Geomdan gopchang hot pot for two with roe rice balls: Ilpum Gopchang

Today I'm sharing a review of a gopchang hot pot I ate in Geomdan New Town, in Ara-dong! I went to Ilpum Gopchang (일품곱창), and the hot pot was so generous and tasty that I just had to introduce it, haha.

Ilpum Gopchang location and opening hours

Ilpum Gopchang is on Barimi-ro 5beon-gil in Ara-dong, Geomdan New Town. It's open 16:00-24:00 on weekdays (last order 23:00) and 15:00-24:00 on weekends (last order 23:00).

It's open from the evening until midnight, so it's perfect for a dinner meetup after work!

Ilpum Gopchang atmosphere and seating

The interior is clean and tidy, so even first-time visitors can eat comfortably.

When you're looking for a good gopchang place in Geomdan New Town, atmosphere matters too, right? The seating further inside is nicely spaced, so I could enjoy the meal without worrying about the next table.

What we ordered: medium gopchang hot pot ₩35,000 + flying fish roe rice balls ₩3,500

This time at Ilpum Gopchang we ordered the medium gopchang hot pot (₩35,000) and the flying fish roe rice balls (₩3,500)! The hot pot was the main and the rice balls were a side add-on, and I realized as I ate that this combo is a perfect match.

What do the side dishes look like?

The side dishes came out first after we ordered: bean sprout soup, acorn jelly soup (muk-sabal), pickled onions, kimchi and pickled garlic chives. Just looking at the sides, you can feel they put effort into them.

The muk-sabal was cool and nutty, just right for whetting the appetite before the meal. The bean sprout soup came out piping hot too, so it warmed me up while we waited for the hot pot.

The pickled onions and pickled garlic chives were salty and tangy, and they went so well with the gopchang hot pot.

Medium gopchang hot pot: almost too much for two

Finally, the main dish, Ilpum Gopchang's medium gopchang hot pot, arrived! I was startled by how huge the portion was when it first came out. They say it's a top gopchang spot in Geomdan New Town, and the portion alone proved it.

The pot was really packed with gopchang. Even though it's the medium size, it was overflowing, and it was actually a little too much for two people. At first I wondered if we could finish it all, but as we ate it was gone in no time, haha.

The chewy, rich flavor of the gopchang soaked into the broth, and satisfaction went up with every piece I picked out. Udon noodles were included too, so it felt generous, and the noodles soak up the broth so well that the flavor feels doubled.

The broth was rich and spicy, the kind you keep spooning up. It's spicy but finishes clean, so we could enjoy it without the gamey smell gopchang sometimes has.

Are the flying fish roe rice balls worth ordering?

We ordered the flying fish roe rice balls too, and they were a genius move! They're tasty dunked in the hot pot broth, and also on their own, with a nutty, salty flavor that hits the spot.

The roe pops in your mouth, which is fun, and since you make the rice balls yourself, there's a fun factor too! You can start on them while the hot pot is on its way so you never get bored, and eating them alternately with the hot pot is an even better combination.

Why I recommend Ilpum Gopchang as a drinking spot in Geomdan New Town

First, the gopchang portion is really generous. Even the medium is a lot for two, so if you're eating alone, the small size seems like enough. Second, the broth is rich and spicy, so it's perfect with a drink.

Third, the side dishes are solid, so the whole spread is satisfying. Fourth, udon noodles are included, so the value is good too. Fifth, the clean atmosphere suits dates or group gatherings.

Final verdict

I think this will be the first place that comes to mind whenever I want gopchang hot pot in Geomdan New Town! Generous gopchang, rich broth and solid side dishes, it couldn't have been more satisfying as a meal.

And do order the flying fish roe rice balls too! If you're wondering about gopchang hot pot near Ara-dong, definitely give Ilpum Gopchang a visit~