Suwon grilled fish restaurant, three-fish Thursday dinner: Godeungeo

I stopped by Godeungeo Myeongpumi Doeda Suwon Branch on a Thursday evening, just a bit past 7pm.

Even on a weekday evening, family diners and dinner groups kept streaming in, so the place was quite busy. Thanks to the wide parking lot, though, finding a spot was easy when I arrived.

This time I ordered three types — grilled mackerel, grilled Spanish mackerel, and grilled bakdae (sole) — to compare the flavor and texture of each fish. From savory mackerel to soft Spanish mackerel to chewy sole, it was fun picking through a whole spread. Here's my review of this grilled fish spot in Topdong, Suwon.

Three-line summary: what kind of place is Godeungeo Myeongpumi Doeda Suwon Branch?

If you're looking for a hearty grilled fish spread in Topdong, Suwon, Godeungeo Myeongpumi Doeda Suwon Branch fits the bill well.

Even just after 7pm on a Thursday, the place was lively, but the wide parking lot made arriving by car easy.

Ordering mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and bakdae together let me feel each fish's distinct character — the savory richness of mackerel, the soft flesh of Spanish mackerel, the chewy texture of bakdae. It felt like a great spot for a family meal or for a group wanting to share different grilled fish.

Location and parking: ground floor on Seobu-ro with a large private lot

Godeungeo Myeongpumi Doeda Suwon Branch is on the 1st floor of 1731 Seobu-ro, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi. The exterior is clean and large, so it wasn't hard to find. The spacious parking lot in particular made it easy to visit with kids or as a family driving in.

Inside the restaurant and the self-serve bar

Inside, seating is arranged generously, and even on a weekday evening the place felt lively with families and dinner groups.

To the left of the entrance there was a cafeteria-style space to sit for a bit, and it looked like a spot where you could have coffee after your meal.

The self-serve bar was decently sized too. If you needed more basic banchan (side dishes), you could grab them freely, and kids' tableware and hygiene gloves were also available, making it a good choice for a family outing.

The warm japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) and the sikhye (sweet rice drink) that was nice to drink after the meal stood out to me. After finishing the grilled fish spread, the sikhye left my mouth feeling refreshingly clean.

The menu: braised fish, sashimi, sushi and set meals too

Godeungeo Myeongpumi Doeda Suwon Branch offers a wide range beyond grilled fish, including braised dishes, sashimi, sushi, and set meals.

This time, I wanted to compare the flavor and texture of the fish itself, so I ordered grilled mackerel, grilled Spanish mackerel, and grilled bakdae.

Ordering was convenient through the table-side tablet, and I could take as much basic banchan as I wanted from the self-serve bar. If you're visiting with several people, I'd recommend mixing and matching different grilled fish.

Mackerel vs Spanish mackerel vs bakdae: how the three compare

Putting all three grilled fish on the table at once made each one's distinct appeal stand out more clearly. The golden-browned surface was savory, and the flesh inside wasn't too dry, pairing well with rice.

When the richness got a bit heavy, adding a splash of lemon juice cleaned my palate right up, letting me enjoy every last bite without getting tired of it.

Grilled mackerel and grilled Spanish mackerel

Eating the golden-grilled mackerel and Spanish mackerel side by side made the difference between the two fish even clearer.

The grilled mackerel had the richest flavor of the three menu items. The skin was browned and savory, and the flesh inside was moist with a rich, oily taste spreading softly through each bite. The seasoning wasn't too strong, so it paired nicely with plain rice, and picking off pieces to eat with side dishes made for a satisfying meal.

The grilled Spanish mackerel felt softer and cleaner than the mackerel. Pulling the flesh apart with chopsticks, it flaked apart along the grain in a fluffy way, and while it still had some richness, it went down more cleanly than the mackerel. If you like savory, rich flavors, go for the mackerel; if you prefer soft flesh and a clean taste, pick the Spanish mackerel. Ordering both together was fun, switching back and forth depending on my mood.

Grilled bakdae (sole)

The grilled bakdae, which I tried for the first time, impressed me most with the chewy texture that comes from its thin flesh. Unlike the thicker, flakier mackerel or Spanish mackerel, it had a subtle savory flavor that lingered the more I chewed, making for a different kind of enjoyment.

Of the three, it felt like eating something special, and I think it would suit anyone wanting to try a different kind of grilled fish.

Overall verdict

This is a good place to visit when you want a hearty grilled fish spread in Topdong, Suwon.

The wide parking lot made arriving by car easy, and ordering different grilled fish like mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and bakdae together made picking based on preference fun.

If you like savory, rich grilled fish, start with the mackerel; if you prefer soft flesh, go for the Spanish mackerel; and if you want a different texture, try the bakdae alongside them.

Tips before you go

• Even just past 7pm on a Thursday, the restaurant was fairly busy. If you need to leave right after your meal, arrive a bit early or allow extra time during peak hours.
• The parking lot is spacious and I found a spot easily at the time of my visit. Cars keep coming and going in the evening, so instead of only looking near the entrance, drive a full loop around the lot to find a space faster.
• If there are two or more of you, order different grilled fish like mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and bakdae instead of just one menu item. Each fish has a different texture and flavor, making the spread much more varied.
• If you like savory, rich flavors, start with the mackerel; if you prefer soft, clean flavors, start with the Spanish mackerel. The bakdae stands out for its chewy texture, making it a good addition if you want something different.
• When the grilled fish starts to feel rich, add a splash of lemon juice or alternate with side dishes. It keeps your palate clean so you can enjoy every last bite without feeling weighed down.

Frequently asked questions

Is parking easy?

There were open spots in the wide parking lot at the time of my visit. It was convenient to arrive by car.

Is it crowded on a weekday evening?

I visited just past 7pm on a Thursday and the restaurant was quite busy.

Which grilled fish should you order?

If you like savory flavors, go for the mackerel; if you prefer soft flesh, the Spanish mackerel; and if you want a different texture, try the bakdae alongside them.

Is it good for a family dinner?

With a wide parking lot, ample seating, high chairs for kids, and a self-serve bar, it suits a family meal well.