Sinmat Hwangso Charcoal Grilled Eel
신맛황소숯불꼼장어
About
Retro charcoal-grilled hagfish joint in Taepyeong-dong known for smoky grilled hagfish paired with seasoned chives and savory steamed egg.
Tucked into the lively food alleys of Taepyeong-dong in Seongnam, Hwangso Sutbul Kkomjangeo delivers an authentic neighborhood *nopo* drinking atmosphere anchored by charcoal-grilled hagfish (*kkomjangeo*). Operating out of an intimate, eight-table room where seats fill quickly on weekend evenings, the venue is steered by a friendly, energetic proprietress who often steps in at the grill to guide first-timers through the cuts. The menu centers on charred hagfish, which arrives par-cooked before hitting the live coals. Diners must order two portions to start, choosing between simple salt (*sogeum-gui*) or spicy sauce (*yangnyeom-gui*). The salt-grilled version lacks any muddy smell, offering an assertive crunch (*kkodok-kkodok*) best appreciated when dipped first in toasted sesame oil with salt, then in the house dipping sauce. The spiced variety brings a lingering, fiery heat that pairs naturally with perilla leaves and the accompanying spicy red condiment. Tables are laden from the start with cold bean sprout soup, raw carrots, and freshly tossed garlic chives (*buchu-muchim*) seasoned with a tart, slightly sweet dressing that cuts through the smoke. The kitchen also provides a complimentary steamed egg (*gyeran-jjim*) served loose and brothy, reminiscent of an egg soup tailored for soju. Once the two-portion minimum is cleared, patrons can order additional grilled meats in single-serving increments. Offerings include marinated beef rib fingers (*sogalbisal*), tender beef entrails (*somakchang*), pork entrails (*dwaejimakchang*), and snappy skewered chicken gizzards (*dak-ttongjip*). Tables frequently cap off the charcoal-heavy spread with a chilled bowl of *kimchi-mari guksu*, a generous helping of cold noodles submerged in icy, tart kimchi broth. Street parking is virtually nonexistent in this pocket of Sujeong-gu, prompting drivers to leave their vehicles at the nearby Seongnam Citizens Medical Center before settling in for cold beers and hot coals.
Menu
- Charcoal Grilled Hagfish
- Steamed Egg₩3,000
- 숯불꼼장어₩15,000
- Charcoal-grilled Boneless Chicken Feet₩13,000
- 숯불돼지껍데기₩10,000
- 숯불닭모래집₩10,000
- 숯불돼지막창₩14,000
- 숯불소막창₩16,000
- 숯불소갈비살₩16,000
- Marinated Pork Ribs₩13,000
Local tips
- First orders require a minimum of 2 servings of the same item, but additional orders can be 1 serving.
- Complimentary steamed egg soup is served with initial banchan and can be added for 3,000 KRW.
- Parking is not available in front; nearby public parking is permit-only, so Seongnam Medical Center parking is recommended.
Details
- Taepyeong Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- —
- Monday
- 16:00–01:00
- Tuesday
- 16:00–01:00
- Wednesday
- 16:00–01:00
- Thursday
- 16:00–01:00
- Friday
- 16:00–01:00
- Saturday
- 16:00–01:00