Kalguksu noodles and 2-person clam hotpot in Yongun-dong, Daejeon

Widaehan Jogae Jeongol, a kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) restaurant in Yongun-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon. With the weather turning cooler, I wanted a hot bowl of soup with cool, refreshing seafood broth, so I visited Widaehan Jogae Jeongol in Yongun-dong, Daejeon. From a hearty clam hotpot to delicious kalguksu noodles, this could be a great pick for anyone looking for a lunch spot in Dong-gu, Daejeon. Here's my honest review of Widaehan Jogae Jeongol in Yongun-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon!

Widaehan Jogae Jeongol's hours and parking

• Hours ⏰: 11:00–23:00
• Break Time 💤: 14:30–16:30
• Parking 🅿️: Available behind the restaurant
• Wi-Fi 🛜: -

A photo of the exterior of Widaehan Jogae Jeongol in Dong-gu, Daejeon.

There's even a lunch service and a banner advertising clam kalguksu for ₩7,500! Daejeon University and Woosuk University are nearby, so it looks like a great spot for students too, and there's Yongsugol Children's Park right next door for a stroll afterward. Just a reminder, parking is available behind the restaurant.

What's the vibe like inside?

There was even a neatly kept aquarium like this. Here are some interior photos.

The interior has that cozy, neighborhood-favorite feel! The owner was friendly too, and I visited right when they opened — by 6-7pm the place was almost fully booked. They also take phone reservations, and best of all, they do delivery. It seems like this place is already well known in Yongun-dong for lunch and delivery.

They have baby chairs too, so it's good for family outings, and apparently fencer Oh Sang-uk, who's from Daejeon, has eaten here as well. Here's the menu board at Widaehan Jogae Jeongol, the kalguksu restaurant in Yongun-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon.

Widaehan Jogae Jeongol's menu and prices

• [Clam Hotpot] 2 people ₩45,000 / 3 people ₩55,000 / 4 people ₩65,000 / extra clams ₩25,000
• [Set Menus] Beef Special (2-person hotpot + 240g beef shabu + 5pc fried shrimp) ₩59,000 / Octopus Special (3-person hotpot + live octopus + 5pc fried shrimp) ₩88,000 / Widaehan Special (4-person hotpot + octopus + baby octopus + 240g beef shabu + 5pc fried shrimp) ₩128,000
• [Clam Samhap] 2 people ₩45,000 / 3 people ₩60,000 / 4 people ₩75,000 / extra clams ₩20,000
• [Toppings] Live octopus market price, live baby octopus ₩15,000, live abalone ₩20,000, beef (240g) ₩18,000, kalguksu noodles ₩2,000, ramen noodles ₩3,000, extra cheese ₩3,000, extra vegetables ₩3,000, extra fish cake ₩2,000
• [Sides] Butter-grilled abalone ₩20,000, fried shrimp ₩18,000, fried squid ₩13,000, spicy raw octopus (nakji tangtangi) ₩20,000, flying fish roe rice ball (self-serve) ₩4,000, ramen ₩6,000, basic fried side ₩2,000
• [Alcohol & drinks] Makgeollirin / Ijeuwoorin ₩4,000, Seonyang ₩4,000, beer ₩4,000, cheongha ₩5,000, drinks ₩2,000

Each table has its own kiosk, so ordering was convenient!

I ordered the 2-person clam hotpot (₩45,000) and added a kalguksu noodle serving (₩2,000). For anyone ordering soju, apparently they recommend Rin, a local Daejeon soju, to support the local economy.

Since I drove, I had to pass on that... but clam hotpot with a shot of soju would probably be absolutely incredible, ugh.

Basic side dishes: fried squid and spring rolls

The side dishes arrived right along with the order.

And the basic side dishes are fried squid and spring rolls, and the fried squid was genuinely crispy — you could tell it was fried clean and well. The spring rolls were properly crispy outside, soft inside too... this place seems to be great at kalguksu AND great at fried food haha. And then!

How much do you actually get in the 2-person clam hotpot?

The 2-person clam hotpot arrived in a huge pot! They set a timer, and you just wait. In the meantime, they prepare chojang (vinegar chili sauce) and soy-wasabi sauce for you. After about 10 minutes... ta-da... fresh clams, abalone, scallops, mussels, hard clams, fan mussels, squid, all mixed in with cabbage — basically a full-on shabu-shabu experience. Looks like a huge amount, right?

There's a fish cake skewer, and the little earthenware pot holds mozzarella cheese. It's packed so full it makes you feel full just looking at it...

The owner had already prepped the abalone and fan mussel for us, and you just pick out the rest of the clams yourself! First, a sip of the broth! No MSG added to the broth. This broth made from steamed clams and cabbage stock has a light, clean flavor...

With cheongyang chili peppers added, the broth has a savory depth while also being refreshing and spicy, so I just kept eating spoonful after spoonful.

The abalone, fan mussel, and cheese combo

First, a bite of the prepped abalone.

One bite dipped in soy sauce, one in chojang. And then, cut up some mozzarella cheese!

And a bite of fan mussel too...! Dipping the fan mussel in mozzarella cheese plus chojang basically put grilled clam restaurants to shame...

A bite of the cabbage too, which gives the broth its refreshing flavor.

Dipped in soy sauce like it's the real sauce, it was delicious too.

All the clams were fresh, with real depth of flavor! The fish cake skewer had soaked up so much broth it was properly savory,

This photo was taken while we were still eating, and this much clam was still left over. I always thought clam dishes were just expensive, but Widaehan Jogae Jeongol gives you a lot of food too. To finish, the kalguksu noodles!

Finishing with kalguksu noodles and fresh kimchi

After scooping out plenty of clams, I added the kalguksu noodle serving to the rich, refreshing seafood broth that had simmered down. The chewy noodles soaked up the deep seafood stock perfectly — an absolute must for us carb lovers. The chewy texture of the noodles paired with the refreshing broth made for a great way to finish the meal.

And this kimchi! It looks like it's homemade, and it's wonderfully spicy fresh kimchi!! Eating it with the kalguksu was genuinely, seriously delicious.

With its overwhelming portions, fresh seafood, crispy basic fried side dishes, and a chewy kalguksu finish, this place nailed everything. I'd highly recommend it to anyone in Yongun-dong, Daejeon, looking for a rich, comforting soup dish or a filling lunch!

Summary

• An enormous amount of fresh clam hotpot even with just a 2-person order — the kalguksu noodle add-on is a must
• Crispy fried squid and spring rolls as basic sides, plus the appeal of a refreshing, spicy seafood broth

When you want to enjoy a hearty, generously prepared seafood hotpot in Yongun-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon, be sure to visit Widaehan Jogae Jeongol!