Byeolmibokkeum in Yeouido: Great Value Spicy Pork
Along with Gangnam, Yeouido (a major business district in Seoul) is famous for lunch prices that bring tears to office workers' eyes. Back in Gongdeok, there were decent cafeterias so I could keep my lunch expenses in check, but since coming to Yeouido, I constantly hear the phantom sound of money leaking from my wallet. Thankfully, someone recommended a fantastic spot for hungry workers like me.
Waiting in line during lunch hour is a given. It's located in the basement of the Yeouido Department Store, which gets so chaotic you might get confused about which line you're standing in—especially with the famous kongguksu (cold soy milk noodle) restaurant, Jinjujip, right next door. Even though I arrived at 12:30 today, I still had to wait about 15 minutes before I could get in and order.
We ordered the signature jikhwa-gui (flame-grilled meat) for the number of people in our group, and they quickly brought out bowls of rice and vegetables. I added just the right amount of bean sprouts and waited reverently until the jeyuk (spicy stir-fried pork) finally made its appearance.
The food style is similar to the flame-grilled pork at Sogongdong Ttukbaegi. While flame-grilled spicy pork might taste similar wherever you go, this place has one distinct feature that sets it apart: it's cheap.
Making a flashy entrance, the sweet and spicy aroma—making me wonder just how much sugar they used—pierces the nose. Once you put the pork into your bowl and mix it up, all conversation stops. Come to think of it, the place is packed, but nobody is saying a word. Everyone just has their heads down, focused entirely on eating.
I highly recommend adding a tteok (rice cake) sari. Ordering one portion for every two people is plenty. Also, the gyeran-jjim (steamed egg) is an absolute must. It perfectly neutralizes the sweet and slightly spicy flavor of the pork, so if you want a well-balanced meal, you have to order it.
When I come here, instead of worrying about my wallet, I actually worry if they can make a living charging just 10,000 KRW because the portions are so huge. This isn't the first or second time I've polished off two bowls of rice here. My diet might go out the window, but I'm so grateful for a place that protects my wallet while filling my stomach.
The only downside is that there are just too many people. I really wish they would open a second and third branch everywhere. (Oh wait, there is a second branch!)