Cheolsan lamb skewers after work, last table: Yangkkochi Daejang

This is Yangkkochi Daejang (양꼬치대장), the lamb skewer place I rushed to after work because of what I'd heard about Cheolsan Station restaurants. I'd heard they insist on HACCP-certified young lamb, chilled and never frozen, so my expectations were high.

Even before visiting, I loved their philosophy of keeping customers' hearts rather than a little extra profit. This was finally my chance to try chilled raw-cut lamb skewers, which are said to be hard to find anywhere in the country.

If you've worried about lamb smell, this place may change your mind. The standard of freshness was different. Here's my honest review.

Is there a wait at Yangkkochi Daejang on weekday evenings?

Yangkkochi Daejang was full from early on a weekday evening, and the moment we took the last table, a waiting line started. It's very close to Cheolsan Station and sits in the eating alley, so even on a weeknight the place was already packed.

We were lucky to squeeze into the very last table. It already has a big reputation as a Cheolsan Station lamb skewer favorite, and sure enough the customers kept coming. There are waiting seats outside the restaurant.

The waiting list started right after us. Groups kept arriving too, and I thought, yep, this is a real hit.

Yangkkochi Daejang gives free soju or beer if you book through Naver, so I really recommend reserving. On weekends especially, I couldn't help thinking a reservation is a must.

What's the atmosphere at Yangkkochi Daejang, and will my clothes smell?

The restaurant was tidy and pleasant, and the smoke wasn't heavy, so the smell didn't cling much to my clothes. Tables are spaced generously, and the vibe suits dates, group dinners and family meals alike.

The interior was tidy and pleasant overall.

With roomy spacing between tables, it was easy to chat, and the crowd was a mix of dating couples, company dinner groups and families. The smoke wasn't heavy, so my clothes didn't pick up much smell, which makes it good enough for a date.

There are thoughtful notes written out so first-timers can enjoy it without any pressure.

The upkeep is meticulous too, so it felt very hygienic, and there are high chairs and clear country-of-origin labels.

What did we order at Yangkkochi Daejang, and how much was it?

We ordered the Dae SET (daejang + lamb sirloin) for ₩38,000, jisamseon (stir-fried eggplant, potato and pepper) for ₩18,000, and a cola for ₩2,000. The menu is laid out so it's easy to read at a glance, so just look it over and order.

• Dae SET (daejang + lamb sirloin) ₩38,000
• Jisamseon ₩18,000
• Cola ₩2,000

They light the charcoal brazier as soon as you order. The fire is really good.

The side dishes are peanuts, zha cai (pickled mustard stem), kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) and pickled onion, and they all go so well with lamb skewers that everything feels in harmony.

Does chilled, never-frozen lamb make a difference in smell?

The chilled lamb skewers at Yangkkochi Daejang were clean, with no gamey smell, even over charcoal. It's a place that's delicious to the eyes and to the mouth.

How the Dae SET (daejang skewers + lamb sirloin) tastes

The Dae SET lets you compare two cuts, daejang skewers and lamb sirloin, in one go.

Thick, fresh meat neatly threaded onto skewers passed the test on looks alone.

The staff kindly explained that when the fire is strong at first, you space the skewers out and move them to the side once cooked, so even first-timers can enjoy lamb skewers without trouble.

The moment they hit the charcoal, a nutty aroma spread. Being clean with no gamey smell is the real power of chilled raw lamb. The skewers spin merrily on the brazier!

The daejang skewers are neck and shoulder cuts, tender and juicy, and the lamb sirloin had a distinctly chewy, springy texture.

Sauce combinations at Yangkkochi Daejang

Four sauces were on offer, cumin (zira), chuanliao, garlic salt and curry sauce, so you can mix to taste. Garlic salt with chuanliao brought out the charcoal aroma nicely.

What does jisamseon taste like at Yangkkochi Daejang?

Jisamseon is a dish of fried eggplant, potato and pepper stir-fried over high heat, and we ordered it to cut the richness of the lamb. It was freshly stir-fried and piping hot, and the eggplant, crispy outside and tender inside, especially stood out.

I felt this was a special dish you can only get at Yangkkochi Daejang.

The seasoning isn't harsh either, with a savory depth that keeps you reaching for more.

Is one Dae SET enough for two people?

Each skewer at Yangkkochi Daejang is thick, so one Dae SET was plenty for two people. I especially recommend it to lamb skewer beginners.

You can eat comfortably without worrying about gamey smell, so first-timers won't feel any resistance.

I don't think there could have been a better after-work choice. It's more than good enough for a Gwangmyeong group dinner or a Cheolsan Station pub. Just like their philosophy of serving an unforgettable taste, it was a place that really stays in your memory.

If you're looking for lamb skewers near Cheolsan Station, I wholeheartedly recommend Yangkkochi Daejang, a place I'd want to come back to two or three times.

Yangkkochi Daejang hours, parking and reservation info

• Address: 21 Ori-ro 856beon-gil, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (1F, Unit 102)
• Hours: Mon–Thu and Sun 13:00–24:00, Fri–Sat 13:00–00:30
• Parking: 1 spot beside the building (busy); public roadside parking on Jungangno in Cheolsan recommended (₩800 per 30 min, then ₩300 per 10 min)
• Reservations: Naver booking available (free soju or beer when you reserve)
• Facilities: groups welcome, separate men's and women's restrooms, high chairs, Wi-Fi
• Payment: Gyeonggi local currency and high-oil-price support vouchers accepted
• Events: free alcohol with Naver booking; military discount (cannot be combined)