# Spanish vs Atka mackerel sets at a Baekseok-dong fish grill, Cheonan

- By Jiyoung Mun (https://superchart.com/en/@yuseong-warm-broth/)
- Written Sep 17, 2026
- Local places › Restaurants › Cheonan, Chungnam
- Sponsored: This post is based on a meal provided by the restaurant for review.
- English edition: https://superchart.com/en/@yuseong-warm-broth/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/
- Also in: [한국어](https://superchart.com/ko/@yuseong-warm-broth/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/index.md)

## In short

Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo Cheonan Main Branch is a wood-fired grilled fish restaurant on Handeul 2-ro in Baekseok-dong, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan. Two diners ordered the grilled Spanish mackerel set and the grilled Atka mackerel set together, added brown rice, and helped themselves to bibimbap, nurungji (scorched rice) and tteokbokki at the self bar, finding the Spanish mackerel clean and light and the Atka mackerel nutty and rich. Even with a single main, the self bar fills the table, so Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo works well for a family meal out.

## Good to know

- **Name**: Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo Cheonan Main Branch
- **Location**: 46-5 Handeul 2-ro, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan, Chungnam
- **Hours**: Daily 11:00–21:30 (weekday break 15:30–16:50; no break Saturday and Sunday)
- **Reservations**: Available
- **Parking**: Available
- **Signature menu**: Wood-fired grilled mackerel, grilled Spanish mackerel, grilled Atka mackerel set, wood-fired pork set
- **Rice choice**: White rice / brown rice
- **Dessert**: Old-fashioned Korean sweets, coffee, plum tea

*as written by the visitor on Sep 17, 2026*

I heard this place has even been on TV 📺 Grilled fish cooked in a wood-fired oven was already unusual enough, but knowing it made it onto television made it impossible not to check out. This is Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo Cheonan Main Branch, known as a go-to restaurant in Baekseok-dong, Cheonan — and I went in curious.

The name puts mackerel (godeungeo) front and center, so my expectations shot up, but once I got there I found several other grilled fish options besides mackerel, which made things even more interesting.

![Exterior of Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo Cheonan Main Branch in Baekseok-dong, Cheonan](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-01-1h3dc-m-900.webp)

## Where is Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo Cheonan Main Branch, and when is it open?

- Name: Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo Cheonan Main Branch
- Location: 46-5 Handeul 2-ro, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea
- Hours: Daily 11:00–21:30 (weekday break 15:30–16:50); Saturday and Sunday 11:00–21:30 with no break time
- Reservations: Available
- Parking: Available
- Signature menu: Wood-fired grilled mackerel, Spanish mackerel, Atka mackerel set, wood-fired pork set

![TV appearance photos on the restaurant's wall](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-02-wm4pr-m-900.webp)

As soon as I walked in, I spotted TV appearance photos on the wall. Seeing the KBS and SBS logos side by side made it clear this place had been featured more than once. The menu board listed wood-fired grilled mackerel, wood-fired Spanish mackerel, Atka mackerel, and more, with prices right next to each item, which made choosing easy.

![Wood-fired grilled fish menu board with prices](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-03-1hvwb-900.webp)

## Inside Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo: seating, atmosphere and kids' chairs

The interior of Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo Cheonan Main Branch was spacious with good distance between tables, so we could eat comfortably. In the middle sits the self bar — more on that in a bit. The seating layout wasn't cramped at all, so we didn't have to worry about the next table over, and given the sheer size of the place, quite a few group parties were seated too.

The flooring and lighting were clean and well kept, so I didn't have the usual worry about the oily smell that grilled fish restaurants can have. The place seemed well ventilated, since the smell barely clung to our clothes.

![Restaurant interior with widely spaced tables](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-04-vsy7e-900.webp)

Seeing several kids' chairs set out gave the impression this restaurant is thoughtful toward families, and sure enough, there were plenty of tables with kids around us.

## Ordering the Spanish mackerel and Atka mackerel sets for two, with brown rice

We eat mackerel often, so this time we ordered the wood-fired grilled Spanish mackerel set and the Atka mackerel set instead. Since there were two of us, we got to try both at once, which felt like a good call haha. The menu listed plenty of other fish besides mackerel, so I already found myself wanting to try something different next time.

![Table set for the Spanish mackerel and Atka mackerel set orders](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-05-1vnv9-900.webp)

For rice, we could choose between white rice and brown rice. I went with brown rice. I figured the nutty brown rice would pair well with the clean-tasting grilled fish. The way the brown rice popped between bites contrasted nicely with the softness of the fish, making it taste even better.

![Bowl of brown rice served with the set menu](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-06-1fpqa-900.webp)

## What side dishes come with the set? Plus the napa cabbage soup

The table filled up with yeolmu kimchi (young radish kimchi), spicy pepper muchim, deodeok muchim (mountain bellflower root), japchae (glass noodles), lotus root, gungchae muchim, and napa cabbage soup.

![Yeolmu kimchi and deodeok muchim side dishes](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-07-hj1ly-900.webp)

![Japchae and braised lotus root side dishes](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-08-x1z5m-900.webp)

![Gungchae muchim and spicy pepper muchim side dishes](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-09-7e8gm-900.webp)

There were so many side dishes that the table already looked full before the fish even arrived.

The deodeok muchim had a sharp, slightly bitter kick that was still alive. The japchae had noodles with real bounce, giving it real presence as a side dish. The lotus root had a crisp texture that kept my chopsticks coming back for more. The gungchae muchim was crunchy with a subtle nutty taste, more than worthy as a rice side, and the yeolmu kimchi was cool and tangy, doing a great job cutting through any richness.

![Table set with an array of side dishes](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-10-6fvgg-900.webp)

![Full set menu laid out with side dishes](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-11-kxhao-900.webp)

The napa cabbage soup was lightly seasoned but still had a deep flavor. The broth wasn't at all sharp and finished cleanly, making it perfect to sip between bites of grilled fish. The subtle sweetness of the cabbage was woven throughout, so I kept spooning it up. The broth looked clear, but each spoonful revealed a surprisingly deep flavor — a nice twist between appearance and taste.

![Bowl of clear napa cabbage soup](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-12-vy9m5-m-900.webp)

![Napa cabbage soup and brown rice set at the table](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-13-1xdx0-900.webp)

## What's on the self bar: bibimbap fixings, nurungji and tteokbokki

For any side dishes we were missing, we just used the self bar. The self bar at Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo Cheonan Main Branch was genuinely impressive. Beyond the basic side dishes, there were ingredients to make your own bibimbap, plus scorched rice (nurungji) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

![Self bar with bibimbap ingredients and tteokbokki](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-14-7z6en-900.webp)

There was even both sesame oil and perilla oil set out.

![Sesame oil and perilla oil at the self bar](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-15-1uhxt-900.webp)

The scorched rice was especially popular. Guests with kids or elderly parents could easily enjoy the soft scorched rice too. Seeing this kind of careful setup made me realize how much thought went into the self bar alone. That's probably why the place was busy — everyone kept coming back for the self bar. I grabbed some bibimbap ingredients myself and mixed up a bowl in no time.

Since you can fill up this much at the self bar with just one main dish ordered, the value felt genuinely satisfying.

![A bowl of bibimbap made from the self bar](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-16-km8gh-900.webp)

## Wood-fired grilled fish delivered by a serving robot

The wood-fired grilled fish arrived courtesy of a serving robot.

![Serving robot delivering the wood-fired grilled fish](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-17-zulm3-1200.webp)

The fish, with its excess oil fully rendered off in the wood-fired oven, came out alongside wasabi.

![Plate of wood-fired grilled fish served with wasabi](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-18-tgbn3-900.webp)

I poured the soy sauce from the table into a small dish and got ready to dig in.

![Soy sauce poured into a small dish next to the grilled fish](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-19-olnse-900.webp)

### How does the wood-fired grilled Spanish mackerel taste?

The grilled Spanish mackerel was clean-tasting through and through. When I pulled off a piece, the flesh had a fine grain and separated softly. It didn't seem to be seasoned on its own, so dipping it lightly in soy sauce made it noticeably better. Eating it plain and mild wasn't bad either, but personally I much preferred dipping it into soy sauce.

Maybe because it was cooked in the wood-fired oven, the outside was slightly dry while the inside stayed moist, and a touch of wasabi brought out the mackerel's clean flavor even more with its sharp aroma. The flesh didn't fall apart and separated neatly along its grain, making it easy to eat, and there wasn't a hint of fishiness, so even people who aren't great with fish could probably enjoy it without hesitation. It was almost surprising how much a single drop of soy sauce could bring the flavor to life.

A bite or two in, I noticed the Spanish mackerel's subtle savoriness building up gradually. Without any strong seasoning, it felt like a dish that wins on the strength of the ingredient alone — mild on first impression, but one you keep thinking about after finishing.

![A piece of grilled Spanish mackerel pulled apart along its grain](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-20-3qlif-900.webp)

![Dipping a piece of grilled Spanish mackerel into soy sauce](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-21-pb0bq-900.webp)

![Plate of wood-fired grilled Spanish mackerel](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-22-1jp1k-900.webp)

### How does grilled Atka mackerel compare with Spanish mackerel?

The Atka mackerel was slightly richer than the Spanish mackerel, with a clearly moist quality. The skin was golden and crisp, and the flesh broke apart softly, spreading a savory richness through the mouth. If the Spanish mackerel wins on cleanness, the Atka mackerel wins on savoriness — eating the two back and forth made each fish's charm stand out even more. Dipped in wasabi or soy sauce, it finished cleanly without any heaviness.

The crispness of the skin and the moistness of the flesh hitting at the same time in one bite was this fish's charm, and even though it was on the richer side, the aftertaste wasn't heavy, so bowl after bowl of rice went down easily. Going back and forth between the Spanish mackerel and Atka mackerel, both plates were somehow wiped clean before we knew it. Despite the richness, 'savory' felt like a better word than 'greasy,' and eating it with brown rice made that savoriness feel doubled.

Comparing the two fish side by side and eating them together was so fun that I naturally started thinking I should try all three, including mackerel proper, next time.

![Golden, crisp-skinned grilled Atka mackerel](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-23-h9ziu-m-900.webp)

## Dessert at Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo: old-fashioned sweets, coffee and plum tea

After finishing the meal, there were old-fashioned rice crackers for dessert. It was the perfect way to cleanse the palate. Picking up the crunchy crackers one by one to wrap things up left a feeling of being satisfyingly full while also tying up the meal on a clean note.

![Old-fashioned rice crackers served for dessert](https://img.superchart.com/images/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu-24-1ev91-m-900.webp)

There's also coffee and plum tea for dessert!

## Is the Cheonan grilled fish set worth it? Final verdict

- Grilled in a wood-fired oven, with the excess oil fully rendered off
- Spanish mackerel is clean-tasting; Atka mackerel is moist and savory
- The self bar has everything from bibimbap ingredients to scorched rice and tteokbokki
- The napa cabbage soup is lightly seasoned but full-flavored
- Robot serving adds a fun, novel touch
- You can choose between white rice and brown rice
- Old-fashioned rice crackers are thoughtfully included for dessert

I didn't expect to be this satisfied by a single piece of wood-fired grilled fish 🐟 Next time, I'm definitely getting the mackerel that gives this go-to Baekseok-dong, Cheonan restaurant its name. This is the place that'll come to mind first whenever I think 'grilled fish in Baekseok-dong' from now on. The self bar alone was substantial enough that I never once felt shortchanged, and I could tell the TV appearances weren't just talk. This was the first place where I went out for grilled fish and came home having also had bibimbap and scorched rice.

## Where it is

- Hwadeuro-ganggodeungeo Cheonan Main Branch (화덕으로간고등어 천안본점)
- 46-5 Handeul 2-ro, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea
- 충청남도 천안시 서북구 한들2로 46-5
- 36.8273195, 127.1196417
- Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/%ED%99%94%EB%8D%95%EC%9C%BC%EB%A1%9C%EA%B0%84%EA%B3%A0%EB%93%B1%EC%96%B4%20%EC%B2%9C%EC%95%88%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90/@36.8273195,127.1196417,17z

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Superchart · https://superchart.com/en/@yuseong-warm-broth/cheonan-baekseokdong-grilled-fish-samchi-imyeonsu/ · https://superchart.com/llms.txt