Hong-eo Samhap
홍어삼합
About
A cozy, long-running local spot in Haengsin-dong serving moderately fermented skate samhap alongside complimentary frozen skate liver and pungent skate soup.
Near Haengsin Station in Goyang, Hong-eo Samhap operates as an unpretentious, solo-run neighborhood haunt tailored to lovers of fermented skate. The proprietor, who relocated here after running a well-regarded operation in Neunggok, welcomes regulars with easygoing banter and attentive hospitality, outfitting the tables with thoughtful touches like lap blankets and wireless phone chargers. The signature *hong-eo samhap* arrives anchored by domestically sourced fermented skate, sliced neatly and cured to an approachable, moderate intensity rather than an overwhelming pungency. It is paired alongside tender slabs of boiled pork belly (*suyuk*) and sharply fermented, well-aged *mukeunji*. Diners layer these components onto crisp napa cabbage leaves with fresh garlic, seasoned garlic scapes (*maneuljjong*), and pungent fermented hairtail viscera sauce (*galchisotjeot*). The bite delivers an intricate balance of rich pork fat, bright acid, and skate funk, best washed down with a cold bowl of makgeolli or shots of soju. Ordering the samhap also unlocks the house's generous complimentary staples: *hong-eo ae* (skate liver) and *hong-eo ae-tang* (skate liver stew). The skate liver is served chilled and semi-frozen; it melts across the palate with a rich, buttery density before releasing a sinus-clearing vapor. The accompanying stew leans unapologetically into ammonia-rich heat, sending up a steaming, robust broth that appeals directly to seasoned devotees of Jeolla Province cuisine. The banchan spread shows equal care, featuring thinly sliced braised potatoes, seasoned bean sprouts, and fresh oysters alongside savory alternatives like crisp kimchi jeon and seasonal gwamegi (semi-dried Pacific saury). Rain-streaked afternoons see neighbors settling into the low-slung dining room for daytime drinks, drawn by honest home-style side dishes and deeply authentic cuts of cured fish.
Menu
- Fermented Skate Samhap₩48,000
- Fermented Skate Liver Soup₩5,000
- Skate Liver₩10,000
- 홍어회 (소)₩30,000
- Seasoned Skate₩25,000
- Fermented Skate Pancake₩23,000
- Steamed Skate₩35,000
Local tips
- Ordering hongeo samhap comes with complimentary skate liver (hongeo ae) and skate soup (hongeo aetaeng).
- The fermentation level of the skate is moderate and relatively beginner-friendly.
- Call ahead to confirm opening hours as it is operated solo by the owner.
- No dedicated parking is available; use nearby public parking lots.
Details
- Haengsin Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 12:00–23:00
- Monday
- 12:00–23:00
- Tuesday
- 12:00–23:00
- Wednesday
- 12:00–23:00
- Thursday
- 12:00–23:00
- Friday
- 12:00–23:00
- Saturday
- 12:00–23:00