Seoul Wonjo Agujjim

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40-year-old Masan-style monkfish stew specialist in Seocho, famous for soy crab and customizable spice levels.

# Seoul Wonjo Agujjim: Where Forty Years Meet Seafood Mastery Tucked 77 meters from Sinsa Station's exit four, Seoul Wonjo Agujjim has been refining its craft for four decades—a longevity that speaks to something deeper than trend. Despite its name anchoring the menu around spicy monkfish stew, this Jongno establishment has built its reputation on dishes that demand repeat visits. The soy-marinated crab, *gangjang gejang*, arrives in its shell with roe and meat so rich you can eat it straight over rice, no accompaniments needed. Pair this with the restaurant's signature *gealbaekban*—rice crowned with crab roe and tender crab meat—and you've entered territory that justifies the splurge. The contrast between the glossy, umami-dark marinade and the sweet brininess of the roe creates a kind of luxury that tastes earned rather than excessive. The monkfish stew itself arrives in ascending heat levels: Shin Ramyun spice, nuclear ramen heat, or Buldak-level fire. Bean sprouts tangle through the flesh, which remains silken even after cooking. The liver—ordered separately and dressed in wasabi-soy sauce—tastes buttery and mineral-rich, a textural counterpoint to the stew's intensity. Shrimp likewise splits the difference between versions: ten pieces come standard in either soy or spiced gochujang glaze, though you can order five pieces or mix both preparations. The tubed sea squirt, *mideodeok*, arrives with that satisfying crunch that defines seafood stews across Korea. The restaurant accommodates international guests by offering *dongchimi* (spicy radish water) and kombu on request—a helpful touch, though notably requiring advance notice. Whether ordering the *gejang* for 86,000 won or building a full table experience with stew and shrimp, this is the kind of place where anticipation makes the meal taste better. Some locations operate around the clock, making this four-decade establishment accessible whenever the craving strikes.