Namyangju valley BBQ, jar-aged tomato-jang pork: 2002 Witch's Arpeggio

2002 Witch's Arpeggio (2002 마녀의 아르페지오), a well-known Namyangju restaurant, allows pets (dogs), so it's a great spot to enjoy a cool valley-side outdoor dining vibe with your pup. The signature gochujang pork belly has been completely renewed as tomato-jang pork belly, and I enjoyed everything from the cheese pork belly to the tomato-jang kalguksu and the crispy-outside, chewy-inside potato pancake. You can even splash around in the valley right in front, so I highly recommend it if you're looking for a dog-friendly restaurant in Namyangju.

From a rainy first visit to a clear autumn return to 2002 Witch's Arpeggio

This was my second visit to 2002 Witch's Arpeggio. Last time I came on a day of pouring rain, and the valley water right in front rose so fast that I broke out in a bit of a cold sweat, which is a funny memory now. I kept thinking about the food and that valley-side outdoor vibe, so I finally went back.

This time the weather was bright and sunny, and the entrance felt fresh and breezy from the start.

2002 Witch's Arpeggio opening hours and facilities

• Hours 11:00 - 21:00
• Break time 15:30 - 17:00
• Last order 20:00
• Parking available
• Baby chairs available

Exterior: a fairytale hideout beside Myojeoksa Valley

Walking in alongside the valley feels like stepping into a fairytale hideout or a charming outdoor dining space, so you're in a good mood right from the entrance. The name has also changed, from "Arpeggio" to "2002 Witch's Arpeggio."

The signature dish has changed too, from gochujang pork belly to tomato-jang pork belly.

Is parking easy at 2002 Witch's Arpeggio?

There's plenty of parking right in front of the restaurant. I drove there and got in without any parking worries.

Arriving at opening on a weekday for a waterside table

I arrived right at opening on a weekday, and everyone chose the seats beside the valley. Of course we sat by the water too. Eating outdoors with a cool autumn breeze is just so good.

Can you play in the valley before or after your meal?

One of the real charms of 2002 Witch's Arpeggio is the cool valley and outdoor dining atmosphere right in front of the restaurant. A dedicated staircase leads straight down from the restaurant to the valley and is very well kept, so it's perfect for heading down before or after your meal to dip your feet or splash around while soaking in the atmosphere.

Just a little way down from the restaurant, there's a valley where you can properly play in the water.

What we ordered and how much it cost

• Witch's cheese tomato-jang pork belly ₩25,000
• Witch's jar-aged tomato-jang pork belly ₩20,000
• Witch's tomato-jang kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) ₩15,000
• Crispy-chewy potato pancake for two ₩15,000

How do the jar-aged and cheese tomato-jang pork bellies taste?

Witch's jar-aged tomato-jang pork belly (₩20,000) is the basic menu item where you get the full flavor of the tomato-jang (tomato paste sauce). Maybe thanks to the jar aging, it has the deep, weighty savoriness of a jang, with a fresh, tangy tomato note soaked in without being overpowering. The balance with the rich pork juices was really excellent.

For Witch's cheese tomato-jang pork belly (₩25,000), once the meat is cooked through, they pile mozzarella on top and melt it with a torch, and it's visually overwhelming.

The fresh, pleasantly spicy tomato-jang plus the rich savoriness of the cheese makes it addictive, the kind of taste anyone will fall for with no divided opinions.

Witch's tomato-jang kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup)

Witch's tomato-jang kalguksu (₩15,000) is a specialty that made me gasp the moment I took a sip of the broth. The noodles are made in-house, so they were especially chewy, and the deep tomato-jang broth, said to be aged for 48 hours, blended harmoniously with savory cheese and minced meat topping, making me finish every last drop of the broth.

A 17cm crispy, chewy potato pancake sized for two

If the Witch's crispy-chewy potato pancake (₩25,000) is ideal for sharing generously with a group, the 17cm-diameter crispy-chewy potato pancake for two (₩15,000) is a great-value pick for two people to enjoy alongside the main meat without feeling overloaded. It's fried in the pancake shape, crispy like a snack, and so delicious.

Verdict: back at 2002 Witch's Arpeggio, Namyangju's valley BBQ

From the newly changed tomato-jang pork belly lineup to the chewy tomato-jang kalguksu and the crispy potato pancake, not a single thing fell short, and I was completely satisfied with the meal. If you want a special, unusual taste in an outdoor dining atmosphere along with a cool valley dip, I recommend stopping by at least once!