Kkotdol Gejang 1st Street
Kkotdol Gejang 1st Street is a gejang (marinated raw crab) set-meal restaurant in Bongsan-dong, Yeosu, Jeonnam Province, widely recognized among Yeosu travelers as a top destination for crab. The two-story dining hall is spacious, with well-spaced tables that suit family groups, and a separate waiting area occupies the second floor. The Wang Kkotge Jeongsik (King Blue Crab Set) centers on ganjang gejang and yangnyeom gejang, accompanied by grilled fish, an assortment of side dishes, and soup. The ganjang gejang is entirely free of fishiness, packed with firm crab meat, and dressed in a soy marinade that leans mildly sweet with a subtle medicinal-herb aroma rather than heavy salt. The yangnyeom gejang strikes a balanced profile that avoids overwhelming heat, making it ideal for mixing into a bowl of rice. A self-service bar in the center of the restaurant offers unlimited dolgejang (stone crab in soy sauce) at no extra charge, alongside mustard-leaf kimchi, corn salad, vegetable salad, and fish cakes. The yangnyeom gejang available at the self-service bar also receives praise. Staff are frequently commended for quick and courteous service, and the restrooms stock mouthwash and disposable toothbrushes, a practical detail after a hands-on crab meal. Packaged ganjang gejang is sold for takeaway and shipped nationwide. The primary drawback is the noise level: the combination of a large hall and heavy patronage means the clatter of bussing dishes runs loud enough to make quiet conversation difficult. During rush hours, waits can exceed 30 parties, making advance registration through the Tabling app essential. Arriving before 10:30 AM generally allows seating without a significant delay.