Baetgodong 뱃고동

This Apgujeong institution has been serving octopus and squid stir-fries for over twenty years, and the lunchtime queue of thirty-plus people speaks to its enduring reputation. It is 200m from Apgujeong Rodeo Station. The squid stir-fry arrives with generously cut fresh squid and crisp vegetables tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce, and the squid cooks to a perfectly tender, bouncy texture without any chewiness. The sauce hits with an initial sweetness followed by a lingering spicy kick that keeps diners reaching for more. The real highlight comes at the end when the leftover sauce is used to fry rice with seaweed flakes and kimchi, producing a savory, slightly crispy fried rice that draws genuine admiration. Adding both somyeon and dangmyeon noodles to the octopus stir-fry is another popular option, and the deep-fried squid is wonderfully crispy. At under ten thousand won for a nakji-bokkeum in today's prices, the value is remarkable. The banchan leans healthy with seaweed and vegetables. Operating since the 1990s, the restaurant carries an old-money interior aesthetic and distinctive signage that add nostalgic character. Arriving before 11:30 is essential to avoid a long wait.