Magok Seoul octopus restaurant with QR ordering after work: Jju Baksa

A peaceful, gorgeous fall day. The sky was so clear and pretty, but we were burning up at work. We couldn't even eat a proper lunch, so by the time we clocked out we were starving, MAX level.

So the second we got off work, we said: we're eating something good, no matter what!!! And so began the sudden octopus journey of Lovingu, Hanipangpang, and me. Since we couldn't skip out on the vibes either, we went looking for a patio-style octopus place we could properly enjoy on a nice day. Today we went to Jju Baksa Magok Branch.

Where is Jju Baksa Magok Branch? Right across from Seoul Botanic Park

Jju Baksa Magok Branch sits directly across from Seoul Botanic Park. If you go looking for good restaurants near Seoul Botanic Park, a lot of places over toward Magongnaru get packed, but Jju Baksa Magok Branch is set a little apart, so it never felt crowded — which I liked. On a nice day it's the perfect spot to stroll Seoul Botanic Park and then head straight to a patio table.

Jju Baksa is on the first floor of the building.

Right at the entrance there's an octopus illustration, and honestly, why is it so annoyingly cute. You know exactly what you're here for the moment you see it.

Inside Jju Baksa Magok Branch and its outdoor patio seats

Jju Baksa Magok Branch has plenty of seats indoors, but the day we visited the weather was so good they had the outdoor patio open too. Couldn't resist that. The outdoor tables were nice and large, good for a group. Eating octopus in the cool breeze right after work — need I say more. That day we got both good food and good atmosphere.

Jju Baksa Magok Branch menu and how QR ordering works

We didn't even hesitate — straight to the patio. You order via the QR code at each table. We went with the fried rice set featuring jjusam (octopus and pork belly) for three. Three starving coworkers just off work, three servings should be nothing, right?

The jjusam arrives at this restaurant near Seoul Botanic Park

Our jjusam showed up soon after. Passed the visual test instantly — every piece of octopus was plump and round, appetite-inducing just to look at.

The side dishes came out one by one too, and the lineup looked like it'd pair perfectly with the jjusam — already got my hopes way up. You know waiting for food when you're starving is the worst part. So we dug into the sides first haha.

Crab egg custard at Jju Baksa Magok Branch

The crab egg custard came out first, and wow, what a visual. It felt less like a side dish and more like a full-on dish of its own.

Crab meat tucked inside fluffy, soft egg custard — worked better than I expected. Since the octopus is spicy, having a bite of the soft custard in between resets your palate. This alone already felt like a proper dish.

Staff cooked the jjusam for us. We just sat back and waited.

Before we knew it, our jjusam was done. The visual alone was mouthwatering.

How much food is jjusam for three at Jju Baksa?

The portion was bigger than expected. The octopus was plump and the three-serving portion was generous — no way we'd run short between the three of us. Which is exactly when the worry started: 'wait, are we still going to be able to fit fried rice in?' haha.

I was the youngest at the table that day, and suddenly Lovingu and Hanipangpang started a wrap-making contest, just for me. Who does that at a restaurant?! So tell me, whose wrap looks better to you? I ate both happily, of course. Taking full advantage of youngest-member privileges.

When should you add the udon noodles to the jjusam?

Still needed some carbs, so we added udon noodles. No way we're skipping udon with octopus. Small tip though — once you add the udon noodles, the sauce suddenly gets a lot more liquid. We added ours mid-meal, then had to reduce it back down. Personally I'd recommend adding it near the end.

With the udon in, it felt even more filling. The octopus sauce soaked right into the noodles — surprisingly a real delicacy on its own.

My own wrap. Plump, spicy octopus topped with flying fish roe — felt like the octopus was swimming around in my mouth haha. That signature chewy octopus texture plus the spicy sauce just makes you want to keep eating, rice or drinks, doesn't matter. Eating it on the patio added even more to the mood — felt like all the after-work stress just melted away.

Finishing with flying fish roe fried rice

Even saying we were about to burst, we still ordered fried rice at the end. After eating this much, how could we not.

We finished with flying fish roe fried rice, and the little pops of roe scattered through the rice were great. With leftover octopus sauce still in the pan, the fried rice cooked in it needs no explanation. Even at bursting point, you're not really done until you've had the fried rice haha. And the night ended with Lovingu clowning around in front of the rest of us — that wrapped up today's octopus gathering haha.

Final verdict on Jju Baksa Magok Branch

A day we skipped lunch, worked through it, and went straight for good food after clocking out. On days like that, spicy octopus really is the answer. Jju Baksa Magok Branch in particular has a great location right across from Seoul Botanic Park, and on nice-weather days you get to eat on the patio, which made the atmosphere even better.

Plump octopus, three servings of jjusam, added udon noodles, and a proper finish with fried rice — we cleared it all. If you're looking for a good restaurant near Seoul Botanic Park, or an octopus place in Magok with patio seating, keep Jju Baksa Magok Branch in mind. Go on a nice day and you get the patio atmosphere too — worked well as a dinner gathering with friends.