Chunhyanggol Namwon Chueotang Ogeum Bonjeom 춘향골남원추어탕 오금본점

Chunhyanggol Namwon Chueotang Ogeum Bonjeom is a Namwon-style loach soup restaurant in Ogeum-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, with a track record of over a decade of consistent quality that has earned it steady loyalty from neighborhood diners. The chueotang here carries a distinctive depth that sets it apart from standard versions, the thick broth is enriched with generous ugeoji (dried outer cabbage leaves), producing a dense, savory character. The house-recommended eating method involves adding chives, sancho pepper, and cheongyang chili to the broth first, tasting the seasoned soup, then mixing in half the rice. Once the liquid level drops, the remaining rice goes in for a porridge-like finish. The numbing bite of sancho pepper tames any fishy undertone while amplifying the overall complexity. Beyond the standard soup, the Chunhyanggol set, combining chueotang, chueo-twigim (fried loach fritters), and chueo gunmandu (pan-fried loach dumplings), is a popular order. The twigim platter includes onion and sweet potato tempura alongside the loach, all fried to a satisfying crunch. The chueo-sukhoe arrives grilled on a stone plate rather than as a traditional cold dish, with mild seasoning that keeps it approachable; the portion suits two diners comfortably. The banchan spread draws frequent praise, with the kimchi and geotjeori (fresh kimchi) standing out for quality. Prices have risen noticeably over the years, but generous banchan refills and the availability of delivery shipping provide some offset. The restaurant sits behind Ogeum Catholic Church, and the interior has been renovated with clean, modern standing tables. A dedicated parking lot with valet service makes driving convenient, and staff maintain an energetic, welcoming demeanor. Even for those who do not live nearby, the flavor of this chueotang tends to linger in memory long after the visit.