After-work eel buffet in Siheung Baegot, my 3rd visit: Songnim Bok

The weather has warmed up lately, and after work I feel completely drained, so I decided I really needed a proper stamina boost. The first food that comes to mind for that is eel, but honestly, if you want to stuff yourself with eel at a restaurant, the price can be pretty painful.

But I have an invincible regular spot that nails both value and quality, and I've already been three times. This time I picked it without a second thought: Songnim Bok Jangeo Unlimited Freshwater Eel Siheung Baegot Direct Branch (송림복장어 민물장어 무한리필 시흥배곧직영점), a place with a great reputation as a Baegot all-you-can-eat eel restaurant. I'm going to share my honest review after three visits.

Basic info: Songnim Bok Siheung Baegot Direct Branch

• Name: Songnim Bok Jangeo Unlimited Freshwater Eel Siheung Baegot Direct Branch
• Address: 43-7 Seouldaehak-ro 278beon-gil, 1st floor, Unit 133, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• Hours: Daily 11:30 - 23:00
• Special note: order eel and pork belly plus chicken neck are all unlimited too!

Unlimited eel, but is it fishy?

The unlimited eel at Songnim Bok had almost no gamey or fishy taste and was clean. On one side of the restaurant there's a certification that it's a partner of the Freshwater Eel Aquaculture Fisheries Cooperative's wholesaler No. 8, and that's the biggest reason I've come three times.

Even though it's an all-you-can-eat place, the trustworthiness of the ingredient is no joke. Since the eel comes through an official route, the freshness and flavor are on another level. Honestly, a lot of people worry that unlimited eel will be fishy or low quality, but here it's the epitome of clean.

Atmosphere and location

The Baegot branch is in the central commercial area of Baegot, so it's very easy to get to, and it's a perfect route if you stop by nearby shops or cafés before the meal. Also, the stubborn fishy smell typical of eel restaurants was barely noticeable inside, so it felt pleasant.

You worry less about the smell clinging to your clothes, and there are even high chairs for guests with kids, a thoughtful touch. For a family meal out, you can't ask for a better atmosphere.

How much is the unlimited eel at Songnim Bok?

Unlimited refills are ₩29,900 per adult, ₩14,000 for elementary school students, ₩7,000 for ages 48 months to 7, and free for under 48 months! As you'd expect from an eel specialist, the menu is very simple, so there's nothing to agonize over.

The truly huge point is that it's not just the eel that's unlimited: pork belly and chicken neck come as a set, also unlimited. Think about what a single serving of pork belly costs these days, and the value is almost insane.

How does the self-serve bar refill work?

The staff neatly bring out the first tray, and after that you help yourself at the self-serve bar, taking as much as you want. Lettuce wraps vegetables and side dishes are generously stocked there too.

At regular eel places, ordering extra each time can feel awkward and breaks your flow, which is annoying, but here there's none of that stress. I can grab more whenever I feel like it, which is so convenient. You can enjoy it freely without feeling self-conscious.

The basic spread and the scallion kimchi combo

The basic spread at Songnim Bok is pickled onion, pickled perilla leaves, and the restaurant's cheat code, pa-kimchi (scallion kimchi). It's a solid lineup that cuts through the richness of the eel, an elite squad that's bound to taste great alongside it.

This scallion kimchi in particular is nicely fermented, pleasantly spicy and tangy. Put a piece of eel in a wrap, lay some scallion kimchi on top, and you'll instantly understand why I came three times. It gives no room for greasiness and resets your mouth so it feels fresh.

How is the eel quality?

Songnim Bok handles only eel prepared the same day, and you can see the glossy shine even before it goes on the grill. The flesh is really plump, hard to believe for an all-you-can-eat place, and at a glance it looks big and thick.

Strong heat, with garlic grilled alongside

The grill's heat is so strong that thick eel cooks quickly. Because the fire is hot, the juices don't escape, and the eel turns out ideal: crispy outside, moist inside. Putting garlic on the grill too and grilling it golden is a must-do step.

Rich flavor and a springy texture

Even just dipped lightly in salt, the eel fills your mouth with a rich, nutty flavor. Put eel on lettuce, add shredded ginger and scallion kimchi, wrap it up, and you feel your energy surge right away.

Because the eel is so fresh, the texture is wonderfully springy. The bouncy, snappy texture pops with every bite and fills your mouth with a deeply satisfying chew. Satisfaction is so high every time that I can't stop picking up my chopsticks.

Regular's tip: get free bokbunja wine by following on Naver

If you tap "follow" (알림받기) for Songnim Bok on Naver in advance and then visit, you get a free bottle of bokbunja wine (black raspberry wine). It's another regular's tip I'm sharing.

The bittersweet bokbunja wine pairs perfectly with the nutty eel, and it goes down very smoothly.

How are the pork belly and chicken neck that come along?

The pork belly and chicken neck served as part of the unlimited deal weren't bad for an all-you-can-eat place, and were mild and fine. I grilled some on one side of the grill just to taste.

A three-time regular's verdict

Compared with ordinary eel restaurants nearby, where the price per kilogram is quite a burden, I'm confident Songnim Bok is among the top for value in Baegot. Telling myself that eel is protein so it won't make me fat no matter how much I eat, I finished another stuff-yourself stamina meal today.

If you want to eat plump, fresh eel until you're full in Baegot without worrying about the price, or you're looking for a no-fail family meal or a stamina-boosting spot, don't ask questions, just run to Songnim Bok. Vouched for by a die-hard regular who's been three times, you won't regret it! 🤍