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If you ever find yourself exploring the west coast of South Korea, make sure you don’t miss Wangsan Beach (์์ฐํด์์์ฅ) — a scenic, lesser-known beach just a short drive from Incheon International Airport. But beyond the peaceful sands and sunset views, there’s a culinary gem tucked nearby that deserves a spot on every foodie’s radar: Poomjang Eel Restaurant (ํ์ฅ ์ฅ์ด์ง).
๐ Wait… Eel? Why You Should Try It in Korea
Yes, eel (์ฅ์ด / Jang-eo) might sound a bit adventurous if you’re not used to it, but trust us — it’s a beloved delicacy in Korea, especially during the summer. Koreans believe eel provides energy and stamina, and it’s known for its rich flavor and slightly sweet, fatty texture when grilled.
At Poomjang, they specialize in freshwater eel, grilled to perfection over charcoal right at your table.
๐ฅ What Makes Poomjang Special?
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Authentic Charcoal Grilling: The eels are grilled over open charcoal fire, giving them a smoky flavor that’s impossible to replicate. The staff expertly handles the grilling, so all you need to do is enjoy.
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Fresh, Locally-Sourced Ingredients: The eel is incredibly fresh, with a tender yet firm texture. You can taste the quality.
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Traditional Side Dishes (Banchan): Like many Korean restaurants, your meal comes with a variety of free side dishes, including pickled radish, kimchi, seasoned garlic, perilla leaves, and spicy dipping sauces.
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Wrap It Your Way: Take a piece of eel, dip it in sauce, add some garlic and rice, then wrap it all in a perilla leaf or lettuce. It’s a perfect bite.
๐ How to Get There
๐ Poomjang Jangeojip (ํ์ฅ ์ฅ์ด์ง)
๐ Near Wangsan Beach, Incheon, South Korea
๐ Open: Typically 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Check local hours)
๐ You may want to call ahead or ask a local to help reserve a table if visiting during the weekend.
๐ Tip: If you're coming from Incheon Airport, it's about a 20-minute taxi ride. Ask the driver for "์์ฐํด์์์ฅ ํ์ฅ ์ฅ์ด์ง" – they’ll likely know it!
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๐ฌ Final Thoughts
Eating grilled eel by the beach may not be on your usual travel itinerary, but Poomjang makes it unforgettable. It’s a great way to experience authentic Korean flavors, especially if you want something off the beaten path. Pair your meal with the salty ocean breeze, and it becomes more than food — it’s a memory.
If you’re a food adventurer or just someone looking for a local experience near Incheon, don’t miss Poomjang.☺
