Oven-grilled mackerel lunch in Dalseo, Daegu: Geumdeungeo

Today, I’m sharing a grand meal of oven-grilled mackerel and freshly cooked pot rice at a place recommended by a local friend from Wolseong-dong.

※ Please check the business hours again before visiting.

Geumdeungeo Dalseo Branch, a Sinwolseong favorite

After a two-night, three-day vacation in Gangwon-do, I set out to walk barefoot at Daegu Arboretum to shake off the travel fatigue. Before the walk, we decided to have lunch first at Geumdeungeo Dalseo Branch, which my Wolseong-dong friend had told me about last time.

Geumdeungeo Dalseo Branch is on the third floor of Jincheon Mat Town, across from Daegu Raon Centum. Enter through the entrance opposite Wolbae Church to use the building’s third- and fourth-floor parking, then head straight into the restaurant from the parking area—very convenient. I needed to stop briefly at the Raon Centum branch of Jongno Books, so I parked on the first floor.

Just as my friend said, it’s a truly popular Daegu spot for grilled mackerel where people line up. There were already guests ahead of us, so we waited briefly before going in.

A spacious, spotless Korean restaurant in Wolseong-dong

The restaurant was much larger and more pleasant than I expected. We sat by the window overlooking Jongno Books. The space between tables is partitioned, so each one can feel like its own private area, and there are group tables too. It looked like a great place for a family meal out or a group gathering.

Ordering was done easily from the table. Every table also had a phone charger, which felt like such a thoughtful touch—you can charge your phone while you eat.

The Geumdeungeo pot-rice set and cockle muchim

We ordered two servings of the Geumdeungeo pot-rice set and cockle muchim (seasoned cockles) as a side dish.

I heard the name “Geumdeungeo” combines the geum in their special nuruk salt and godeungeo, meaning mackerel, their signature dish. It also carries the idea of serving a carefully prepared meal made with wholesome ingredients.

True to a good Wolseong-dong Korean restaurant, the side dishes arrived beautifully arranged from the start. Nothing was overly seasoned, and each one was clean-tasting, which made me think I’d like to bring my parents back. I also loved that every table has an induction cooktop, keeping the doenjang soup and grilled mackerel warm until the very end of the meal.

Oven-grilled mackerel with nuruk salt

I absolutely love grilled mackerel, but because of the smell I rarely cook it at home, so I tend to seek out restaurants known for oven-grilled fish.

The special flavor of Geumdeungeo’s oven-grilled mackerel came through in the nuruk salt. It wasn’t strongly salty, and a subtle sweetness lingered at the end—it was so interesting.

The mackerel itself was mild and clean-tasting, not overpowering. I dipped it in the nuruk salt, wrapped it in gim (roasted seaweed), and ate it plain too, finishing a whole bowl of pot rice with satisfaction.

The cockle muchim we ordered on the side was really delicious too. The cockles were cooked just right, and the sauce had depth without being overly tangy.

Even though I was full, it felt too good to leave behind, so I cleared everything with the last of the nurungji (scorched rice).

A self-service bar for easy refills of the basic side dishes

It was nice that I could take as much of the basic side dishes as I needed from the self-service bar. They were neatly prepared and lightly seasoned, so I kept going back for more.

I enjoyed the side dishes so much that I even bought some separately when paying.

Dessert was perfect too, from sikhye to baekseolgi

After the hearty meal, we could enjoy dessert too.

There was sikhye (sweet rice punch), maesil tea (plum tea), lemonade, and even hot and iced Americanos, so you can choose whatever suits your taste.

The baekseolgi (steamed white rice cake) was especially delicious. Its soft, mild flavor stayed on my mind, so I even bought the very last baekseolgi left at the counter to take home.

It was a thoroughly satisfying meal, from the mild oven-grilled mackerel and warm pot rice to the neat side dishes and dessert. If you’re looking for a Korean restaurant in Wolseong-dong to visit with your parents, or a hearty meal in Sinwolseong, I recommend Geumdeungeo Dalseo Branch.