Golden Eel (Hwanggeum Jangeo) - The Must-Visit Spot for Delectable Eel Dishes in Ilsan, South Korea

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Introduction to Golden Eel and Hwangjanggun

Golden Eel (Hwanggeum Jangeo) and Hwangjanggun




Golden Eel (Hwanggeum Jangeo) is an unbeatable value-for-money restaurant specializing in eel dishes, located in Deok-i-dong, Ilsan. Also home to the popular noodle house, Hwangjanggun, this spot offers a diverse menu that caters to a variety of tastes. The restaurant warmly welcomes dine-in customers and also provides high-quality takeout service.


The Dual-restaurant Layout

The Dual-restaurant Layout


During my visit in January, I had the opportunity to take out some eel, and this time, with Parents' Day approaching, I chose to do the same. Our visit was during lunchtime, so we decided to have our lunch here as well as pack some eel for later. The restaurant complex is divided into two sections - on the right is Golden Eel, and on the left is the Woopanmong restaurant. Though separated in the middle, customers can freely move between both sides.



The Spacious Interior and Open Kitchen

The Spacious Interio

The spacious interior houses up to 61 tables, each capable of accommodating 4-6 guests. The open kitchen, visible through large glass windows, allows customers to observe the cooking process, instilling a sense of trust in the restaurant's practices.


Open Kitchen


The Pungcheon Freshwater Eel at Golden Eel

 Freshwater Eel



At Golden Eel, the primary dish is eel sourced from Pungcheon freshwater. During our visit, we purchased 2 kilograms of eel - enough to feed four adults (after cleaning and preparation, it weighs approximately 1 kilogram). The eel is semi-grilled for take-out orders, ensuring it tastes just as good at home as it does in the restaurant. However, make sure not to cook it on a very hot, old frying pan at home as it can stick and lose its flavor.

The Pungcheon Freshwater Eel at Golden Eel


Diverse Menu Options for the Whole Family


Alongside the eel, there are various other dishes available. These include fish soup, fish soup noodles, doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew), and rice. There are also sausage dishes for kids, making it a great place for family dining.


The Noodle Delights and Galbitang of Woopanmong

Galbitang

Handmade Noodles


In addition to Golden Eel, the Woopanmong restaurant, previously known as Hwangjanggun, specializes in Galbitang (rib soup). Though the Hwangjanggun name no longer exists, they still serve their famous cold noodles and noodle soup. 



The Excellence of Handmade Noodles and Galbitang


For our lunch, we ordered Galbitang and cold noodles. The noodles, made in-house, were thin and tender, offering an excellent bite. While earlier the restaurant used to serve the noodles with charcoal-grilled meat, currently only the noodles are served. However, the serving size is quite substantial, on par with the larger servings at other restaurants.


Ideal for Family Dining

Galbitang


My four-year-old son had a great time enjoying his Galbitang. The soup was filled with large, tender ribs, which were not only delicious but also suitable for children. The soup broth was rich and refreshing, adding to the overall delightful dining experience.


Self-Serve Bar and Amenities

Self-Serve Bar and Amenities


The restaurant also features a self-serve bar where customers can get additional side dishes as per their preference. It includes lettuce, perilla leaves, kimchi, ssamjang (wrap sauce), salad, pineapple kimchi, ginger, and various sauces.

Self-Serve Bar

Self-Serve Bar

Self-Serve Bar

Self-Serve Bar


For families with children, the restaurant offers child-friendly amenities like child-sized cutlery, scissor, tongs, and small plates, making dining more convenient. Moreover, a self-service coffee vending machine is available for customers to enjoy a cup of coffee after their meal.


Conclusion: A Top-Choice for Quality and Value

In summary, Golden Eel and Woopanmong offer excellent value-for-money dining experience. Golden Eel is always our go-to place for eel take-out, as their semi-grilled eel is as tasty as the famous eel dishes of Paju. The Galbitang from Woopanmong and the noodles from Hwangjanggun are hearty and delicious as well. We plan to order from here again the next time we wish to pack some eel, and are also eager to try out their other menu options.



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