Where is Okdoenjang Magok branch?

Okdoenjang (OKDJ) Magok Branch is at 62 Magokdong-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul; arrive via Balsan Station (Line 9) Exit 9 and follow the directions shown.

Which branches accept Creatrip coupon?

You can use a Creatrip coupon at 10 branches: Jonggak, Seongsu, Apgujeong Station, Yeouido, Busan Centum City, Magok, Jeongja, Pangyo, Seolleung, and Incheon Unseo.

Do they offer free drink with reservation?

Yes, if you make a reservation and visit through Creatrip, you get one free bottle of drink per table.

What free item at lunchtime?

At lunchtime you can have one fried egg per person for free to cook to your liking and add to rice or hot pot.

Can two hot pots be mixed?

Yes, order 1 serving each of two different hot pots (e.g., Beef Belly and Clam, or Beef Belly and Shiitake) and ask, “Please mix them in one pot.”

Okdoenjang | A Wholesome, Carefully Prepared Healthy Meal

Korean Restaurant Recommendations near Magok Station! Okdoenjang Magok Branch — Delicious Hot Suyuk Jeongol

Yilin Hung

11 days ago

Okdoenjang | A Wholesome, Carefully Prepared Healthy Meal

If you want to experience truly Korean flavors during your trip to Korea without food that is overly spicy or intense, we recommend a savory, comforting soybean paste hot pot!

'Okdoenjang (OKDJ)' is not a restaurant made just for foreign tourists, it is a popular Korean restaurant that is well known among locals for its delicious hot pots and Beef Suyuk (boiled beef). It is a go-to spot not only for a filling lunch, but also for after-work dinner gatherings and company get-togethers.

This time, we visited 'Okdoenjang (OKDJ) Magok Branch' near Magok Station in person and tried their signature Doenjang Hot Pot and Beef Suyuk Hot Pot.

As the hot pot began to bubble away right on the table, a warm, nutty aroma filled the air, and a proper Korean-style table spread came together. Pair it with a bowl of hot rice, roasted seaweed, and kimchi, then share the hot pot together, it is a natural way to experience Korea’s everyday dining culture.

What we especially loved was that this is not “tourist food” made for visitors, it is hearty, comforting Korean home-style cuisine that Koreans genuinely enjoy in their daily lives.

Now, shall we take a look at what delicious Korean dishes you can try at Okdoenjang (OKDJ)?

👇 Click the link below to see detailed operating hours, how to use reservations, refund policy, and important notices 👇

You can truly enjoy doenjang, Korea’s signature fermented soybean paste that has been a staple of Korean home cooking for centuries, not as a simple side soup but as a hearty, satisfying doenjang hot pot.
With its deep, nutty, comforting flavor that brings back memories of warm, filling home-cooked meals, it offers familiar nostalgia for Koreans and a fresh Korean food experience for international visitors.
Beyond the doenjang hot pot, you can also order a variety of dishes like tender Beef Suyuk Hot Pot and crispy Squid & Minari Pancake, and experience Korea’s abundant shared-table dining culture.
From the cozy, old-school Korean restaurant style interior to the way everyone shares a single hot pot, you can naturally soak in Korea’s unique dining vibe, not just the food.
Because the flavors are not overly spicy or intense, it’s a premium doenjang hot pot specialty restaurant that’s widely loved by Koreans and easy for first-time Korean food explorers to enjoy.

'Okdoenjang (OKDJ)' | Our Visit

A Space Filled with the Warm Nostalgia of an Old-School Korean Restaurant

As soon as we arrived at Okdoenjang (OKDJ) Magok branch, the first thing that caught our eye was the storefront, full of old-school charm.

The wood details, the long vertical Korean sign, and the warm lighting all came together beautifully, creating a cozy atmosphere, like a Korean restaurant that has been in the same spot for years. Even though it is located in Magok, an area known for modern buildings, the moment we reached the entrance, it felt like stepping briefly back in time.

Rather than flashy, trendy decor, they used retro-style lettering and signs, along with props that reflect the passage of time, to capture the familiar, welcoming vibe of a classic Korean eatery.

Even before opening the door, we naturally found ourselves thinking of neighborhood restaurants we visited with family as kids, and the warm home-cooked meals our moms used to make.

Okdoenjang (OKDJ) shares a brand story that means, “Remembering the hearty meals our mom used to set on the table,” and you can really feel that warmth and comfort right from the exterior.

For Koreans, it brings back familiar memories, and for international travelers, it feels like a fun, unique experience, like walking into the kind of retro Korean restaurant you have seen in K-dramas.

Each table had a built-in induction cooktop, so you can boil the hot pot right at your table. Watching the broth start to bubble and seeing the warm steam rise from the pot instantly made us hungry, even before taking the first bite.

Between the cozy exterior, the clean interior, and the shared style of eating from one pot together, we could naturally feel Korea’s warm dining culture. After taking in the atmosphere, we were even more excited for the meal to come.

A Friendly Korean Restaurant That’s Easy for International Visitors to Enjoy

The menu is available in multiple languages, so even if you do not know much Korean, it was easy to choose what to order.

The staff were also very welcoming, and the restaurant had plenty of international guests as well as locals, it felt like a comfortable place to relax and enjoy your meal.

You know how some great Korean restaurants make even the complimentary water feel a little special? At Okdoenjang (OKDJ), they served a mild, nutty-tasting Oriental raisin tree tea instead of regular bottled water.

Sitting down and taking a sip of the warm, toasty tea instantly felt soothing, like the perfect way to get ready for the meal. It was clean and not overpowering, so it paired nicely with the rich doenjang hot pot and the light, tender Beef Suyuk (boiled beef).

It was impressive how much care they put in, even into the first cup of tea they serve. It may seem like a small detail, but those thoughtful touches really come together to create Okdoenjang (OKDJ)’s warm, welcoming Korean restaurant vibe.

Rice-Stealing Side Dishes

For the basic side dishes, we were served Kimchi Jjim that had been steamed until tender with pork, along with green onion kimchi. What really stood out was that instead of regular kimchi, they provide Kimchi Jjim that is softly cooked with meat as the standard side dish.

It was a clean, simple spread that pairs well with the rich doenjang hot pot, and the crunchy, tangy green onion kimchi went especially well with the mild Beef Suyuk slices. As you eat the hot pot, adding a bite of kimchi or green onion kimchi in between refreshes your palate, so you naturally keep reaching for more.

Another side dish that left a strong impression at Okdoenjang (OKDJ) was Eomma Gim (Mom’s seaweed), a name that already feels warm and nostalgic.

It was crispy with just the right amount of salt, perfect for wrapping around hot rice, and it also tasted great topped with a little kimchi or green onion kimchi. While waiting for the hot pot to start boiling, we kept snacking on it one by one, and before we knew it, our rice was disappearing. Haha.

Eomma Gim is Okdoenjang (OKDJ)’s signature side dish, and if you like it, you can also buy it separately at the restaurant.

It is a great option for anyone who wants to try it first and then enjoy it at home as an easy side dish with rice.

At lunchtime, you can have one fried egg per person for free. You can cook it to your liking, if you love a runny yolk, keep it soft and creamy, and if you prefer it well-done, cook it until nicely golden.

Place the freshly fried egg on warm rice, add kimchi or green onion kimchi on the side, then wrap it all in crispy Eomma Gim, and you have a simple but comforting, filling Korean-style meal. It was also delicious to add a little of the bubbling hot pot broth to the rice and mix it together.

The hot pot alone is already more than satisfying, but with the free fried egg on top, we could totally see why so many office workers come here for a hearty lunch.

Finally, today’s main dish, Doenjang Hot Pot

After trying the side dishes and the fried egg, the star of today’s meal, the doenjang hot pot, finally arrived!

Doenjang hot pot is a Korean-style hot pot dish where a rich broth seasoned with doenjang is packed with generous portions of meat, seafood, mushrooms, and vegetables, then cooked right at the table.

Unlike the typical doenjang-jjigae, which is usually served in a small earthenware bowl, the biggest difference is that this comes in a wide pot filled with a variety of ingredients. You simply place the pot on the table’s induction burner, wait until the broth bubbles away and the ingredients are fully cooked, then dig in.

From the moment the broth starts to boil right in front of you and the savory aroma of doenjang spreads as everything cooks, it really feels like you’re experiencing Korean food properly. And sharing one big pot placed in the middle of the table is also a natural glimpse into Korean dining culture.

At Okdoenjang (OKDJ), Minari (Water Dropwort) is added to every hot pot menu. Its fresh fragrance and crisp bite lighten up the rich, earthy doenjang broth, so even if you keep sipping the soup, it doesn’t feel too heavy or greasy.

When we ordered, the manager also shared a tip on how to enjoy ‘Okdoenjang’ even more deliciously.

At many hot pot specialty restaurants, you often have to order at least two servings of the same menu item, but at Okdoenjang (OKDJ), you can choose two different hot pots as one serving each and ask them to combine them. Thanks to this, even if you’re visiting as a pair, you don’t have to stick to just one option, you can experience different ingredients and flavors all at once.

This time, on the manager’s recommendation, we ordered one serving of Beef Belly Doenjang Hot Pot and one serving of Clam Doenjang Hot Pot. When we asked, “Please mix them in one pot,” they brought it out loaded with beef belly, clams, Minari, and plenty of vegetables.

The deep, nutty richness from the beef belly and the clean, umami flavor of the clams blended naturally into the savory doenjang broth. What I especially loved was that you can enjoy both meat and seafood together in one pot without having to order them separately.

At first, we ate the beef and vegetables together, then once the broth had boiled down nicely, we paired the clams and doenjang broth with rice. The more you eat, the more the flavors from the meat and seafood seep into the soup, making it even deeper and more satisfying than at the start.

If you’re visiting with two or more people, choose one serving each of the hot pot you want, then try ordering them mixed into one pot. It’s a great way to compare different ingredients and flavors in a single meal, and it’s the ordering tip I’d especially recommend to first-time visitors to Okdoenjang (OKDJ)!!

On one side of the table, there was also a small container where you could toss clam shells right away, which was super convenient. You didn’t have to pile shells onto a plate, so it was easy to keep the table neat while eating.

There was also an hourglass that tells you how long to let the hot pot cook. Once the broth starts boiling, flip the hourglass and let it simmer a bit longer until all the sand runs through, then it’s ready to eat. It was especially helpful for foreign travelers who may not be familiar with hot pot style dishes, since it makes it easy to know when to start eating!

The Squid & Minari Pancake You Should Definitely Order

Next up is the Squid & Minari Pancake, a dish I personally think you absolutely should not miss at Okdoenjang (OKDJ).

If I had to choose just one side to enjoy with the hot pot, I would recommend the Squid & Minari Pancake without hesitation. It is said to be one of Okdoenjang (OKDJ)’s signature favorites that many customers come for, and after trying it myself, I immediately understood why people order it with the hot pot.

Jeon (Korean savory pancake) is one of Korea’s classic dishes, made by mixing ingredients like vegetables or seafood into a light batter, then pan-frying it thin until golden. It is also famous as a go-to food to enjoy on rainy days with makgeolli, which makes it a great Korean dish to introduce to international travelers.

The Squid & Minari Pancake was generously packed with chewy squid and fragrant Minari. The batter was not overly thick, so you could really taste the ingredients’ texture and aroma, the edges were crisp, while the inside stayed moist and tender.

As soon as I took a bite, the fresh, herbal scent of Minari came through first, and the more I chewed, the more the squid’s pleasantly chewy texture stood out. Even though it is a savory, pan-fried pancake, the Minari kept it feeling light and refreshing, so it did not taste as heavy or greasy as you might expect.

After a spoonful of the rich, deeply savory doenjang broth, pairing it with a crispy piece of the Minari Pancake worked incredibly well. Switching back and forth between the warm hot pot and the freshly fried pancake made it hard to put my chopsticks down.

Because it is cooked to order and served right away, you get to enjoy it at its warmest and crispiest when it arrives at the table. I recommend starting from the edges before it cools down.

There are also other Minari Pancake options, not just squid, including ones with dried shrimp and Freshwater Snail (Ureong). You can choose based on your taste, but if it is your first visit, I recommend starting with the Squid & Minari Pancake so you can enjoy both the chewy squid and the fragrant Minari together.

Not sure what to order?

Okdoenjang (OKDJ) offers a wide variety of dishes, from doenjang hot pot to Beef Suyuk Hot Pot and Minari Pancake, so if it’s your first visit, you might not know what to start with.

To help you choose based on your preferences and group size, we’ve put together the key features of their signature menu items and who we recommend them for.

Beef belly doenjang hot pot: The rich, savory flavor of thin-sliced brisket infuses into the broth, so we recommend this for anyone who loves a deep, hearty doenjang hot pot.

Shiitake mushroom doenjang hot pot: With the aroma and umami of shiitake mushrooms, this one is great for those who prefer a lighter, cleaner-tasting broth.

Mix and match two options: If you’re dining with two or more people, try choosing one serving of two different hot pots and mixing them in one pot. You’ll get to enjoy two ingredients and flavors at once.

Assorted Beef Suyuk Hot Pot: Featuring tender boiled beef you can sample by cut, it’s a great way to experience a Korean-style beef dish that’s different from grilled meat.

Squid and Minari Pancake: A crispy pancake made with chewy squid and fragrant Minari (Water Dropwort), we recommend ordering it as a side dish to go with your hot pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What’s the difference between doenjang hot pot and doenjang-jjigae?

doenjang-jjigae is typically a soupy stew served in an individual earthenware pot, while doenjang hot pot is made in a wide pot loaded with generous portions of meat and seafood, mushrooms, and vegetables, meant to be shared. At Okdoenjang (OKDJ), you cook it yourself on the tabletop induction burner, so you can enjoy the cooking process, too.

Q. Is the doenjang hot pot spicy?

The basic doenjang hot pot is not spicy. It’s more savory, slightly salty, and rich, so even if you’re not good with spicy food, you can enjoy it comfortably. If you want something with a kick, try ordering the spicy soft tofu hot pot, it’s hearty with a deep, satisfying flavor.

Q. Can we mix and match different doenjang hot pots in one order?

Yes. When ordering for two people, choose 1 serving of the Beef Belly Doenjang Hot Pot and 1 serving of either the shiitake mushroom or clam doenjang hot pot, then ask, “Please mix them in one pot.” This is especially recommended for first-time visitors since you can enjoy different ingredients and flavors at once.

Q. Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, there are options where meat is not the main ingredient, such as the shiitake mushroom doenjang hot pot. However, the broth, seasonings, and side dishes may still contain animal-based ingredients, so if you follow a strict vegetarian diet, please contact the restaurant in advance.

Q. Is it okay to visit alone?

Yes. You can order the doenjang hot pot starting from 1 serving, so it’s perfectly fine to dine solo. However, mixing two different hot pots in one pot is only possible when ordering for two or more people, so if you visit with companions, you’ll be able to try a wider variety of menu items.

Our Overall Review After Visiting Okdoenjang (OKDJ)

Today, we introduced everything in detail, from the vibe of Okdoenjang (OKDJ) to how to order their doenjang hot pot deliciously, must-try recommended dishes, and frequently asked questions.

Eating fried chicken and samgyeopsal during your Korea trip is definitely fun, but we also recommend trying, at least once, the deep, savory flavor of doenjang, a fermented food Koreans have enjoyed for generations.

With the bubbling doenjang broth, fragrant Minari (Water Dropwort), tender meat, and the freshly pan-fried, crispy Squid & Minari Pancake all together, it really felt like enjoying a proper Korean table spread. Since the flavors are not overly spicy or intense, it is also a great place for foreign travelers who are not yet used to Korean food to try comfortably.

What made it even more memorable was experiencing Korea’s natural dining culture, sharing a single pot together. If you are looking for warm, satisfying Korean comfort food that locals truly enjoy, be sure to stop by Okdoenjang (OKDJ)!

If you make a reservation and visit through Creatrip, you can get one free bottle of drink per table, so do not miss out on this special perk!

'Okdoenjang (OKDJ) Magok Branch' | How to Get There

Exit Balsan Station (Line 9) through Exit 9.

Go straight.

Keep going straight.

Turn right.