Makchang restaurant in Wonju: par-grilled Yeon Makchang

Where is Yeon Makchang Dangye Branch, and is parking available?

Yeon Makchang Dangye Branch (연막창 단계점) is on the first floor at 66 Cheonsa-ro in Dangye-dong, Wonju. I visited looking forward to its description of makchang aged with lotus leaves. The restaurant said three cars could park in front, and we parked in the alley behind it.

The hours listed in the original post are 17:00–24:00 on weekdays and 16:00–24:00 from Friday through Sunday, with last orders at 23:00. I made a reservation through Naver and visited on a weekday evening.

What was the atmosphere like, and what was disappointing?

There were not many customers when I arrived, which was nice. But as soon as I entered, I noticed a strong smell that I could not tell was fishy or an off odor. At first I wondered if it was coming from a nearby drain, but I could not identify the exact cause.

The raised floor edge also needed attention. A customer at a nearby table tripped over it and kept saying they were hurt. A staff member did speak to them, but from what I saw, I felt the response was not sufficient. I also asked whether they were okay, and the customer later left with their party. I thought it would be good to warn people as they enter or put up a sign about the step.

During the meal, the conversation at the next table was so loud that it was distracting. A staff member also talked with that table, and I did not see anyone address the noise while I was there. Those customers did not stay long, but I was left disappointed by the service and atmosphere management.

What kinds of makchang are available, and what is the minimum order?

There were two kinds of makchang: par-grilled Yeon makchang and par-grilled special makchang. The staff explained that the Yeon makchang was round and the special makchang was square. I was told the initial order starts at three servings and additional orders start at two, so we ordered three servings of par-grilled Yeon makchang.

I was told that ttaengcho baekhap suljjim (spicy chili pepper and clam steamed in alcohol) was ₩6,000 when ordered with makchang. With its wide variety of sides and alcoholic drinks, along with several review events, I felt it seemed reasonably priced at the time of my visit.

How were the side dishes and self-service bar?

The basic side dishes were served neatly, and I especially liked the savory makjang sauce. To me, it tasted like a mix of ssamjang and peanut sauce. It went well with ttaengcho peppers, scallions, and perilla leaves.

The self-service bar was also kept clean during my visit. There was cabbage, and I brought back rice cakes and enoki mushrooms to grill.

How did I grill the par-grilled Yeon makchang, and how did it taste?

Three servings of par-grilled Yeon makchang weighed 600 g in total. The makchang was plump, and I liked that kabocha squash and tomatoes came with it to grill. Because it arrived partially grilled, I cooked it further to my preference.

The salt was described as Andes Lake salt. On the other hand, I did not see the special spicy sauce during the meal. Following the grilling instructions, I cut the makchang into 1 cm pieces and cooked it until golden, but it burned quickly over high heat, so heat control was needed.

The makchang did not smell when I ate it freshly grilled, but I noticed a slight smell once it cooled. I grilled the rice cakes from the self-service bar in scallion oil. Their doughnut shape made them crisp up nicely, and I enjoyed them.

How were the matcha Sapporo and after-meal slush?

I liked the matcha Sapporo because it had a strong flavor. However, it felt a little rich with makchang for my taste, and I thought soju would suit the makchang better. It may suit people who like matcha flavor.

There was a yogurt slush beside the door, which I had after the meal. I enjoyed the makchang and accompaniments, but the smell, noise, floor-step guidance, and response were disappointing. If I visit again, I hope these points have improved.