Gumi loach soup spot for groups, pork and mackerel set: Irojeong

Irojeong

I was recently looking for a place for a family dinner or group meal in Sangmo, Gumi, and ended up at the newly opened Irojeong. I like loach soup (chueotang) in general, so my expectations were high, and I was really happy with not just the food but the atmosphere and facilities too, so I'd like to introduce it.

What was my first impression of Irojeong in Sangmo, Gumi?

The first thing I noticed when I walked into Irojeong was the spacious, clean interior. Maybe because it's newly opened, the whole place felt fresh and pleasant.

Near the entrance there was a separate waiting area for customers, and it wasn't just a few chairs. It was set up so you can rest comfortably while you wait, which impressed me.

Can you hold a group gathering at Irojeong?

Irojeong has wide spacing between tables and well-prepared group seating, so it's good for visiting with a lot of people.

• Family meals
• Meals with parents
• Company dinners
• Club gatherings

The layout suits all of these kinds of gatherings. Parking was easy too, so it's convenient to get to.

Irojeong's set menu and the boiled pork

We ordered the set menu at Irojeong. Loach soup on its own is good, but eating it as a set was much more varied and filling.

The boiled pork (suyuk) that came out first was soft and moist with no gamey smell. It had a clean, mild flavor that anyone can enjoy without any fuss. Eaten with the side dishes, it was the kind of thing you keep reaching for.

Why I recommend Irojeong as a group meal spot in Gumi

While we were eating, I saw lots of families and groups. It felt like the place has already established itself as a gathering spot in Sangmo, Gumi.

• Spacious, quiet space
• Atmosphere good for conversation
• Dessert and drinks provided
• Easy parking

All of these things make it a good fit for gatherings.

How are the basic side dishes at Irojeong?

The basic side dishes at Irojeong were neat and tidy overall. If you run short, you can easily ask for more, which I liked.

It felt like they cared about the side dishes as well as the main, so my overall satisfaction with the meal was high.

How is Irojeong's loach soup broth?

At last, Irojeong's main dish: the loach soup. The broth tasted rich and deep, and it wasn't harsh, so I could finish it without any strain. The nuttiness of the perilla and the flavor of the loach blended well, and the hearty, savory taste really came through.

There was plenty of solid stuff in it, so it was filling enough for a full meal. When I put rice in the soup, it even felt like a health-boosting meal.

It's a Gumi loach soup restaurant that even first-timers can enjoy without worry.

The grilled mackerel in the set was better than expected

The grilled mackerel included in the Irojeong set was impressive too. It was crispy outside and moist inside, nicely cooked, with almost no fishy taste.

The flesh was thick, so it went well with rice, and it paired nicely with the loach soup. It's a loach soup specialist, but even the side dishes on the menu are well made.

Irojeong's waiting area: café-style drinks and gangjeong for dessert

The waiting area at Irojeong had a variety of drinks set out like a little café. Not just coffee, you could help yourself to several kinds of drinks, and there was sweet gangjeong (a crispy sweet rice snack) too, which was perfect for freshening up after the meal.

Usually you head straight out once you finish eating, but here they take care of dessert too, which made me even happier.

Irojeong, a loach soup spot in Sangmo, Gumi: 100% going back

Irojeong was a restaurant I was satisfied with in every way: food, atmosphere and service. Not just the loach soup but the boiled pork and mackerel were well made overall.

If you're looking for a good loach soup place or a spot for a group meal in Sangmo, Gumi, Irojeong is definitely worth recommending. I'd like to come back next time with my parents. It was a Sangmo restaurant in Gumi that's great for a hearty meal and a relaxed time.