Millak, Busan kalguksu spot: clam-packed noodles for two at Jogaeok

Today I'm introducing a kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) place near Millak Station: Jogaeok Kalguksu Suyeong Direct Store (조개옥칼국수 수영직영점). It serves mulchong kalguksu, shabu kalguksu, pajeon (scallion pancake) and bossam (boiled pork wraps), so it works for a meal or for drinks, and it's a well-known spot near Suyeong Station.

I heard they make the kalguksu with fresh clams delivered every morning and even make their own geotjeori (fresh-tossed kimchi), so I went with high hopes!

Where is Jogaeok Suyeong Direct Store, and where do you park?

It's close, about 5 minutes from Exit 3 of Millak Station. If you drive, you can park at the Vista Dongwon commercial building!

Is there a weekend wait?

There are even waiting chairs outside, so I'd guess there's a wait on weekends and at peak times. I went on a weekend but right after the break time, so I got a seat straight away.

Inside Jogaeok: atmosphere and seating

The interior isn't large, but the tables are wide, so it seems comfortable for families or groups. There were about 5 tables, and even though the break time had only just ended, quite a few guests were already seated.

The big windows keep it from feeling stuffy, and I liked how clean the inside was. The owner was really kind too!

Jogaeok menu and how to order

You order easily on the tablet at the table. The menu is varied: mulchong kalguksu, spicy octopus bibim kalguksu, shabu kalguksu, bossam set, seafood pajeon and more. On weekdays there's also a lunch special, so you can have bossam and kalguksu at a great price.

Lots of people come for a meal at lunch, while in the evening many seem to drink with bossam or pajeon. You can choose cooked or uncooked kalguksu, and I ordered cooked mulchong kalguksu for 2 and a small bossam!

Basic side dishes and the self-bar

The only side dish served at the table is kimchi; for any other sides and seasonings, you help yourself at the self-bar.

I liked the variety of sauces, like seasoned soy sauce, wasabi, ssamjang (dipping paste) and saeujeot (salted shrimp), and there are two kinds of kimchi, geotjeori and silbi kimchi, so you can eat to your taste. They make the geotjeori fresh every day, and it was so sweet and good that I kept eating it before the food came out.

Mulchong kalguksu for 2: portion and taste

The cooked mulchong kalguksu for 2 came out and the portion was so big that I was surprised. It was generously filled with mussels, scallops and mulchong clams (baby clams), and the broth was really refreshing.

You can adjust the spice level, which is nice, and a slightly spicy level was just right for me! There were so many clams that it looked like clam soup, and they were fresh and big, so they were delicious even on their own.

The noodles were cooked just right and chewy, and they went really well with the geotjeori.

The scallops were sweet, so I think they use good ones. They're also a nice big size. If you like clams, definitely give it a try!

Small bossam: good as a drinking snack too?

The bossam also came out right away, and the glossy pork looked delicious just to look at. It was tender with no gamey smell, and even though it was the small size, the portion was very generous. If you ask the owner, you can get vegetable refills!

I think it's perfect as a drinking snack, and it's tasty wrapped in lettuce or napa cabbage or eaten plain. Even though it was cut thick, it wasn't dry or tough, just tender.

I ate it with the soy sauce and mumallaengi (dried radish strips) that came with it, and wrapped it in napa cabbage too. It pairs well with the kalguksu, and I was happy with the taste and portion for the price.

The value is great, and the table is laden with food. Above all, you can feel that all the ingredients are good. No wonder it's famous as a Suyeong Station eatery. 👍

Verdict: when you crave kalguksu and bossam in Millak

Even in summer, people kept coming in the evening. It's close to Suyeong Rotary too, so I think I'll drop by often when I crave kalguksu.

It's good as a meal, but I think it would also go well as a snack over an evening drink! If you want kalguksu or bossam near Suyeong Station or around Millak, do pay a visit.