When I was a kid, I visited with my parents near the market, which I visited, and it was fun to look around. Over time, after becoming an adult, I often go to restaurants I visited when I was a kid, thinking about the flavors of my memories. Even if you visit after a long time, the fun of talking about Dorando with the boss, who warmly greets you as if you were here every day, is a bonus! From handmade dumpling shops that make everything from dumpling wrappers to beef, to restaurants specializing in mackerel sashimi, a delicacy in Yeosu that boasts a soft texture, and places where you can enjoy whole chicken and chicken gangjeong that are deep-fried as you order! Just the way I ate when I was a kid! Here are the 3 best restaurant tours in the national market where you can enjoy unforgettable flavors.
1. Handmade dumplings boasting rich gravy, 'Manri-hyang' in Dongsang-dong, Gimhae
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“Manri-hyang†is a dumpling specialty store located near the west gate of Gimhae Statue Market. The first Chinese restaurant in the Gimhae region was opened independently by Mr. Gok Jo Seo, the son of the owner of “Gyeonghwa Chunâ€. Currently, children have continued the family business for the third generation. Along with sweet and sour pork and cucumber pork dishes, 4 types of gyoza are prepared. All gyoza are handmade by filling the dumpling skin made by hand rolling over 500 times with plenty of beef mixed with pork, chives, and ginger. The characteristic of each type of dumpling is that the thickness of the dumpling skin and the ratio of dough are different, so you can enjoy a different texture. In particular, I like “grilled gyoza,†which has a moist juice when you bite the crunchy surface, and “steamed gyoza,†which has a soft yet chewy texture.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 4, Bunseong-ro 335beon-gil, Gimhae, Gyeongnam
▲Opening hours: 11:00 — 20:30 every day, closed on Mondays
â–²Price: Grilled dumplings 6,000 won, steamed dumplings 5,000 won, sweet and sour dumplings 7,000 won
â–²Review (How about shikigin 0925): There are a variety of dumpling dishes, from crispy grilled dumplings to moist steamed dumplings to hot dumpling soup, so it's fun to pick and eat. Also, cucumber pork, which can't be found anywhere else, is also a delicacy.
2. 'Daesung Restaurant' in Gyo-dong, Yeosu, a fresh delicacy of Yeosu
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At Daesung Restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes made with domestic ingredients, such as sashimi, stewed yellowtail, grilled fish, and crab soup. Since it has been broadcast on many famous media and is also close to Yeosu Fish Market, tourists continue to visit. The signature menu is “mackerel sashimi,†which is known as a must-try delicacy when visiting Yeosu. The boss cuts a large mackerel from the factory into thick slices and serves it to the customer. Mackerel sashimi, which is shiny over the pink flesh, has an excellent light flavor and a texture that melts softly. You can enjoy thick Japanese mackerel sashimi by first dipping it in soy sauce to enjoy its natural flavor, and then enjoy it with a variety of side dishes to suit your taste, such as seaweed, fresh kimchi, Chinese cabbage, and raw wasabi.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 5-9 Gyodongnam 1-gil, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do
▲Opening hours: 07:30 — 21:00 every day, closed on the first and third Mondays
â–²Price: Mackerel sashimi (small) 40,000 won, grilled fish 10,000 won
â–²Testimonial (DNFJD Shikigin): Although you can sometimes see it in Seoul these days, Spanish mackerel sashimi is still rare. I think this is the place to eat in Yeosu! It's near Yi Sun-shin Square, but when I ordered Spanish mackerel sashimi, there were so many side dishes that came out. ^^ The sashimi itself is big and thick, but it's so soft that it's not bother~ It's perfect if you go to Ox Restaurant as a snack and then come here for dinner~
3. Gongju Sanseong-dong's “Classic Chicken,†deep-fried and crispy
Image source: ymkmk88's Instagram
Image source: __ssu_vely__'s Instagram
“Regular Chicken†has been holding a position on one side of Gongju Sanseong Market's alley for 38 years. The smell of chicken being fried in a large pot in front of the store catches the attention of customers passing by. The signature menu, “Bone Gangjeong,†is served with raw chicken batter, deep-fried until golden brown, and mixed with sweet and spicy sauce at the same time as ordering. The combination of savory tempura batter and moist chicken meat with sweet and spicy condiments enhances the umami to the fullest. The sauce is not spicy or irritating, so it's easy for people of all ages to enjoy. Note that in the case of the “Gangjeong Bone†and “Fried†menus, you can also order boneless meat and half meat.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 99 Sanseong Market 2-gil, Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do
▲Opening hours: 08:00 — 17:00 every day
â–²Price: Bone-gongjeong 15,000 won, whole chicken 14,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigami Kishinggongkoto): Chicken Gangjeong is a killer. If it's a princess, it's here. Bone Gangjeong is famous as a gourmet restaurant at Sanseong Market. You can also order half of them, so it's great to try a variety of flavors. But the most delicious thing is bone-gang-jeong. Manseok Chicken Gangjeong is very famous in Sokcho, but personally it's much tastier here. It's crunchy, slightly spicy, familiar yet special. I recommend it.
