Milyang loach soup set with pork and mackerel: Ilpum Irojeong

A late-evening visit to Ilpum Irojeong

When you search for good restaurants in Milyang, this Namwon-style chueotang (loach soup) specialist is the first one that pops up. I kept meaning to go, and I finally made it to Ilpum Irojeong (일품 이로정) ✨ Hours: 11:00–21:00 Break time: 15:30–17:00

We visited late in the evening that day, so no wait! Ilpum Irojeong is a Milyang loach soup restaurant where you can register for the Tableling waitlist.

A loach soup set with warm boiled pork and mackerel

There were so many menu options, but from the sets we picked the warm boiled pork + grilled mackerel Sanghwang mushroom loach soup set (₩18,000 × 2), which even came with grilled mackerel!

But wait, what is this soju price at this Milyang loach soup spot, Irojeong? ₩2,900—does that even make sense? 👀 At that price, I simply couldn't resist, so we ordered a bottle of Chamisul right away!

One way to tell a good restaurant is whether the water is plain water or not...! At Irojeong, even the water is brewed with healthful Sanghwang mushrooms, apparently 👀 From the loach soup to the boiled pork—even the water—this Milyang restaurant felt like a proper restorative meal!

Just one minute after ordering, they began setting out our warm boiled pork + mackerel Sanghwang loach soup set (₩36,000).

There were big chunks of boiled pork, colorful japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), fried loach, and sweet potato fritters. The main loach soup had not even arrived yet, but this spread alone was enough to polish off a bowl of rice!

That glorious ₩2,900 soju 😆 And the grilled mackerel was glossy too—crisp outside and moist inside.

Rich, smoothly blended Namwon-style loach soup

At last, today's star arrived, still bubbling away: Irojeong's Namwon-style loach soup!

You can really feel the care in Irojeong's loach soup! Irojeong is a Milyang restaurant serving food that is good for you ✨ Is yellow rice a trend in Milyang? I saw yellow rice at another place recently too!

Ta-da! Here is our neatly set-out warm boiled pork + mackerel Sanghwang loach soup set (₩36,000) + Chamisul (₩2,900).

Hojjogi had his with rice; I had mine by the spoonful. First, a toast—! Time to taste the loach soup broth ✨ The ingredients were blended so smoothly that nothing caught in my mouth, and Irojeong's Namwon-style loach soup had such a rich flavor. Ground sansho pepper was set out at every table, so you can add it to taste. I added Cheongyang chili peppers, while Hojjogi added both Cheongyang chili peppers and minced garlic.

That glossy mackerel. When he picks up a nice big piece like that, you know what? It is definitely mine 🤍 Sweet Hojjogi.

The sweet staff member noticed I was wearing white and brought me an apron 🤍 I got so well looked after today 😆

Adding an octopus seafood pajeon

Then the octopus seafood pajeon caught my eye... 🔥 The visuals were so intense, there was no way I could not order it! Wow! Look at that rough, craggy surface 👀 This is the kind of crunch that could scrape the roof of your mouth—exactly what I wanted! Delicate Hojjogi carefully cutting the pajeon (green onion pancake), hahaha. The shrimp were plump, the octopus had a great texture, and Irojeong's seafood pajeon had a crispy surface that practically called for drinks.

Ah... we smashed it again today 🐷

They even gave us heart-shaped ppeongtwigi (puffed rice snack) when we paid and headed out... 🤍

The food was generous and delicious, the prices were kind, and the thoughtful staff service was a bonus. I totally understand why Ilpum Irojeong is such a famous Milyang restaurant. The loach soup was rich and delicious, the side dishes were good, and the potato julienne pancake looked delicious too 👀 When the weather gets cold, I will have to go back for a steaming bowl of loach soup(?)!