[Korea Travel] A Popular Special Grilled Beef Offal, 'Gopchang' Restaurant Loved by Koreans
I am a Korean who loves traveling. I have visited many countries, including the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.
One thing I often found lacking during my travels was information about local favorites, the latest trending restaurants, and the best places to shop. I always wanted to experience what locals truly enjoy, but finding such details was not always easy.
Since I am a blogger on Naver, Korea’s largest online community, I decided to start writing about all the fun, trendy, and delicious things Korea has to offer. As a designer, I frequently visit trendy places, and I want to share these experiences with others.
I hope this blog helps make your trip to Korea even more enjoyable! If you have any questions during your travels, feel free to ask, and I’ll reply as soon as I can. π
Introducing ‘Gopchang Gui’ – A Must-Try Dish for Foreign Visitors!
I’d like to introduce a Korean dish that even foreigners can enjoy – Gopchang Gui (Grilled Beef or Pork Intestines)!
The ‘gopchang’ I’m introducing is carefully cleaned beef intestines that are grilled to perfection, offering an incredibly rich and savory taste.
Last week, I visited a restaurant to enjoy gopchang after a long time. While I was there, I saw a foreign couple at the table next to me who couldn’t speak a single word of Korean, yet they kept ordering more gopchang multiple times and even finished their meal with bokkeumbap (fried rice). Seeing them enjoy it so much made me realize that this dish can also be a great choice for foreign visitors. That’s why I wanted to introduce it here!
At the end, I’ll also share my recommendations for famous gopchang restaurants where people line up to get a taste! ππ₯
This is ‘Byulmi Gopchang’ in Jamsil, Seoul!
This restaurant, Byulmi Gopchang, is located in Jamsil, Seoul. Here, the gopchang is served already grilled, but for an even crispier and nuttier flavor, you can let it cook a little longer until the outside turns extra crispy.
If you find it difficult to ask the staff how to eat it because of the language barrier, just turn on a translation app and ask! Koreans are very friendly and will be happy to help. I even helped the foreign couple at the next table!
To call a staff member, simply press the "bell" located on the table. This table-call bell is something you’ll often find in Korea! π
This is a well-known restaurant in Jamsil, and like many popular places in Korea, you may need to wait for a table. However, I highly recommend going to a famous gopchang restaurant, even if you have to wait. That’s because gopchang can sometimes be tough, and well-known spots tend to prepare it better for the best taste and texture.
To get a table, write down your name, the number of people in your group, and sometimes your phone number on the waiting list. Then, just wait for your turn! π
Alright, Everyone! Is It an iPhone? Time to Use Your Phone! π±
Turn on your phone and make full use of the translation features! After all, we need to enjoy delicious food while in Korea! π½️π
If you’re unsure what to order:
✅ Want to try different parts? Say "Modeum Gopchang" (λͺ¨λ¬κ³±μ°½) – a mixed platter of various cuts.
✅ Love a rich, fatty, and nutty taste? Say "So Gopchang" (μκ³±μ°½) – beef intestines with a savory and juicy flavor.
π‘ Important Tip! Order fried rice (λ³Άμλ°₯, "Bokkeumbap") after finishing the gopchang!
Last week, I saw a foreign couple at the next table order gopchang and fried rice at the same time… Their table had two grilling pans because of it! π
In Korea, it’s common to finish your meal with fried rice after enjoying the gopchang. So make sure to save room for it! π₯π
In Korea, Odeng Tang (μ€λ ν, fish cake soup) is often served for free as a complimentary side dish.
Koreans often enjoy drinking while eating, so starting with a glass of soju and a warm bowl of Odeng Tang is a fantastic combination! πΆπ₯
If you visit Korea, I highly recommend trying soju. It’s similar to vodka but has a lower alcohol content and is served ice-cold for a refreshing taste. One popular soju brand among young people is ‘Saero’ (μλ‘)—it’s crisp and not too sweet, making it a great choice!
Beer is also available at almost every restaurant. Some of Korea’s most famous beer brands include Cass (μΉ΄μ€), Hite (νμ΄νΈ), and Terra (ν λΌ)—all known for their smooth and refreshing taste.
Start your meal with a cold drink and Odeng Tang—highly recommended! π’π»
In Korea, you’ll usually find spoons, chopsticks, and napkins placed next to your table, so be sure to check before calling the staff!
Interestingly, this restaurant also provides soju glasses at the table—quite unique! ππΆ
How to Enjoy So Gopchang – The Perfect Pairings! π
So Gopchang (μκ³±μ°½) has a rich, nutty, and slightly fatty taste, so it pairs perfectly with:
✅ Cheongyang chili pepper (μ²μκ³ μΆ) – for a spicy kick πΆ️
✅ Onions (μν) – for a fresh balance π§
✅ Dipping sauce (salt + pepper + sesame oil) – for a savory finish π₯’
At this restaurant, they also serve green onion kimchi (νκΉμΉ), which adds an extra layer of flavor!
π₯ Pro tip: You can grill raw garlic on the hot plate for an even richer taste!
Try eating gopchang in different ways:
π₯© One bite with chili pepper
π₯© One bite with onion
π₯© One bite dipped in sesame oil
There are so many ways to enjoy this dish! Once you try it… you might just want to come back to Korea again! π✨
Last Tip for You! π»
Do you know ‘So-Maek’ (μλ§₯)?
In Korea, we love mixing soju and beer to make a drink called ‘Poktanju’ (ννμ£Ό), which is often enjoyed as a fun way to drink! It’s a refreshing combination of soju and beer. Here’s how to make it:
- Mix soju and beer in a 1:5 ratio.
- Tap the bottom of your glass with a chopstick to stir it up (or if you prefer, just stir it well)! π₯’π»
If you’ve enjoyed this, then you’ve experienced Korean drinking culture just like a local! Your trip will definitely be a true experience of Korean food culture. π°π·
Recommended by Designer Sera: 'Korean Restaurants' π΄