After spending a little time in Korea you’ll probably find that your definition of “spicy” has changed. So when deokbokki no longer tickles your taste buds, give your tongue a real challenge and head to Songchoo Gamagoll in Uijeongbu. The restaurant has garnered fame for its most masochistic delight: the spicy galbijjim. This stew, which consists of fall-off-the-bone short ribs, potatoes, rice cake and mixed vegetables is sure to cause even the most arrogant heat lovers to break a sweat.
To cool you off, it comes with an array of side dishes: mixed green salads, kimchi, cucumber kimchi, dongchimi, and cold sprout soup (hint: the sprout soup is particularly effective at putting out the fire). A cup of fresh maeshil juice is served when you’re finished and makes the perfect sweet end to this hearty meal.
Don’t worry though; even if you’re not a fan of spicy food, Songchoo Gamagoll has something for everyone. As the chain is famous for its top–quality cuts of meat, the galbitang and BBQ beef selections are particularly noteworthy. At an average price of W20,000 for two, you can’t get a better deal for your money.
Though Songchoo Gamagoll is a chain, to get your hands on a pot of the spicy galbijjim you’ll need to head to the branch in front of the 2nd provincial office of Gyeonggi Province (near Home Plus) in Uijeongbu. The easiest way to get there is to take a taxi from Uijeongbu Station. Alternatively, you can take buses 2 or 23 in front of Uijeongbu station and get off in front of Home Plus. From there walk straight toward the provincial office and it’s on the left.
