 |
 |
And the best place I’ve tasted it so far?
A cozy little restaurant in Ilsan called Yangchonri Agujjim (양촌리 아구찜), nestled in the neighborhood of Daehwa (대화동), just a short walk from Daehwa Station on Seoul Subway Line 3.
🌶 What is Agujjim?
Agujjim is not your typical seafood dish. It’s made from monkfish — a rather scary-looking fish with surprisingly delicate, tender meat — steamed and braised in a red pepper sauce, alongside bean sprouts, sea squirts, and a generous mix of garlic and chili. The result? A spicy, umami-packed dish that’s both hearty and addictive.
 |
 |
🍽 My Experience at Yangchonri Agujjim
From the outside, Yangchonri Agujjim looks like any other small Korean restaurant — modest signage, a glass door, and a warm interior filled with the scent of seafood stew and sizzling spice. But once inside, it’s a culinary experience that stays with you.
I ordered the medium-size Agujjim (good for 2-3 people), and it came bubbling hot in a large shallow pot. The monkfish was perfectly cooked — soft yet meaty — and the bean sprouts added a crunchy contrast to the chewy textures of sea squirts and tripe (optional). Every bite was spicy but balanced, especially with a bowl of steamed rice and a glass of cold makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
Pro tip: Don’t skip the jumeokbap (주먹밥) — rice balls with seaweed and sesame oil. They’re perfect for scooping up the leftover sauce!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
👀 For First-Timers
If it’s your first time trying Korean seafood dishes, here are a few tips:
-
Agujjim is spicy, so be prepared! You can ask the staff to make it milder ("안 매운 맛 주세요" / An maeun mat juseyo).
-
It’s typically shared — come with friends!
-
Don’t be afraid of the unfamiliar ingredients. The texture might surprise you, but the flavor won’t disappoint.
📍 Location & Info
📌 Yangchonri Agujjim (양촌리 아구찜)
📍 Address: 152 Daehwa 2-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
🚇 Nearest Station: Daehwa Station (Line 3), Exit 4
🕒 Hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Break time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
❌ Closed: Sundays
📞 Phone: +82 31-911-0430
💰 Price Range: ₩35,000–₩65,000 for 2-4 people
🚗 Parking: Available in front of the restaurant
 |
📝 Final Thoughts
Yangchonri Agujjim isn’t a tourist trap. It’s a local gem — the kind of place you only discover if you go off the beaten path. For those looking to dive deeper into Korean cuisine and culture, this is a must-try dish and a memorable dining experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious, take a detour to Ilsan and give Agujjim a try. Your taste buds will thank you — even if your lips are burning.
