Gangnam seafood restaurant for clear pufferfish soup: Bogi O Boguk

My husband and I went to Bogi O Boguk (복이오복국), a pufferfish restaurant in Cheongdam-dong, for a bowl of hot, refreshing soup. Since I already enjoy bokguk (pufferfish soup), I ordered the wild milbok pufferfish soup in a clear broth this time.

Where is Bogi O Boguk, and is parking available?

Bogi O Boguk is on the second floor of Cheongdam Deokyeong Building at 540 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is about 600 m from Cheongdam Station Exit 13, and valet parking was listed as ₩3,000 at lunch and ₩5,000 at dinner.

The hours listed in the original post are 11:00–22:00 on weekdays and 11:00–20:30 on weekends. Naver reservations and takeout are available, and local currency can also be used.

Is the atmosphere suited to a family meal?

When we entered, pufferfish figurines and pufferfish cushions were the first things I noticed.

The overall atmosphere was tidy and comfortable, so it seemed suitable for a family meal or a work lunch or dinner. We visited after the lunch rush and ate at a relaxed pace. There were private rooms as well.

There was also information about VIP partnerships with nearby companies. Employees of those companies were listed as receiving a ₩1,000 lunch discount per person and a 10% dinner discount.

What does the wild milbok pufferfish soup cost, and what comes with it?

Along with bokguk, the menu included pufferfish sashimi, fried pufferfish, and course meals. The soup could be ordered with either a spicy or clear broth, and we chose the clear broth.

The side dishes were anchovies, kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), seasoned peppers, and stir-fried fish cake.

The wild milbok pufferfish soup we ordered was ₩24,000 for 250 g. Made with domestic wild milbok pufferfish in a clear broth, it contained pufferfish, minari (water celery), and bean sprouts. It arrived bubbling in a ttukbaegi (earthenware pot).

How did the clear broth taste, and was the extra minari enough?

From the first spoonful, the broth was mild, clean, and refreshing rather than strongly seasoned. It was light and refreshing enough that I kept reaching for more without feeling burdened.

I like minari's fragrant flavor, so I ordered it separately. One extra portion was enough for the two of us to share, and we each added plenty to our soup.

A bowl of hot white rice came with the meal. At the time of my visit, there was also a notice that a drink would be provided for writing a Naver receipt review.

What were the pufferfish texture and accompanying sauces like?

The pufferfish in the soup was well cooked, chewy, and mild. It had a pleasantly springy texture when I bit into it.

The pufferfish was mild on its own, but dipping it in the house sauces—kelp soy sauce and cho-gochujang (sweet vinegared chili paste)—made it enjoyable in a different way.

I also dipped the crisp minari and bean sprouts in the sauces.

For me, it was a comfortable meal that did not leave me feeling heavy afterward. If you like a mild broth and springy pufferfish, I would recommend this flavor even to someone trying bokguk for the first time.