Yeongdeungpo Korean restaurant for clam shabu kalguksu: Palmi

When you crave warm shabu kalguksu in Mullae

When the weather turns chilly like it has lately, or when I want something warm and filling, there is one dish I always think of: shabu kalguksu, with fresh seafood and vegetables in a deep, rich broth.

I recently went to enjoy the retro, charming alleyways that are so distinctive to Mullae-dong and found a place serving a truly proper spread. It was Palmi Jogae Kalguksu (팔미 조개칼국수), which already has quite a word-of-mouth following.

I usually seek out all kinds of kalguksu places because I love clear, refreshing soup dishes, and this one stood out for its clean yet deeply savory broth and generous ingredients. It works beautifully for a hearty meal, an evening drink, or a gathering, so I really wanted to introduce it.

If you are looking for tidy, comforting Korean food, let me tell you all about Palmi Jogae Kalguksu, a Mullae specialist in shabu kalguksu.

How close is it to Mullae Station?

Palmi Jogae Kalguksu is in a very convenient spot for public transport, so it is easy to find even on a first visit. It is about a five-minute walk from Mullae Station, making it an ideal meeting point.

Since it is so close to the station, it is easy to meet coworkers after work or visit with family on the weekend. If you are driving, you can use a nearby public parking lot too! Its accessibility makes it clear why it is also considered a great place for group gatherings.

What comes with the clam shabu kalguksu?

As you enter, the signature dishes are clearly displayed.

The main dish here is, without question, shabu kalguksu loaded with fresh clams.

There are plenty of choices, from individual dishes to well-rounded sets, so you can choose according to your party size and preferences.

When you order the clam shabu kalguksu, fresh shellfish, a heap of vegetables, mild beef for shabu, and kalguksu noodles are served generously, almost like a course meal.

The basic side dish was crisp, spicy geotjeori kimchi (fresh kimchi), which tasted as though it had been made in-house that day. You could feel the depth of skill starting with the kimchi, a Korean-food essential. The substantial, neatly arranged spread made it feel like the textbook version of a thoughtful Korean restaurant.

A great interior for group gatherings

My first impression upon entering was simply “airy” and “clean.” Wood tones and neat decor come together to create a comfortable, warm Korean restaurant atmosphere.

The tables are generously spaced, so you can eat comfortably without worrying about the table next to you.

In particular, the back has large tables where several people can sit together, making it a tailor-made space for work dinners, club gatherings, and family meals. It is very thoroughly kept clean overall, and the open feel never feels stuffy.

Because the space is spacious and pleasant, it seems like an unbeatable choice for anyone looking for a venue for a larger group or work dinner.

The order I ate it in: clams, beef, then noodles

The moment the ordered shabu kalguksu was set on the table, I could not help but marvel at the jaw-dropping presentation.

The pot was packed full of fresh, plump clams.

Thinly sliced meat for shabu-shabu was set out alongside it too, and the presentation was seriously amazing!

As the broth began to bubble, the clear, rich aroma unique to seafood tickled my nose.

First, I picked out the cooked clams and vegetables and dipped them into wasabi soy sauce. The clams had been perfectly purged of grit, so they were not tough—just chewy, mild, and excellent. After eating a good portion of the clams,

I dropped in the beef for shabu-shabu, which made the broth taste even deeper. The soup infused with meat and seafood was truly rich and restorative, with a wonderfully refreshing quality that seemed to clear me right out.

The final highlight was, of course, the kalguksu noodles. I added the chewy fresh noodles to the deeply infused broth and boiled them vigorously, then topped them with spicy geotjeori kimchi for a bite. That combination was perfect.

The broth soaked beautifully into the noodles, making for a flawless meal from start to finish without a dull moment.

Palmi Jogae Kalguksu was a Mullae shabu kalguksu meal that had it all: fresh ingredients, a thoughtfully composed spread, and deep flavor.

When you are craving a generous, neatly prepared Korean meal, or are considering a place for a fun group get-together, I strongly recommend paying it a visit at least once!