Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi

For those hankering for some spicy jjukkumi, head out to Chungmuro. Opened in 1976, this restaurant was the first place ever in Seoul to sell jjukkumi bulgogi. The owner, Jang Young-chil, from Suncheon, got his recipe from his mother. The jjukkumi is marinated in red pepper paste sauce every morning and grilled over a charcoal fire, which accentuates its soft texture. Unlike its appearance, the seasoning doesn’t taste very strong, so if you’re expecting something achingly spicy, you may be disappointed. Pen shell scallops cooked with the same seasoning are also very popular here. We recommend the platter set, which includes both jjukkumi and scallops.