Pick-your-own clams and abalone hot pot in Dong-gu, Daejeon: Widaehan

Finding a clam hot pot near Daejeon University

While hunting for good restaurants in Dong-gu, Daejeon, I found myself craving clam hot pot, so I headed to Widaehan Jogae Jeongol in Yongun-dong. I'm generally a fan of clams and seafood, and I love clam hot pot because you get to eat so many kinds of seafood in one pot.

Widaehan Jogae Jeongol is near Daejeon University, so it wasn't hard to find. Walking in, the place had a clean, comfortable atmosphere that seemed good both for a date with friends or a partner and for a group meal. Since the name literally means "great clam hot pot," I ordered the clam hot pot without a second thought.

Inside Widaehan Jogae Jeongol: a neat, tidy dining room

The interior was overall very tidy, so I could eat comfortably without any hassle. The tables were clean and the area where the food came out felt well organized, making for a pleasant meal while eating the clam hot pot. Since it's a seafood-focused menu, cleanliness matters, and overall I was satisfied.

What goes into the pot: clams, abalone, squid and cheese

After a short wait, a huge pot of clam hot pot arrived, absolutely loaded with seafood. Just looking at it built up my anticipation before I even took a bite. There were razor clams, red bay scallops, hard clams, surf clams, abalone, and squid — so many kinds that it was genuinely fun picking through them. With so many varieties of shellfish, it was interesting to compare the texture and flavor of each one.

With clam hot pot, the broth is everything, and as the seafood cooked down, the broth grew cooler-tasting and more refreshing — it was delicious simmered hot. The natural seafood flavor released from the shellfish made the broth clean and refreshing.

How the broth deepened and turned more refreshing as we ate

The portion turned out to be more generous than I expected, so it seemed like it would work well for a group meal too. It wasn't just clam after clam — there was abalone, squid, plus fish cake and cheese mixed in, so it was fun picking out different ingredients as we went.

Once the clams were cooked enough, you just crack open the shells one by one and eat them fresh and hot — even better that way. As the clam flavor fully infused the broth, it tasted deeper and more refreshing toward the end than at the start. This would be great on a chilly day, and it'd also pair well with a drink. If you're looking for a hearty seafood dish in Dong-gu, Daejeon, this place is worth a visit.

Who should try Widaehan Jogae Jeongol in Daejeon

What I liked most overall was getting to enjoy so many kinds of clams and seafood at once. Ordering just one clam hot pot got me razor clams, red bay scallops, hard clams, surf clams, abalone, and squid — a single menu item was enough for a filling meal.

The broth wasn't overly strong or spicy but let the refreshing flavor of the seafood shine through, which I liked. If you love clams, you'll likely be satisfied here. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for good food near Daejeon University or wanting seafood in Dong-gu, Daejeon. I ate so well I'm already curious to try other menu items next time.

• Anyone looking for good restaurants in Dong-gu or Yongun-dong, Daejeon
• Anyone looking for a place to eat near Daejeon University
• Anyone who loves clams or seafood
• Anyone who wants to eat many kinds of clams in a generous portion
• Anyone craving a refreshing yet hot clam hot pot
• Anyone looking for a place to eat with friends, a partner, or a group