Gumi loach soup restaurant with boneless turmeric rice: Irojeong

Today I'm introducing Irojeong, a Gumi loach soup restaurant that's really great for taking your parents to.

It's near Geumosan, so it's easy to enjoy in a clean hanjeongsik (Korean set-meal) style — and most importantly, my parents were so satisfied that I'm writing this review from the heart. My mom had knee surgery in Gumi, and before visiting her at the hospital I wanted to treat my dad to something restorative, so I went to Irojeong, apparently the hot loach soup place in Gumi these days.

Where is Irojeong Gumi Geumosan Direct Branch, and what are its hours?

• 📍 Address: 32 Park Chung-hee-ro, Gumi, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
• 🕛 Hours: Daily 11:00–21:00 (break time 15:30–17:00)
• 🚗 Parking: Large lot in front of the restaurant
• ✅️ Features: Namwon-style sanghwang mushroom loach soup, clean interior, spacious parking, self-serve bar, free café and play room

5 reasons Irojeong suits a meal out with your parents

The moment I walked in, there were so many people my parents' age. You all know a place full of older folks is a real hidden gem, right? There were plenty of younger customers too, but seeing it had won over the older generation's palate put me at ease from the entrance.

Parking at Irojeong: a large lot even nervous drivers can handle

When taking your parents somewhere, easy parking is everything. Irojeong's lot is huge, so even nervous drivers can visit without stress.

Is Irojeong good value? Restorative sets from 20,000 won

It's a restorative soup made with healthy sanghwang mushroom and loach, but the price is so kind. ₩11,000 for a bowl of loach soup — that's seriously the best value ever!

Self-serve bar at Irojeong: unlimited rice and noodles for big eaters

Don't worry if you eat a lot — you can grab unlimited rice and noodles from the self-serve bar without feeling self-conscious.

Going with kids: the play room at Irojeong

When eating out as a family, having a space for the kids to play means mom and dad can eat comfortably too. Irojeong has a spacious play room, making it good for visits with children.

Free dessert café inside Irojeong after your meal

After eating, there's no need to go to a separate café. You can use the in-store café space for free — sanghwang mushroom tea, sikhye (sweet rice punch), sujeonggwa (cinnamon persimmon punch), coffee, and even barley crackers! Healthy and delicious at the same time — this special loach soup. Even my dad, who doesn't usually eat loach soup, finished his bowl and was so satisfied. We even promised to come back again on the day my mom is discharged.

1. Namwon-style sanghwang loach soup simmered with Korean sanghwang mushrooms

Irojeong's loach soup uses domestic sanghwang mushroom and loach for a deep, rich flavor. It's high in protein, making it a perfect restorative dish. Getting this quality of restorative food for ₩11,000 — isn't that just an amazing deal?

For those who can't eat loach soup, there are set menus with boiled pork, mackerel, and Atka mackerel too, so you can enjoy a good value meal. Actually, worried it might not suit my dad's taste, we ordered two ₩20,000 sets of loach soup + mackerel + boiled pork, plus one whole-octopus seafood pancake.

2. No bones, no smell: why the loach soup tastes so clean

The main reason my dad avoids loach soup is the distinctive smell and the bones you can get caught on. But Irojeong's loach soup truly had no smell at all, and not a single bone got in the way — it was really pleasant to eat.

There's plenty of siraegi (dried radish greens) too, which is great for getting older folks their fiber. The rice comes as turmeric rice, made with health in mind. If you don't like turmeric rice, you can grab plain white rice from the self-serve bar instead! You can also sprinkle in green chili, garlic, and Sichuan pepper powder to make it even tastier.

Seeing my dad and husband — both of whom said they disliked loach soup — genuinely enjoying every bite made me feel so proud.

3. Irojeong's seafood pancake with a whole octopus

Just look at that pancake! A golden, crispy pancake topped with a whole, plump octopus. You get the chewy texture of the octopus and the crispy texture of the pancake at the same time.

With the boiled pork, mackerel, and pancake, we were already stuffed.

4. Irojeong's free dessert corner rivals a real café

Anyone eating a meal at Irojeong can use the café for free. Coffee, sikhye, sujeonggwa, sanghwang mushroom tea, and even barley crackers — such a wide variety is prepared! The pairing of clean sanghwang mushroom tea and sweet barley crackers was especially lovely. I heard this place hasn't been open long, but I instantly understood why it's already known as a place with a wait. It's a spot where three generations dining together could all be satisfied.

5. Final verdict on Irojeong in Gumi

If you're in Gumi wondering about a healthy and delicious lunch with your parents, I confidently recommend Irojeong, a restaurant near Geumosan. We plan to definitely come back on the day my mom is discharged. Owner, I'm rooting for you sincerely — keep up the great success!