Spicy clam hot pot after a Han River run in Yeouido: Gaetbeol-ui Jogae

With the mornings and evenings turning chilly, it's great running weather — and since we were already out on the Han River, we were craving something hot and brothy. We're supposed to be dieting after our Han River run, but... clams are protein, right?! That's how we landed on this menu.

Cl. Am. Hot. Pot.

We went there after working out and left completely stuffed, totally undoing our workout, but 100% happy about it haha.

Gaetbeol-ui Jogae Yeouido hours and free parking

Gaetbeol-ui Jogae Yeouido Main Branch is open 11:00–22:00, with last order at 21:00. Parking is free in the building's basement lot, and the entrance faces the A Twosome Place on the 1st floor.

How to find Gaetbeol-ui Jogae from National Assembly Station

We ended up here naturally after hanging out at the Han River park!! Once you reach the building, it's easy to spot on the 2nd floor. Take the elevator inside the building — it's right on your left as soon as you step out.

The clam hot pot sample displayed outside got me so excited! The exterior is clean and there was a delicious smell too..!!! Anticipation rising!! Let's get in and eat quick!!

The inside was packed with people. I figured it'd be less busy since it was Yeouido on the weekend, but even on a Sunday evening tons of people seemed to be having get-togethers!! Looked great for group visits too!!

One whiff and I was starving, so let's go ahead and order!!!

What two people ordered, and the 85,000 won total

• Giant clam hot pot + shabu-shabu ₩79,000 (spicy option +₩1,000)
• Kalguksu noodle sarie ₩3,000
• Pepsi Zero ₩2,000
• Total: ₩85,000

Order placed, and straight to the self-bar!!

Self-bar yeolmu bibimbap: gangdoenjang or gochujang?

At the self-bar of Gaetbeol-ui Jogae Yeouido Main Branch, you can make your own yeolmu (young radish greens) bibimbap!!! Doenjang or gochujang — that is the question. I picked gochujang, my friend picked doenjang.

Both were delicious, but to my taste, the doenjang — my friend's pick — was even better. While we were eating our bibimbap, the hot pot arrived!!

Can two people finish the giant clam hot pot?

The giant clam hot pot's visuals instantly explain why it's called 'giant.' It's genuinely overwhelming in person. It's definitely a two-person order, but... can the two of us actually finish it?! Yep!! Totally possible ^^ Possible because it's that good.

First they show it to you once!! Then the lid goes on and you wait for the timer to go off.

Don't touch the lid, you could get burned! The staff handle everything for you!!!

Getting ready to eat while we wait. Vinegar-gochujang sauce and soy sauce are already set out on the table, so use them freely.

So exciting!!

Steam rising~

It's spicy and refreshing — start with the broth!!

The staff trim the squid and scallops for you so they're easy to eat.

I worked out, so I'm having a Pepsi Zero. Because I'm dieting after all. ^^

Spicy broth plus cheese-wrapped clams

Once the cheese melts, dip the clams in it. We got the spicy version, so dipping in cheese was a perfect match!! We even debated adding extra cheese.

When do you add the shabu-shabu beef?

The shabu-shabu meat comes out after you've eaten a good amount of the hot pot. Since it changes the flavor of the broth, eat the clams first, then add the meat afterward.

Round two with a full plate of meat!

Finishing with kalguksu, and how the hourglass timer works

By now we'd eaten quite a bit, right?! No hot pot is complete without kalguksu (knife-cut noodles)!!! Put the noodles in, flip the hourglass next to it, and once the sand runs out, they're done!!

When the kalguksu boils, the broth reduces a bit and can get salty. Just ask for more broth and they'll top it up — go ahead and ask!

Bubbling away~

The kalguksu is truly the real deal. My friend said she was full and wasn't sure she could eat any, so we only ordered one portion — but we could've easily ordered two. It disappeared in slurps!!!!

A nice touch at the register, and the verdict on Gaetbeol-ui Jogae

And then, there was a hair tie at the register. Wish I'd seen it sooner... hahaha. If you need one, keep it in mind! They even had mouthwash so you can leave feeling fresh — really thoughtful touches.

The food was great, the owner was kind, and even the small details at the register stood out! A go-to clam hot pot spot for refueling on protein after a Han River run: Gaetbeol-ui Jogae Yeouido Main Branch!

For anyone who wants to justify eating something delicious with "I worked out, so I should eat protein!" like me, I recommend this place haha. The restaurant is spacious with plenty of room between tables, so it'd also be great for a group hangout with friends next time! If you're looking for a hot, hearty clam hot pot in Yeouido, check this one out :)