Pungcheon Jangeo 풍천장어

300m from Hongdae Station. Pungcheon Jangeo is an eel specialty restaurant located in a quiet alley off Yeonnam-dong in Mapo-gu, Seoul, near Yeonnam-dong Park. The restaurant has represented the neighborhood for many years, drawing a mixed crowd of loyal local regulars and international visitors who add a lively character to the dining room. The kitchen's signature approach involves a custom rounded grill rack placed directly over vigorously fueled charcoal, with staff managing the cooking from start to finish. Each eel is grilled with patient attention, turned and tended throughout to avoid charring while achieving a crisped exterior and a moist, yielding interior. The standard way to eat it is with a pinch of salt and a wrap of chives, a combination that lets the eel's natural richness speak clearly. Garlic cloves are brushed with the rendered eel fat and cooked alongside, softening into a savory, fragrant accompaniment. Wrapping vegetables and side dishes can be refilled without limit. A minimum order of one eel per person applies. At the close of the meal, kimchi mari guksu arrives as a traditional finisher, its lightly sweet broth cutting through the fat in a satisfying way. The price point is not low, but the consistent quality of the grilling and the attentive service make the restaurant a frequent choice for celebratory dinners and business entertaining. Reservations are strongly advised for both lunch and dinner.