Hongdaepo 홍대포

Large pots brimming with live octopus, abalone, scallops, and mussels over a whole chicken define the dining at Hongdaepo. Located in Cheongok-dong, Donghae City, the restaurant specializes in haecheon-tang and haesin-tang, serving a broth that is refreshing yet spicy. The haecheon-tang features octopus while haesin-tang uses small octopus; a medium size comfortably feeds four. Staff members prepare the seafood tableside, cutting everything into bite-sized pieces using scissors. The process of dismantling the octopus and crab serves as a visual highlight. As the soup simmers, the liquid deepens in flavor, pairing well with alcoholic beverages. Adding kalguksu noodles provides a satisfying finish, though ladling out some clear broth beforehand is advisable to keep the flour from thickening the original soup. Finishing with rice porridge completes the full course. Pre-meal tofu and side dishes like seasoned cockles are of high quality. The restaurant remains busy despite its size, so reservations are helpful as preparation takes twenty minutes. The management emphasizes hygiene through commercial-grade sanitizing equipment. Street parking is the primary option nearby. Closing time is 10 PM, earlier than some posted hours. This original Donghae location is independent of the restaurant sharing its name in Seoul's Mapo district.