‘www.youtube.com/embed/mO1B_2bRocE’

When actors Kim Rye-ha and Ryu Hyun-kyung embarked on a visit to Hongseong, South Korea, their culinary adventure led them to a highly recommended local eatery specializing in a beloved Korean BBQ staple: Naengsam. Naengsam, or frozen pork belly, might sound simple, but this particular spot in Hongseong proved it could be elevated to an art form, offering a unique and deeply satisfying dining experience.

A Step Back in Time: The Restaurant’s Atmosphere

Stepping into the restaurant is like taking a journey back in time. The establishment boasts a distinctly traditional, old-fashioned vibe, commonly known as a ‘nopo’ in Korea. Guests are asked to remove their shoes before entering, adding to the cozy, home-like feel. This isn’t a new trend; the restaurant has a rich history, originally opening in 1978 and later taken over by the current family, who have been running it for the past 17 years. It’s also noted as potentially being Hongseong’s first Naengsam restaurant, holding a special place in local history.

The Star Dish: Exceptional Naengsam

The core of the menu is, of course, the Naengsam. While frozen pork belly is common, this restaurant’s version stands out. They source their pork from the local agricultural cooperative (Chukhyup) and employ a unique aging process, keeping the frozen pork in a kimchi refrigerator for 48 hours. The slices are cut slightly thicker than typical Naengsam, precisely 8.5mm, a thickness they found provides the best texture and flavor when grilled. This meticulous preparation results in a quality so high that one review mentioned it tastes “more delicious than fresh pork,” a sentiment echoed by the visiting actors who found it surprisingly “fresh” and not like frozen meat at all.

Beyond the Meat: Unique Side Dishes and Pairings

What truly sets this restaurant apart are its distinctive side dishes and serving methods. The experience goes far beyond just grilling pork.

Grilling Goodness: Kimchi and Gosari

A key part of the experience is grilling aged kimchi (they use 3-year-old homemade kimchi) and fernbrake (gosari) directly on the grill alongside the pork. As the pork fat renders, it soaks into the kimchi and gosari, transforming them into incredibly flavorful accompaniments that perfectly complement the meat.

Unexpected Dipping Sauces: Perilla Oil & Premium Salted Shrimp

Instead of the standard sesame oil and salt dip, this restaurant offers perilla oil (deulgireum) for dipping the grilled pork, a method that surprised the actors but proved to be delicious. Another highlight is the yukjeot, a high-grade salted shrimp harvested in June. This particular yukjeot is noted for its premium quality, lower salt content (25%), and fantastic pairing with pork, aiding in digestion and enhancing the flavor.

The Must-Try Bokkeumbap (Stir-Fried Rice)

According to the hosts, not ordering the bokkeumbap after the pork is a missed opportunity. This stir-fried rice is unique; it’s kept simple, using only chives (buchu) and doesn’t include kimchi or seaweed flakes (gimgaru), unlike most Korean BBQ bokkeumbap. Cooked directly on the grill using the leftover pork fat, it turns into a flavorful, comforting dish that the actors described as resembling a “stone pot bibimbap.”

Homemade Comfort: Doenjang Jjigae

The meal is perfectly rounded off with their homemade soybean paste stew (Doenjang Jjigae). Made with traditional ingredients, including a 16-year-old aged soy sauce (ganjang), the stew is praised for its deep flavor that tastes genuinely homemade, not like typical restaurant stews. It’s described as subtle and not overly salty, providing a comforting counterpoint to the rich pork.

Location

This renowned Naengsam restaurant is located in Hongseong, South Korea. The specific name and address were not mentioned in the provided text, only that it is a highly recommended spot in the area.

General Rating

Based on the glowing reactions and praise from the actors and hosts throughout the text, the restaurant receives a high unofficial rating for its exceptional Naengsam, unique side dishes, delicious bokkeumbap, and comforting doenjang jjigae. It’s presented as a must-visit destination in Hongseong for food lovers.

The visit highlighted this Hongseong Naengsam spot as a true culinary gem, offering a taste of tradition and uniquely delicious flavors that left a lasting impression on the visiting actors. If you find yourself in Hongseong, this Naengsam restaurant is definitely worth seeking out.