Cheonan crab restaurant with Yeonpyeong crab stew: Kkotgeok

The hanok-style main building and pet-friendly annex

I visited Kkotgeok Cheonan Yuryang-dong Branch (꽃게옥), a spot famous for marinated crab! Located in Yuryang-dong, Cheonan, it has such a lovely hanok-style atmosphere that I had wanted to visit since it opened. This time, I went for lunch.

Isn't the exterior so pretty? There were two spaces: the main building on the left and a pet-friendly annex on the right. I loved the green mountain behind the hanok building. I came with my parents, and it really is perfect for bringing parents along!

The parking area was spacious, too, so it was easy to park. There is parking immediately to the left when you enter, with more spaces farther inside. It should be convenient even if you come as a group.

Let me show you the inside of the main building first. It had wooden tables and a warm, comfortable atmosphere, with plenty of tables that all seemed to seat six by default. It was great for a relaxed meal, and the tables were fairly well spaced, so it was nice and quiet. High chairs were available, too.

To the left inside the main building, there was also a private room area for dining. It seems ideal for groups, and the large windows offered a nice view, so I recommend it as a gathering spot.

And here is the pet-friendly annex. There was an adorable dog photo on the door, and the annex felt cozy and nice as well!

The C Set with an albae-gi meal and crab stew

Kkotgeok's signature menu is the albae-gi set meal, and there were set menus that let you enjoy it with other dishes, too.

• Kkotgeok A Set — albae-gi set meal for 2 + borigulbi (dried yellow corvina)
• Kkotgeok B Set — albae-gi set meal for 2 + sous-vide boiled pork
• Kkotgeok C Set — albae-gi set meal for 2 + Yeonpyeong crab stew

Since we could enjoy it as a set, we ordered the C Set.

I had to go to work after lunch, so I couldn't have one, but they also have refreshing ice-cold draft beer—just so you know!

They say you get one crispy vegetable pancake free when you write a Naver photo review!

As soon as we ordered, they set out the basic side dishes. There was a wide variety, and everything was neatly presented!

Kkotgeok C Set — albae-gi set meal for 2 + Yeonpyeong crab stew

The albae-gi set meal lets you try soy-marinated crab, spicy marinated crab, and crab stew all together. First, I tried the Yeonpyeong soy-marinated female crab. It was packed with roe, so I was really looking forward to it!

Wow, it was so full of meat that it ranks among the best soy-marinated crabs I've ever had. There was no fishiness at all; the flavor was clean, and it wasn't salty whatsoever, which I loved.

Mixing butter and the soy-marinated crab meat into rice was rich and delicious. The seasoning wasn't overpowering, so I think parents would enjoy it, too.

Gently spicy-sweet seasoned crab

Next was the spicy marinated crab. It was topped with minari (water dropwort) and chili peppers.

The seasoned crab was such a deep color that I worried it might be too spicy, but it was only gently spicy and sweet. I think it would be easy for just about anyone to enjoy.

This marinated crab was packed with meat, too, and having it over rice with fragrant minari was so savory and delicious. Be sure to try it with the minari!

Yeonpyeong crab stew prepared by the staff

This is the Yeonpyeong crab stew included in the set. It had a wonderfully refreshing broth and large crabs, and a staff member came over to prepare them so they were easy to eat. I didn't have huge expectations for the stew, but it was packed with meat and pleasantly spicy, so it would be great after a night out, too. We enjoyed it so much that we even ordered extra bowls of rice!

To finish, there were pomegranate, maesil (Korean plum drink), and coffee, plus ice for a refreshing palate cleanser.

Kkotgeok is also running a thank-you event for visitors, with a drawing for family-photo and vow-renewal wedding events, so it could be nice to enter after your meal! I had such a delicious, neatly laid-out meal here that I wanted to recommend Kkotgeok in Yuryang-dong. If you're looking for a place for a family meal or gathering, it would be well worth a visit!