Bucheon monkfish stew restaurant, set for two at spice level 1: Haemul

September has that cool, autumn-like weather, but maybe because of the changing season, I've been more tired and hungrier than usual. Which probably explains why my food posts have been piling up lately. Today's story: after hiking Wonmisan in Bucheon, I had a really good agujjim (spicy braised monkfish stew) meal at Haemul Teukbyeolsi Bucheon Station branch, a well-known spot near Bucheon Station.

Why monkfish stew near Bucheon Station after a Wonmisan hike

Haemul Teukbyeolsi Bucheon Station branch turned out to be the perfect hearty spot for agujjim near Bucheon Station after a hike up Wonmisan. I took a weekday off and went with a friend — the weather was so nice I didn't want to stay home, but I didn't have time to go far either, so after mulling over things to do in Bucheon, I settled on Wonmisan, which is great for walking!

I went a little in the afternoon and honestly regretted it a bit because it was so hot lol. A hike that should've taken an hour and a half ended up taking over two hours as we wandered around. Here's a shot of what looked like an earwig that died fighting over territory.

We were both starving, and when it comes to refueling, seafood just felt right. There are tons of famous restaurants near Bucheon Station, but agujjim was calling my name today. My friend had recently bragged about eating boiled monkfish on a trip to Busan, so — off we went to this agujjim spot near Bucheon Station.

This stone-pot agujjim place is one my friend loves for its generous portions and great taste. She said she comes here often because it's a good spot for family gatherings.

Being a weekday afternoon, there weren't many people around. Since it was right around opening time, we were probably the first customers.

What matters isn't the fuss, it's the flavor.

Truly, truly. We were both so hungry we were basically ready to enjoy any food put in front of us.

Haemul Teukbyeolsi Bucheon Station branch: menu and prices

The menu at Haemul Teukbyeolsi Bucheon Station branch includes stone-pot agujjim, agu haemuljjim (monkfish seafood stew), whole squid haemuljjim, and more. For the set, you can choose bone-in or boneless, and add toppings like squid, octopus, whole squid, monkfish liver, roe, shrimp, and more.

• Steamed egg (gyeranjjim) ₩6,000
• Fried rice ₩3,500
• Rice ball (jumeokbap) ₩3,000
• Instant rice ₩1,500

If the agujjim set isn't enough on its own, there are plenty of side menu options too, like jjagyechi (spicy stir-fry), seafood pancake, or flat dumplings.

The barley tea that comes standard. After hiking Wonmisan I was really thirsty, and it was toasty and delicious.

Since there were only two of us, the collagen agujjim set (₩43,000) seemed like plenty. The set came with corn cheese and steamed egg included.

The basic side dishes: potato salad, seaweed soup, baek-kimchi. I don't see potato salad often at places like this, but it was really good.

After about a 10-minute wait, the agujjim and flat dumplings arrived.

What the collagen agujjim set tastes like at spice level 1

Haemul Teukbyeolsi lets you choose the spice level for the collagen agujjim, and since we're both wimps about spice, we went with level 1. Even so it was noticeably spicy. That's when it clicked why the corn cheese, steamed egg, potato salad and seaweed soup were there — eating them together balanced the seasoning perfectly.

The flat dumplings come 5 pieces standard, crispy enough to eat on their own, but paired with the boneless agujjim it's a perfect combo. The mild, soft texture of the monkfish meat mixed with the subtly savory fried flavor made for great depth of flavor.

Honestly I wanted to add more, but the set portion at Haemul Teukbyeolsi is so generous we were already stuffed.

A rice ball is the perfect match with spicy agujjim. My friend shaped it by hand for me.

Is the 43,000 won set enough for two people?

The agujjim set at Haemul Teukbyeolsi Bucheon Station branch is just the right portion for two, and with all the side dishes it comes with, we were seriously full. If three people order and add extras like monkfish liver or roe, it'd still be a hearty enough meal.

Is Haemul Teukbyeolsi worth a visit? Final verdict

On a beautiful autumn day, after finishing our hike up Wonmisan in Bucheon, I was looking for a hearty seafood spot and landed on Haemul Teukbyeolsi, a well-known restaurant near Bucheon Station. The set came with agujjim, flat dumplings, steamed egg and corn cheese — so much food that we left completely full. With various toppings to add and adjustable spice levels, it'd also be a great choice for a family gathering where everyone can pick their own preferences.