Yongi Sikdang Main Branch: Top Jeju Duruchigi
I had already visited the Yongi Sikdang branch in Jungmun. But it would be a shame not to visit the main branch. It's located right in the center of Seogwipo, so parking is a bit difficult—you even have to use a parking tower. We somehow managed to park and entered the restaurant, and the main branch actually looks newer than the other location.
The price has gone up a bit, but it's still cheap at 8,000 KRW. I want to get takeout and eat it at my accommodation at least once, but I haven't tried it yet. I wonder if it tastes the same as eating in the restaurant?
We grabbed a seat, ordered one portion per person, and waited for the food to come out. The staff, who were friendlier(?) than the rumors suggested, set the table and started grilling the meat first with a sizzle. Once it was somewhat cooked, they tossed all the vegetables onto the cauldron lid. Then began the wait, swallowing our saliva, wondering when it would be done. At the owner's word that we could eat, everyone grabbed a lettuce leaf and started making huge wraps. Things like lettuce and garlic are self-serve after the initial setup.
Whether it's the branch or the main location, Yongi Sikdang's duruchigi (spicy stir-fried pork) is always delicious. Actually, most duruchigi is delicious.
After eating about three-quarters of it, we added fried rice. While the rice was frying, we started bickering about how we ordered one portion per person, but we should have ordered 1.5 portions each—so 6 portions for 4 people. To jump to the conclusion, even after eating the fried rice, we kept saying we were hungry, but after standing up and taking three steps, we felt incredibly full. It's not magic, but it's a truly fascinating food that feels like you could eat an infinite amount while sitting down.
It looks spicy, but the base is a doenjang (soybean paste) sauce, so it's not overly intense. I don't know if they added sugar or what, but there's a somewhat sweet flavor mixed into the meat and green onion salad, so you keep reaching for it even while looking for water. In my case, I absolutely have to eat it with garlic for the balance to be just right. Once you experience the smooth and sweet taste of the doenjang, along with the occasional burst of garlic flavor, you can't stop eating.
It has more seating and is more pleasant than the Jungmun branch. It's spacious, so there's plenty of room between tables, making it great for dining. As expected, the main branch beats the branch.