Songpa Barfly · 3 stories

Fourth Stool, Seoul Bars

Writes about small bars around Seoul and the quiet routines that happen at the counter. · Writes about: Bars · Restaurants

PlaceGwangyang, GwangjuRestaurants

Gwangyang eel grill, weekday 6pm window seat for 3: Deokeun Jangeo

Deokeun Jangeo Gwangyang Branch (더큰장어 광양점) is a grilled eel restaurant at 101 Hangman 9-ro in Jungma-dong, Gwangyang, where diners buy eel on the 1st floor and grill it themselves over charcoal on the 2nd floor. The writer visited with their mom, three family members in all, around 6pm on a weekday, sat at a window seat looking out at Yi Sun-sin Bridge, and finished three big eels with unlimited myeongi namul (pickled wild garlic leaves) and beer. With good value, fresh eel, a sea view and plenty of parking, Deokeun Jangeo Gwangyang Branch is a place worth returning to for a restorative family meal.

Written Oct 7, 2026Sponsored
PlaceSuncheon, GwangjuRestaurants

Gamjatang lunch couple set with Mom in Jorye-dong, Suncheon: Namdareun

Namdareun Gamjatang Suncheon Jorye branch is a gamjatang (pork bone stew) and hangover soup restaurant on Baekyeon-gil in Jorye-dong, Suncheon. On a draining day of getting ready to move, the writer took her mom to lunch at Namdareun Gamjatang for the 27,000 won lunch hot pot couple set, added ugeoji (dried cabbage greens) for 3,000 won, and helped themselves to unlimited sujebi (hand-torn dough flakes) from the self-serve bar plus kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi). Verdict: the couple set alone is generous, so add ugeoji only if you run short while eating.

Written Oct 6, 2026Sponsored
PlaceSongpa, SeoulBars

Bangi bar in Seoul for Jirisan Gangsoeju yakju: Jojomomo

Jojomomo is a Korean restaurant-bar on the basement level of 16 Ogeum-ro 11-gil in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The house was full, but a lucky two-seat bar table opened up, and the night started with the welcome drink Gangsoeju, a yakju (refined rice wine) from Jirisan, served with crackers and potato salad, followed by nurungji dongdongju (scorched-rice wine) by the glass at 3,000 won, the signature pork rib suyuk (boiled pork) at 29,000 won and tuna aged-kimchi rolls at 12,000 won. Because Jojomomo pours traditional liquor by the glass, it works even when you come with someone who doesn't drink.

Written Aug 19, 2026Sponsored
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