Mild spicy octopus stir-fry for two at Gumi restaurant Imgane Nakji

Location and business info for Imgane Nakji Bossam

📍 1F, 43-3 Indong 26-gil, Gumi, Gyeongbuk (Jinpyeong-dong 145-6), South Korea

• 🕖 Hours: 11:00 - 22:00 / last order 21:20
• ✔️ Closed every Tuesday
• ✔️ Parking: free at Simin Haengbok parking lot in the alley to the left of the restaurant
• ✔️ Baby chair available
• ✔️ Indoor shared restroom
• ✔️ Group use: up to 60 people, private booking for 20+ (call ahead)

Located near the Jinpyeong-dong food alley in Gumi, Imgane Nakji Bossam is an octopus specialty restaurant where you can fill up on spicy octopus stir-fry, bossam (boiled pork), chadolbaegi (thinly sliced beef brisket) stir-fry, and all kinds of pancakes.

The vibe inside — good for group dinners too?

The interior was really clean and the tables were nice and spacious. I thought it'd be great for family visits or group dinners, and it turns out plenty of people do book it for group reservations and private events. When we went, there was already a family reservation set up — that's how spacious and accommodating the place is.

They first bring out cool barley tea, which was nutty and fragrant — nice change since I usually just drink plain water.

What to order for two? The owner's pick: Imgane Han-sang

We're small eaters but still greedy, wanting to try this and that, so we were stuck deciding. The owner came over and recommended a menu that would be plenty for two — apparently most pairs order the Imgane Han-sang (1-person set). I asked, should we also get the spicy fish stew...? and the owner shook her head, saying we wouldn't be able to finish it and that two Han-sang sets would be more than enough. She reined in our greed.

🌶️ She said the regular spice level is like Shin Ramyun spicy, but since we're total spice wimps we ordered the mild version, which isn't on the menu but can be requested. There's also a receipt review event, FYI. Looking back now, I'm curious about the seasoned squid salad and octopus-shrimp pancake too!!!!!!

Side dishes and abalone porridge

The side dishes came out quickly after ordering, and there were so many of them, none too heavily seasoned — good for kids if you're visiting as a family.

Then abalone porridge and bean sprout soup arrived, perfect for nibbling while waiting for the main dish — the abalone porridge especially was nutty, warm, and delicious.

Grilled octopus stir-fry and bossam set — how much food is that

The grilled octopus stir-fry and bossam we ordered all arrived together. It came out as a full spread, and I was glad we skipped the fish stew like the owner said. The rice also comes in a big bowl for mixing — a heaping bowl, actually more than a standard serving.

I was busy taking photos while wanting to eat, for reference. Look at those hands holding chopsticks, waiting so pitifully... but food tastes better when you've had to wait, right?

Fried egg showdown at the self-serve egg station

Before diving in, there's a self-serve egg station, so we had a competition to see who could fry the prettiest egg. Who won...? I won't say whose egg fell apart.

How was the octopus bibimbap?

Pile the grilled octopus stir-fry onto the rice, sprinkle on the seaweed flakes. Add the self-made egg from the station, drizzle sesame oil, mix it all up, and — one big bite.

The octopus was plump and springy, popping slightly with each bite, and not chewy at all — such a satisfying texture. The octopus pieces were big and substantial too, so mixing it in didn't just give you a mouthful of rice — it was subtly smoky without being too strong-flavored. The seasoning was spot-on for our taste.

When I took a bite and went 'oh!', someone's hands started mixing furiously, eager to get some in their mouth too.

Pro tip: mix in the bean sprouts from the side dishes too — makes it even more delicious.

Cheers! Can't skip a drink here. It's great for pairing with soju — pop some octopus in one cheek and knock back a shot, absolute bliss, nothing more needed... but wait, we're getting married in December. Still, it's so good, let's just eat.

Is the herbal medicinal bossam too strong-smelling?

When your mouth gets spicy, eating some bossam (boiled pork) refreshes it. You can dip it in garlic sauce, salted hairtail intestine sauce, or wrap it in lettuce — lots of ways to enjoy it. I expected the herbal medicinal bossam to have a strong scent, but it was pleasantly subtle.

Final verdict after finishing everything

Finished it all 🐖, such a filling, satisfying meal. Great quality for the price and generous portions — very satisfied with Imgane Nakji Bossam. The kitchen was open, so I peeked in, and it was very clean; the interior and the food were both tidy. The owner was so kind too, so we left in a great mood. If you're craving Korean food for lunch, definitely give this place a try!