Eel buffet in Dongnae, Busan: owner's grilling order at Songnim Bok

I visited Songnim Bok Jangeo Unlimited Freshwater Eel Dongnae Branch, recommended to me by a friend as an Anrak-dong local favorite. It's in Dongnae-gu, Busan.

Eel has this reputation of being expensive, so unlimited refills for ₩29,900 genuinely doesn't make sense.

Songnim Bok Jangeo Dongnae Branch: the basics

They told me they prep live eel by hand fresh every morning! No fishy smell and totally fresh — I think that's exactly why it's become an Anrak-dong local favorite by word of mouth. I was worried it might be gamey since it's eel, but it wasn't fishy at all, and it was great.

Menu and prices: 29,900 won, or 32,900 won with the self-bar

Including the self-bar, it's ₩32,900 per adult! For ₩32,900 you can eat unlimited eel plus pork and chicken neck — legendary value for money.

At this price with unlimited eel, I think it's hard to beat, even among Dongnae-gu restaurants.

What's on the self-bar at Songnim Bok Jangeo

The self-bar at Songnim Bok Jangeo Dongnae Branch has a lineup to enjoy alongside the freshwater eel.

• Chicken neck meat
• Pork belly
• Lettuce wraps and vegetables
• Side dishes

It wasn't just eel — I could also grill chicken neck and pork belly, so I got to enjoy a good variety.

How to grill eel: the order the owner showed us

There's a note on the table explaining how to grill the eel, but at first I had no idea how to do it so I just threw it on haha. Then the owner came over and showed us personally.

The right order for grilling freshwater eel

• 1️⃣ Grill the skin side first
• 2️⃣ Cut off the fin part
• 3️⃣ Flip and grill the flesh side

Grilling the skin first keeps the flesh from curling up, and cutting off the fin makes it easier to eat cleanly. Once I knew this, it grilled up so much more delicious. If you've never grilled eel before, you should definitely ask staff first haha. We're pretty undiscerning eaters and even we thought it was so good hahahaha ㅠㅠ

How the domestic Japonica freshwater eel tasted

True to being prepped fresh every morning, it had no fishy smell and tasted fresh.

Since it's domestic Japanica freshwater eel, the flesh was thick and had a proper nutty, savory flavor once grilled.

Alternating with the self-bar chicken neck meant it never got boring — the combination kept me eating.

Free bokbunja wine with your table

They gave us a free bottle of bokbunja (Korean black raspberry) wine on the house. I said I couldn't drink since I drove, and the owner told me to just take it home haha. The owner's generosity put me in such a good mood leaving.

Parking near Songnim Bok Jangeo in Anrak-dong

Songnim Bok Jangeo Dongnae Branch has no dedicated parking support. You'll need to use a nearby parking lot.

Is this eel buffet in Dongnae worth it?

I'd recommend Songnim Bok Jangeo Unlimited Freshwater Eel Dongnae Branch as an Anrak-dong local favorite. For ₩29,900 you get unlimited eel plus chicken neck and pork belly on the self-bar, and the owner's generosity on top of it all. If you don't know how to grill eel, just ask staff — they'll kindly show you, so first-timers don't need to worry. If you're looking for great-value unlimited eel among Dongnae-gu restaurants, highly recommend!!