Gwacheon Japanese hot pot restaurant with cheese risotto: Horangigul

On a weekday evening, my husband and I visited Horangigul Gwacheon Branch (호랑이굴 과천점), a truly delicious motsunabe spot near Government Complex Gwacheon Station.

Japanese-style Horangigul near Gwacheon Hillstate

Late on a weekday evening, I met my husband after work. We were craving something warm with a deep, rich broth and wondering where to go, when we found ourselves heading here.

It was Horangigul Gwacheon Branch, very close to Exit 11 of Government Complex Gwacheon Station on Line 4, tucked into an alley near Gwacheon Hillstate. If you are driving, the nearby Gwacheon Dongsung Building Public Parking Lot or Gwacheon City Hall parking lot are convenient options.

The moment we opened the door and stepped inside, the exotic interior caught my eye—it felt like walking into a quiet late-night restaurant I had happened upon while traveling in Japan.

The cozy yet tidy atmosphere made it lovely for an intimate date, while the neatly kept dining room also seemed perfectly suited to a family gathering or work dinner in Gwacheon.

Ordering and cooking the beef intestine hot pot

My husband and I do not drink often, but Horangigul's motsunabe is also ideal as a proper meal, so we find ourselves coming back now and then.

That weekday evening, we ordered the popular beef intestines and large intestine hot pot for two (₩37,800), along with cheese risotto (₩3,900) for the perfect finish to our meal.

Once you order, the hot pot arrives generously filled with ingredients, and they set an 8-minute timer right on top.

When the timer rings, first fish out the fresh vegetables, tofu, and yubu (fried tofu pouch) and dip them in yuzu soy sauce. Let it boil another two or three minutes, then enjoy the plump, perfectly cooked intestines and large intestine.

Made with 100% Korean beef large intestine and intestines, it had no unpleasant odor at all. The spicy broth was clean-tasting yet became richer the longer it simmered—excellent. There was such a generous amount of intestines and vegetables that we were full without ordering rice separately.

Cheese risotto to finish with the remaining broth

After eating a good portion of the solids, we left just the right amount of broth and added the bestseller, cheese risotto.

Rice and cheese were stir-fried into that rich, deep hot-pot broth, creating the most wonderful extra dish bursting with nuttiness and flavor. We debated between noodles and risotto, and this really was an excellent choice.

A relaxing dinner cooked by the staff

Warm, rich umami that comes to mind as the weather turns cool—a motsunabe specialist in Jungang-dong, Gwacheon.

Horangigul Gwacheon Branch lets you properly experience the appeal of Fukuoka-style motsunabe in an exotic atmosphere. From the clean yet deep broth to the filling risotto course, it was a perfect dinner. If you are looking for a great place around Jungang-dong or Hillstate in Gwacheon for a meal and a drink, I definitely recommend a visit.

What I especially loved about Horangigul Gwacheon Branch was that the staff handled all the cooking perfectly from beginning to end. We could simply relax and enjoy everything at its most deliciously cooked state, without having to touch a thing, which made our meal feel much more leisurely. Everyone was kind, too, so it was a pleasant meal from start to finish. Delicious food plus such thoughtful service made this a wonderful place for a relaxed evening date.

After dinner, we walked along one of Gwacheon's pleasant walking paths and saw such a beautiful sunset.