Seorak IC Korean restaurant, Gapyeong: pollack stew for 4, Jingogip

This is Jingogip Donghae Dongtaetang & Kodari Jorim in Gapyeong, where I went for breakfast because I was craving a spicy dongtaetang (pollack stew)!

Is it just me who always makes sure to eat a solid breakfast when traveling..? 🥹 At home I eat something quick or skip it, but on a trip a proper meal before heading out really makes the day feel fuller 🖤 So here's my honest review of the spicy dongtaetang I had at Jingogip Donghae Dongtaetang & Kodari Jorim, a breakfast spot in Gapyeong. I hadn't even been drinking, but the broth felt like a hangover cure, and starting the morning with a hearty bowl gave me so much energy.

Where is Jingogip Gapyeong Seorak and how is the parking?

The Gapyeong Seorak branch is a breakfast spot over by Seorak IC in Gapyeong. There's a really big, easy parking lot in front, and big vehicles can park there too, so keep that in mind! It's near the IC, so it's great for a stop on your way somewhere, and the perks are that single servings are available and you get that big lot out front.

What are the opening hours? How early does it open in the morning?

Jingogip's hours are daily 09:00–21:00, with last order at 20:30. Please plan your visit around that. I liked that it opens early every day, and there's no break time or day off. We went at opening time on a weekday and could have a relaxed breakfast.

The restaurant was spacious and tidy. We got there right when it opened! There were also two dogs at the back of the restaurant~! Not many places in Gapyeong open early in the morning, so I think it's a great option for the first or last day of a trip when you want a solid meal before setting off.

What's on the menu and how much is it? What did we order?

We ordered four servings of the ₩12,000 dongtaetang. Note that Jingogip requires one menu item per person! The dongtaetang came with rice included. There were also dongtaetang with extra roe (+ae) and roe stew (altang) on the menu, so order whichever you like :)

The basic side dishes were set out too, and they may look modest, but each one tasted pretty good. They're heavenly with rice, and we liked them so much that we went and got more.

How are the portions and ingredients in the dongtaetang?

Jingogip's dongtaetang had plenty of broth and was full of ingredients, so it looked generous from the first glance. The spicy broth smell alone set off my appetite! It came out quickly after we ordered. Can you believe how hearty it looked?

I loved that there was so much pollack in it! Some places have lots of broth but disappointingly little fish, and this was really not like that. The pieces of pollack were generous and big, so it was properly fun to eat.

The pollack meat was tender, moist and mild. Not dry at all, just really moist. One bite and the clean fish flavor fills your mouth, and it goes perfectly with the spicy broth 🥹

Does the dongtaetang come with roe and milt too?

The dongtaetang at Jingogip had both roe and milt (gon-i, fish sperm sacs) in it. I loved that it had roe! Personally that was a highlight. It's not the roe stew, so I thought there might be no roe, but I really love pollack roe and was glad it was in there. The popping texture when you bite it is so appealing.

There was a generous amount of milt too, which I liked. It's so soft that it breaks apart with a light touch of the spoon, and it melts in your mouth~ rich and creamy, which is its charm.

How spicy is the broth at Jingogip?

The dongtaetang broth was just a little spicier than Shin Ramyun. And the broth is the most important part: it's really spicy and savory. It's kind of sharp and kicks in from the very first spoonful. It isn't just hot, it's cool and refreshing while spicy, so it really clears your stomach! Keep the spice level in mind!

The combination of pollack meat, roe and milt with radish, shredded green onion and even potato was truly the best. With all of that in one spicy bowl, it's quality that can't help but cure a hangover 🥹

A hangover soup that works even if you don't drink

I thought this would be so good the morning after drinking. The sharp broth wakes up your stomach, you know? I hadn't had a drop of alcohol that day or the day before, and still it felt like a proper hangover cure, so I was really happy eating it.

It was the kind of broth and flavor that makes you want to dump your rice in. Having such a hearty breakfast on the last day of the trip made the whole day start on a stronger note. The portion was generous and spicy, and I was totally satisfied.

Why I recommend Jingogip for breakfast in Gapyeong

If you're visiting Gapyeong and looking for a good breakfast spot, I recommend Jingogip Donghae Dongtaetang & Kodari Jorim. A bowl of warm, spicy broth is the best. Personally I liked that it had milt and roe, and I think the biggest draw is the spicy yet refreshing broth that keeps your spoon going :)