Korean set menu near Bongseonsa Temple, Namyangju: Chuojeong Namwon

When the seasons change, I always crave something to recharge my energy. Is there a dish that comes to mind first for you? For me, it's chueotang (loach soup) — hearty and warming from the inside out.

A generous, delicious meal, and a place that even offers free meals to Korean War veterans — what a genuinely kind restaurant. Today's spot near Bongseonsa Temple is perfect for recharging: Chuojeong Namwon Chueotang.

Chuojeong Namwon Chueotang hours, parking and location

• Hours: Daily 9:30–21:00 (call ahead for reservations or groups)
• Directions: 1828-4 Geumgang-ro, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (close to the big intersection at E-mart Everyday)
• Parking: Plenty of space behind the building
• Nearby attractions worth combining with a visit: Gwangneung Arboretum (reservation recommended), Bongseonsa Temple

First impressions in Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju

The Jinjeop branch of Chuojeong Namwon Chueotang sits in Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju, close to beautiful Bongseonsa Temple and Gwangneung Arboretum, making it a great stop on a weekend drive or outing.

There was comfortable parking available, so I could walk in without any stress. Stepping inside, the friendly staff greeted me with bright smiles — the first impression was warm from the start.

There's a tank out front full of domestic loach from mud-fed farms — big, lively, splashing around energetically. Seeing them that fresh, you just know you'll feel energized after eating. No wonder both locals in Jinjeop and visitors passing through have made Chuojeong Namwon Chueotang known as a health-food restaurant 👍

Inside the restaurant and the 28-seat group room

The main hall is spacious and neatly kept, and there's also a group room in the back that seats up to 28 people. Since the door closes for a private space, it's perfect for family gatherings or work dinners.

I liked that you can grab extra small plates or side dishes yourself from the self-serve bar whenever you need. Take just as much as you'll eat 😊 Minced garlic and cheongyang chili are also available there, which is great if you like it spicy.

There were also snacks for sale at the checkout counter.

There are separate restrooms for men and women, making this an even more comfortable place to eat 😍

Menu and Chuojeong set price

This is a Jinjeop restaurant that boils domestic loach fresh every morning — a place to be treated to a truly healthy meal 😍

I ordered the Chuojeong set, which reportedly comes generous and varied. It's ₩19,000 per person, but the portion felt like far more than the price. I'd recommend going for the Chuojeong set!

Chuojeong set: duck bulgogi, Jeju soy crab, fried loach dumplings, fried loach, loach soup, pot rice

The side dishes

Chuojeong Namwon Chueotang, a true Korean restaurant, starts things off with neatly arranged side dishes — spicy fresh kimchi, water kimchi, yuzu-scented lotus root, and a crisp cabbage salad.

Then came duck bulgogi, loach dumplings and fried loach, and Jeju soy crab, all served quickly!

Duck bulgogi

A layer of onions underneath sweetens as it cooks and cleverly keeps the duck bulgogi from burning on the hot grill!

I tried the cooked duck bulgogi together with the onions. Thick cuts of meat — already filling.

Jeju soy-marinated crab

The portion was pretty generous. I expected less since it was part of a set menu, but it was plenty for two people to share. The crab was packed full of meat, well seasoned with soy sauce, and eating it straight from the shell — total rice thief >< so, so delicious!

Such delicious soy crab 😍 That's probably why some tables were ordering just the soy crab on its own. This restaurant is popular not just for the loach soup but for its soy crab too.

Fried loach dumplings and fried loach

These dumplings and fried bites would win over even people who aren't into loach. Finely minced loach mixed with chili, like ground meat — the flavor was really clean. The dumplings were tasty, but honestly I ate all the fried loach first because it was so good haha.

Dip it in the seasoned soy sauce that comes alongside for even better flavor. So crispy, I kept reaching for more.

The loach dumplings had a nice thick texture, tasting like meat dumplings — the kind anyone could enjoy ╰(*°▽°*)╯

How was the loach soup and stone pot rice?

Finally, the main dish, chueotang, arrived.

A bubbling hot clay pot, wow >< a proper energizing dish should come out steaming hot like this.

Domestic mud-fed loach finely ground and simmered thoroughly — the broth was so thick and rich that my whole body felt warmed up as I ate, like I was truly getting energized.

No fishy or gamy smell at all, just savory and clean, so even people trying chueotang for the first time could enjoy it without hesitation — an approachable yet deeply flavorful dish. I added a big spoonful of perilla seed powder and stirred it in, and it made it even nuttier — so good! haha

Topping rice with fresh kimchi and eating it together — no words needed haha. Pure happiness 😍

And the rice is stone pot rice, the absolute best!! After scooping out the glossy rice, they poured hot water in to make scorched rice tea.

More than a good meal: a warm act of giving

Leaving after the meal, there was one more reason this place felt special. The Jinjeop branch of Chuojeong Namwon Chueotang reportedly offers free chueotang or pork cutlet to Korean War veterans.

I was deeply moved by the owner's dedication to honoring and thanking those who sacrificed for the country ㅜㅠ Great food and a warm heart — a truly kind restaurant. Such a grateful find. Wishing them even more success, thank you 💕

Where to go after lunch: a Bongseonsa Temple walk

Leaving the delicious, warm Chuojeong Namwon Chueotang behind, I headed to my next destination.

That's right, Bongseonsa Temple. After eating well at Chuojeong Namwon Chueotang and walking through the scenic lotus fields of Bongseonsa, it felt like the perfect weekend outing.

If you're looking for a weekend outing spot, I recommend Gwangneung Arboretum and Bongseonsa Temple in Jinjeop, and Chuojeong Namwon Chueotang as the delicious, easy-to-park restaurant to pair with it.