Hello everyone! It’s been raining all day here in Seoul. I guess the spring rain is falling to welcome the new season.
The weather was a bit chilly and damp because of the rain, so it was quite a relief that our family dinner was at a place with a hot grill! Haha. While I posted about grilling Samgyeopsal yesterday, today is all about Gopchang (grilled small intestines).
Some of you might find this dish a bit unfamiliar or even a little shocking at first. However, once you fall for the charms of Gopchang, there’s no turning back! Want to take a look?
Many of you are probably familiar with Bulgogi or Samgyeopsal, but Gopchang (grilled small intestines) might be new to you. If you know about Gopchang—and especially if you’ve actually tried it—then you are a true expert in Korean cuisine!
What exactly is Gopchang?
Gopchang refers to the small intestines, most commonly from cattle (beef). While it might sound a bit adventurous at first, it has been a beloved delicacy in Korea for generations. The key to great Gopchang is “Gop,” the creamy, rich substance inside the intestines that creates a unique savory flavor you can’t find in any other cut of meat.
The real charm of Gopchang lies in its contrasting textures and deep flavors. When grilled perfectly, the outside becomes delightfully crispy, while the inside remains soft and chewy. As you chew, the rich, nutty juices (the “Gop“) burst in your mouth, offering a savory experience that is incredibly addictive. It’s the ultimate “guilty pleasure” that pairs perfectly with a cold drink on a rainy day!
Even world-famous Korean actress Song Hye–kyo recently mentioned on YouTube that the first place she heads to straight from the airport after an overseas trip is a Gopchang restaurant. Along with Korean singer Kang Min–kyung, the two of them reportedly finished seven servings of Gopchang together! Watching that video made me crave it so much I couldn’t resist.
The place Song Hye–kyo visits is incredibly famous and always has a long waiting list. But as the saying goes, “Where there is a will, there is a way!” I finally managed to go there myself!
Hye-kyo’s Favorite Spot: Meok-geori Yang-gopchang
After visiting this place, I finally understood why the waiting list is so long and why Song Hye–kyo visits three times a month. I’ve been to many Gopchang restaurants, but this one is on another level. The ingredients are incredibly fresh, so there’s absolutely no unpleasant odor—just a clean, pure taste. Plus, it’s packed with “Gop” (the rich filling), so every bite delivers a burst of nutty flavor that literally gave me shivers of joy!
The signature feature of this restaurant is grilling Baek–kimchi (white kimchi) along with the Gopchang. Do you remember how we grilled regular kimchi with Samgyeopsal yesterday post? When you grill kimchi like this, it cuts through the richness and makes the savory umami flavor explode!
Today, I visited a local Gopchang restaurant in my neighborhood. While it might not be as famous as <Meok–geori Yang–gopchang>, the taste and service were absolutely excellent. Since it’s located near a major broadcasting station, I noticed that many Korean celebrities have visited this place too.
A Local Gem in a Residential Area: Omokgyo Gopchang
I previously visited this place with a friend, but today I brought my parents along for a family dinner. It was their first time visiting, and thanks to the staff’s warm and friendly welcome, we were able to enjoy our meal in a wonderful atmosphere.
As soon as the food is placed on the grill, they put on a spectacular fire show! It’s not just a visual performance; the flames actually help remove any remaining meat odors. Today, we ordered the assorted platter. Which part should we try first?
What’s also great about this place is that they serve spicy soft tofu stew (Sundubu–jjigae) as a complimentary side dish. You know how in Korea, the side dishes alone are often enough to finish a whole bowl of rice? You might wonder how we can eat all of this, but somehow, we always manage to finish every bit. Haha, the Korean stomach is truly impressive!
On the grill, we also cook green onion kimchi, chives, and onions alongside the Gopchang. There’s a saying in Korea that “even a fried shoe would taste delicious” (meaning anything tastes great when fried). Likewise, when you grill anything together with meat fat, it all turns into an incredible delicacy!
And we can’t forget this! Somaek!
Somaek is a mixture of beer and Soju, usually in a 2:1 ratio. While it’s a legendary pairing with Samgyeopsal, it’s also an absolute must with Gopchang. There is nothing quite like taking a hot, savory bite of meat and then washing it down with a cold, refreshing glass of Somaek. It feels amazing!
By the way, when they served us water (did you know that water is free in Korean restaurants?), they actually gave us vitamin supplements too! They said it’s a special service to look out for their customers’ health. To top it off, they even give out hangover relief sticks as you’re paying and leaving. It’s a place that provides heartwarming service until the very last moment.
The places where we have family dinners might be quite different from where you live, don’t you think? I’ll continue to introduce more of the various spots we visit for family outings in the future.
Since I have to go to work tomorrow (today was a public holiday in Korea), I couldn’t drink too much Somaek, but we still had a wonderful and delicious meal together.
I’m curious to know—where do you usually go for your family dinners?
I hope you all have a wonderful meal today too!
From Seoul,
MJay
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