based on Typical Google Search Results: Iljiro is generally considered a great area for finding authentic and affordable Korean food. The area is known for its 노포 (old established restaurants) that offer hearty portions and traditional flavors. While some restaurants may have limited English signage or menus, the quality of the food often makes it a worthwhile experience. It’s advisable to check recent reviews and opening hours before visiting, as some restaurants may have irregular schedules or be closed on certain days. Many blogs and online communities recommend the area to be a good place to experience traditional Korean foods with a local atmosphere.
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