Eel restaurant in Yeouido for post-run recovery: Daedong Jangeo

Why I went to Daedong Jangeo Yeouido to recharge after running

I've been running a lot this autumn and started feeling worn down, so I visited Daedong Jangeo Yeouido (대동장어 여의도점) in Yeouido for a proper energy boost. The weather got nicer so I exercised more, then it turned chilly, and my stamina slowly dropped. I figured I needed a hearty meal to recover, so I went looking for the well-known Daedong eel place in Yeouido.

If you're looking for a clean restaurant in Yeouido, or planning a restorative meal with your parents, listen up. Here's my review of the eel set and the LA galbi set I actually ate.

Location and parking

Daedong Jangeo Yeouido is on the first floor of the Oakwood Yeouido Park Hotel, 24 Gukhoe-daero 68-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. It's near the National Assembly so it's easy to reach, and there's parking, which made it convenient to come by car.

Is every seat a private room?

Yes. There's no general dining hall; every table is in a private room. The moment I walked in, I liked how clean and pleasant it felt. You can chat quietly without worrying about the people around you, so it suits family meals, dinners with parents, and important gatherings.

Regular vs special eel set

The eel set comes in regular and special. The eel size is the same, but the special comes with one and a half eels. If you want a really filling meal, the special is a good choice.

I was told Daedong uses fresh Korean eel, prepares it in-house, and grills it over direct fire only after you order. It's a place that values good ingredients and care, so I was even more excited for the meal. That day I ordered the eel set and the LA galbi set.

The soup and side dishes

The eel set comes with seaweed soup, and the LA galbi set comes with eel soup. You can switch to the soup you prefer if you ask in advance, which was handy. About four side dishes were neatly laid out, and each one was clean-tasting and delicious, so I was happy with them.

I tried the seaweed soup and eel soup first. The broth was so good that my appetite perked up before the main dishes even arrived. Everything was served neatly, and the tableware and restaurant were clean, so I could eat comfortably.

How were the grilled eel and LA galbi?

The grilled eel and LA galbi came in long dishes and looked very appetizing. The LA galbi came with scissors and tongs, so it was easy to cut into bite-size pieces.

Grilled eel: shredded ginger and special eel sauce

The grilled eel came with finely chopped ginger and a thick, special eel sauce. The meat was thick and glossy, and it felt fresh. When I picked up a piece and ate it with the ginger and sauce, the eel's rich, nutty flavor spread through my mouth. The flesh was chewy yet tender, with a satisfying bite, and it felt like a solid meal after exercise.

LA galbi: seasoning that isn't overdone

The LA galbi was better than I expected too. The meat wasn't tough or mushy; it was grilled to a nice texture. The seasoning wasn't too sweet or salty, so it went well with the natural flavor of the meat.

Alternating between eel and LA galbi let me enjoy the flavor of the sea and the richness of the meat at once. Ordering different dishes and sharing made the meal even more abundant.

Hangwa and omija tea for dessert

After the meal, Daedong Jangeo Yeouido served homemade hangwa (traditional Korean confection) and omija tea (a tea made from schisandra berries) for dessert. It was just right for cleansing the palate. The omija tea wasn't overly sweet and tasted clean, and the hangwa wasn't cloyingly sweet either, so I was happy with both.

From the main dishes to dessert, you can tell they prepare everything with care.

Overall: 9.8 out of 10

Daedong Jangeo Yeouido serves delicious eel and LA galbi, and it also has private rooms, a clean atmosphere, and convenient parking. I especially recommend it for meals with parents, family gatherings, and eating out on special days.

Personally, I give it 9.8 out of 10! My chance of going back is a whopping 500%. If you need an autumn energy boost, or want to treat someone special to a hearty meal, keep Daedong Jangeo Yeouido in mind.