No. 1 Neungi Mushroom Jeonmun 제1능이버섯전문점

Je1 Neungi Beoseot Jeonmunjeom is a Korean restaurant on Namjung-ro in Nam-gu, Ulsan, dedicated to dishes built around neungi mushrooms, the prized sarcodon aspratus valued for both its distinctive earthy aroma and its reputed health benefits. The flagship dish is the neungi-ori-baeksuk, a whole duck slow-simmered until the meat falls tenderly from the bone, while the neungi mushrooms infuse the broth with their deep, woodsy fragrance and powerful umami. The resulting soup is so richly seasoned by the ingredients themselves that the duck meat requires no additional salt. Ordering extra neungi mushrooms allows diners to fully immerse in the ingredient's complex flavor. The traditional finishing step involves stirring glutinous rice into the remaining broth to create a thick, restorative porridge that serves as both a satisfying conclusion and an effective energy booster. The neungi-gyetang, chicken soup with neungi mushrooms, is also available and draws favorable comparisons, with some regulars preferring it over the bulgogi option. Side dishes are kept simple and clean, complementing rather than competing with the main course. Since the ori-baeksuk requires approximately one hour of cooking time, advance reservation is essential to avoid unnecessary waiting. The restaurant sees particularly high demand during the hot summer months when Koreans traditionally seek out boyangshik, nourishing restorative meals, making early booking even more critical during peak season. Ideal for family gatherings or treating parents to a health-conscious meal, this long-established Ulsan institution in the Samsan area has earned its reputation as the go-to destination for mushroom-based Korean wellness cuisine.