Seorin Nakji

A combination of two dishes—deep red nakji bokkeum (stir-fried octopus) and “bacon sausage” grilled on an iron plate—is what launched Seorin Nakji to the top in a street of similar octopus-themed restaurants in the neighborhood of Mugyo-dong. If it’s your first time, you should know that orders are best made by following this formula: one plate of nakji bokkeum, bacon sausage, shellfish stew, and a bottle of soju. The first step is to grill the sausage and bacon, onion, potato, mushroom and kimchi. Eat your fill of these foods, dipped in a ketchup and mustard sauce. The nakji bokkeum dish will be out by the time you start to feel that maybe it’s all a bit too greasy for you. It will be spicy enough to make your hair stand on end. Bite into the chewy octopus, suction cups filled with peppery seasoning, and you’ll find that the more you chew, the spicier it gets. It’s crazy hot, but you won’t be able to stop eating. At the end, the leftover octopus and sauce, the bean sprouts that come out as a side dish, and rice are all mixed together for a stir-fried rice finale. Anyone that wants to experience a food culture similar to that of budae jjigae (a spicy stew made out of ham, sausage and a variety of ingredients) will find a trip to Seorin Nakji well worth it.