Barley rice bar with clam hot pot and bossam samhap in Geomdan

When the temperature swings and a chilly wind kicks in, I always crave a spicy, refreshing seafood soup that warms you from the inside out. I'd heard about a hearty menu where you can enjoy meat and fresh seafood at the same time, so I headed to Taegine Jogae Jeongol Geomdan Ara Branch, a Geomdan, Incheon restaurant that's become a local word-of-mouth favorite and a go-to neighborhood spot!

Location and business info for Taegine Jogae Jeongol Geomdan Ara Branch

• 📍 Address: 24 Ieum 5-ro, 1st floor, Seo-gu, Incheon (Wondang-dong, JS Plaza), South Korea
• ⏰ Hours: Daily 11:00–22:00 (last order 21:00)
• 🚫 Regular closures: Open year-round (best to check with the restaurant)
• 🚗 Parking: 2 hours free with building underground parking
• ⚠️ Visit tip: Weekend evenings and peak hours draw lots of groups and family diners — reservations recommended

What's the vibe like inside?

Stepping inside, the high ceilings and bright, clean interior really stood out. The tables are spaced generously, making it a great spot for a family meal or a group get-together.

The tang-bossam set for two, with clam hot pot

After being shown to our seats by friendly staff, we looked over the menu and ordered the restaurant's popular tang-bossam set for two, choosing the clam hot pot option.

Fresh clams from the sea paired with tender boiled pork sounded like the perfect combo, so I had high expectations.

Unlimited barley rice at the self-serve corner

After ordering, I headed straight for the self-serve corner tucked in a corner of the restaurant. One of Taegine Jogae Jeongol's biggest draws is unlimited barley rice, haha!

I scooped a big bowl of fluffy barley rice, added crunchy yeolmu kimchi (young radish kimchi), a spicy-sweet sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil, then mixed it all up — it whetted my appetite perfectly before the main dish arrived.

The clam hot pot arrives in a giant pot

Back at the table, an overwhelmingly large hot pot was placed on the burner.

While we waited, freshly fried dumplings and fried squid legs arrived as a complimentary service, so there was never a boring moment — just crispy, savory snacking.

A thick cloud of steam rose up, carrying a deep, clean scent of the sea. Fresh fan mussels, scallops, clams, mussels, and small clams packed the pot edge to edge, along with shrimp, fish cake skewers, and vegetables.

Dipping a plump scallop in soy sauce, the chewy texture had me sighing with satisfaction. The clear clam broth, drawn from all that seafood and vegetables, was so refreshing and clean that every spoonful felt like it was resetting my stomach.

How to eat the bossam boiled pork samhap-style

Just as I was marveling at the clam hot pot, the other star of the show showed up: glossy bossam boiled pork.

Boiled without a trace of gaminess, the pork was so moist it practically melted the moment it hit my mouth. The spicy-sweet, crunchy dried radish kimchi that came with it cut right through the richness, so it never felt heavy.

Moist bossam pork ➔ chewy scallop meat ➔ spicy crunchy dried radish ➔ refreshing clam broth

Placing a chewy scallop and a piece of dried radish on top of a tender slice of bossam and taking it all in one bite, samhap-style, sent the mild savoriness of the meat and the umami of the sea into perfect harmony.

Price and set breakdown

• Tang-bossam set (clam hot pot + bossam): ₩14,000 per person (₩28,000 for two)
• Self-serve corner: unlimited barley rice & free dessert ice cream
• Parking: 2 hours free with building underground parking

After finishing the meal, I wrapped things up with a sweet dessert ice cream set up near the restaurant entrance.

Considering the fresh clam hot pot, tender boiled pork, barley rice, and even the sweet dessert ice cream all included, both the value and satisfaction were excellent. Next time you're craving a hot broth and a hearty meal, be sure to check out Taegine Jogae Jeongol Geomdan Ara Branch in Geomdan!