Yongin monkfish restaurant with crisp bean sprouts: Nojak Jinseong

You know those evenings when all you can think about is spicy Korean food that really wakes up your appetite? I’d been craving agu-jjim (spicy braised monkfish) for days and spent ages wondering where to go.

Then I heard there was a place getting lots of buzz as a Korean restaurant near Suji District Office, so I went right away. It was Nojak Jinseong Agu-jjim Yongin Suji District Office Branch (노작진성아구찜 용인수지구청점). A place that earned recognition in Dongtan for 14 years purely on the strength of its food had landed in Suji—how could I not be excited? Haha.

Getting There and Parking Tips

It is about 367 m from Exit 4 of Suji District Office Station on the Shinbundang Line, so it is very easy to reach by public transit. Just walk lightly for five to six minutes and you’ll be there in no time.

If you are driving, search the restaurant name in T map. There are parking spaces right in front, so if you’re lucky, you can park immediately. If they are full, don’t panic—use the nearby Suji District Office parking lot instead. It is only a five- to ten-minute walk away, so it is not much of a burden. It is also worth noting that after 6 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends, parking is less of a concern.

A Stylish Tiled Roof and a Spotless Interior

What caught my eye from a distance was the wonderful exterior decorated with traditional roof tiles. It had a distinctly traditional feel while still looking polished, and it put me in a good mood before I even went inside.

There was even a notice at the entrance about its appearance on the TV show VJ Teukgongdae, which really boosted my confidence in the food.

It is open from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and closed regularly every Tuesday, so please keep that in mind when planning a visit.

Inside, it was wonderfully cool and pleasant, making for a comfortable meal. Perhaps because it has not been open long, everything was also very clean and hygienic, which I loved.

Adjustable Spice Levels and a Menu for Every Taste

One look at the menu at Nojak Jinseong Agu-jjim Yongin Suji District Office Branch shows just how broad the selection is. There is everything from classic agu-jjim to distinctive options with Korean beef large intestine. Best of all, you can fine-tune the heat from level 0 to level 4.

We are not especially good with very spicy food, so we chose a moderate level, and it was just right for us. Families visiting with children could choose level 0 and enjoy a meal together.

The prices also felt quite reasonable compared with well-known restaurants in Seoul, so I was happy with the value. Even the small size was so generous that it was more than enough for two adults. It felt as if the owner’s philosophy—serving every plate carefully as though it were for their own family—came through beyond the menu.

Tender Boneless Monkfish and Crisp Bean Sprouts

At last, the main dish we had been waiting for arrived, and its appearance alone was truly impressive.

We ordered it boneless for easier eating, so we could enjoy the plump pieces right away without worrying about picking out bones. One bite and the tender monkfish, pulling apart along its grain, filled my mouth—it was excellent.

The seasoning did not sit only on the outside; it had soaked all the way in, bringing out more savory depth with every bite. What surprised me most, though, was the texture of the bean sprouts. At other places, they can often be too wilted or tough. Here, they were genuinely crisp, making every bite extra fun. Even people with picky palates would give these bean sprouts a thumbs-up for their freshness.

The addictive sweet-spicy sauce and crisp vegetables went so well together that I simply could not put down my chopsticks. Haha.

Appetite-Whetting Side Dishes and Perfect Pairings

The neatly arranged side dishes were every bit as wonderful as the main dish.

From grilled bakdae fish to salad, beondegi (silkworm pupae), and pickled onions, the spread could not have paired better with the spicy agu-jjim.

The warm miyeok-guk (seaweed soup), in particular, did a wonderful job of softening the heat and soothing the stomach.

Usually, fried rice at the end is the unwritten rule, but the sauce was so delicious that I could not wait and ordered a bowl of steamed rice first. I piled fluffy monkfish and bean sprouts onto the white rice, mixed it all together, and honestly, it was the ultimate rice thief.

Adding a cold glass of beer made the day’s fatigue seem to melt right away.

A Dinner That Left Me Feeling Restored

It had been a while since I’d had such a proper Korean meal, and the feeling lingered long after I finished. There may be no surer form of healing than sharing delicious food and conversation with someone precious. The staff were kind, the restaurant had a lively atmosphere, and I felt so good the entire time I was there.

When I am looking for a family dinner spot near Suji District Office, or want tasty food and drinks with friends, this is likely the first place that will come to mind.