Cheolcheol Bok Jip 철철복집

Hidden in a narrow alley in Jung-gu, Seoul, Cheolcheol Bokjip is a long-standing specialist in puffer fish cuisine with roots back to 1980. It is 150m from Euljiro 1-ga Station. Located near Duldul Chicken and Nampo Myeonok, the establishment maintains a reputation reflected in its 4.3 rating and over 700 reviews. Its name carries a double meaning: 'cheolcheol' refers to the availability of blowfish throughout the four seasons, while also suggesting that money flows out of one's wallet due to the premium pricing. Despite the cost, the quality is regarded as difficult to find elsewhere in the city. The signature dish is salt-grilled puffer fish. Staff season thick chunks of meat with sesame oil and salt before grilling them over charcoal. This preparation creates a texture between firm meat and white fish, offering a clean and salty profile. Silky grilled milt can be added when ordering at least two portions of salt-grilled puffer. The meal concludes with bokjiri, a clear soup, followed by fried rice with water parsley, kimchi, and perilla oil. Staff handle all the grilling. Due to limited space and high volume, reservations are required.