Cheongna eel buffet with my sister after the Inha branch: Songrimbok

I visited Songrimbok (송림복장어) Cheongna Direct Branch, an Incheon eel all-you-can-eat spot! I enjoyed the freshwater eel so much at the Inha University branch last time that I recommended it to my younger sister, and it turns out there's a Songrimbok near her home too! Since we were already talking about it, we went together. This time we went to the Cheongna Direct Branch, and we feasted not just on eel but on pork and chicken too.

Where is Songrimbok Cheongna Direct Branch, and what about parking?

Songrimbok Cheongna Direct Branch is on the ground floor of a main road right in front of Cheongna Lake Park, and its parking lot goes down to basement level 3. It's also a nice spot to drop in for a meal after a walk or outing around the lake park.

From outside, the clean white exterior stands out even from a distance. Best of all, the parking lot goes down to basement level 3, so there's plenty of space. We often drive on weekends, so not having to worry about parking was a big plus for me.

A big hall that suits family meals and group dinners

Inside, the hall was quite large with lots of tables. Maybe because it was Saturday, there were families and quite a few other diners. With so much room, it works for family meals and also for group dinners with lots of people.

How much is the Songrimbok all-you-can-eat price?

The all-you-can-eat price is ₩29,900 for adults, with a ₩3,000 per person table setting fee on top. Since it's a freshwater eel buffet specialist, the menu isn't complicated: the price depends on whether each person counts as toddler, child or adult.

• Adult: ₩29,900
• Child: ₩14,000
• Toddler: ₩7,000
• 47 months and under: free
• Table setting fee: ₩3,000 per person, charged separately
• Unlimited refill self-bar included

Since the table setting fee is added separately, it's worth knowing before you go.

The self-bar has eel, pork and even chicken

On one side there's a self-bar where you can freely grab as much as you like, from basic side dishes to eel, pork and chicken. Eating only eel can get a little dull, so being able to enjoy other meats too is the real perk of an all-you-can-eat place.

How did the freshwater eel taste and feel?

The freshwater eel was plump and chewy, and the more I chewed, the more nutty it tasted. Once we sat down, the staff quickly set the table, the side dishes landed one by one, and the first eel came out right away.

They say the eel is caught fresh every day, and it really tasted fresh 👍🏻 There's also a guide next to the table on how to eat eel well, so even first-timers can follow along easily.

Watching the eel turn golden on the grill, I couldn't wait to dig in. The well-cooked eel had a really great texture: plump yet chewy, with a nutty flavor rising the more I chewed. This is how eel should be grilled and eaten!

One plate felt a bit short, so round two begins!

When you get tired of eel: sauce and pickled ginger

You know how eel's richness can get a bit much after a while? That's when I recommend adding sauce and pickled ginger (chosaenggang). The tangy ginger cuts the greasiness, so you can start over like it's the first bite, haha //*^~^*//

After enjoying plenty of eel, I also brought some pork from the self-bar. And pork, well, what can I say~ 🍗 I went all out and stuffed myself starting at lunch, haha.

Is Songrimbok Cheongna Direct Branch worth revisiting?

I came back because of my good memories, and once again I ate all the plump, chewy eel I wanted. Being able to get eel, pork and chicken all unlimited for one price is great value. With a big hall and plenty of parking too, I'll book here again for a year-end gathering. It's right in front of Cheongna Lake Park, so try a light stroll after your meal :)

Recommended for

• Anyone looking for a good Cheongna eel all-you-can-eat
• Anyone looking for a spot for a family meal or year-end gathering
• Anyone looking for a restaurant with a large space and parking
• Anyone looking for somewhere to eat near Cheongna Lake Park

Songrimbok Freshwater Eel Unlimited Refill Cheongna Direct Branch info

• Address: 78 Keuriseutal-ro, Seohae-gu, Incheon, South Korea (1st floor)
• Hours: Daily 11:30 ~ 23:00
• Other: all-you-can-eat, takeout, reservations, baby chairs, wheelchair access, parking