01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Watching pork belly slowly sizzle on an iron grill as excess fat renders away and crisp edges form is a classic highlight of dining at a Korean restaurant. Tucked into Higashi-Ueno, Seoul has earned a loyal following for its signature samgyeopsal, served alongside a basket of sanchu lettuce wraps. Staff and the restaurant's omoni (proprietress) often watch over the grill, slicing the meat into bite-sized strips and showing guests how to wrap them, ensuring the balance of tender fat and browned crispness is enjoyed at its peak.
Beyond the grill, the kitchen offers a deep roster of homemade dishes. Thick jeon pancakes are fried crisp on the outside while staying chewy within, loaded with ingredients that complement both drinks and meals. Other enduring favorites include bubbling soon-tofu chigae brought steaming to the table, kimchi chigae steeped in savory dashi broth, and chilled bibim naengmyeon noodles mixed thoroughly before eating.
The beverage lineup features draft makgeolli, black bean makgeolli, and fruit-infused makgeolli cocktails, along with familiar staples like Chamisul and Baekseju. With its unpretentious downtown atmosphere and lively service, it is a comfortable place to gather around a grill with friends and savor homestyle Korean cooking.
