Oncheonjib | Ikseondong

Ikseondong, a maze-like area filled with surprises. Hidden inside this maze there lies a restaurant named Oncheonjib. This restaurant is so popular that it's always full of people. I had to find out for myself why this particular restaurant is packed with people and see what the hype was about.

Information

Address: 서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-8

Hours: 11:30-21:30 (Break time weekdays 15:00-17:00)

Review

I arrived at 4:45 pm, and there were 2 people already queuing for the 5 pm dinner, and just 10 minutes later 15 people were waiting outside. This place has gotten a massive amount of attention on Instagram due to its looks and vibe. It is one of the trendiest places to visit in Ikseondong right now.

At first, I thought this place was designed to look like hanok giving it a traditional Korean look. But it was actually a Japanese design. When you step inside, you feel it more. The name Oncheon means hot spring, and Japanese people love Oncheon. That's why they installed a Japanese wooden bathtub around. The white sand and big stepping stones have set the tone of classy Japanese Oncheon. Even with COVID-19, it was packed with people and more waiting outside.

One cool thing I saw was the tables above the roof. It's actually the toilet below, but I think it's still cool to eat up there. I want to try eating up there next time.

We sat in a cosy room for two and ordered our food. One thing I really liked about this place was the attitudes of the waiters and managers towards their customers. They were super kind and gentle. Places, where it's full of people and hectic, tend to get a little rough with their service, but not here.

Soybean Shabu ₩17,000

As a group of two, we ordered one portion of Soybean Shabu and Beefsteak deopbab (rice bowl) Oncheonjip Set.

For Soybean Shabu they give you a mini pot that has soybean soup, and when it starts to boil, you can put the beef and vegetables. Before you do anything, the most crucial step is to separate the egg. I crack opened the egg slightly to pour all the egg whites into a bowl. Then pour the egg yolk on the pink dish. Pour the egg white into the boiling soybean soup and stir it. When you dip the beef into the boiling soup, it will be done in less than 10 seconds.

You have three sauces to dip your beef. First, put a little bit of wasabi. Second, dip it in the egg yolk. Third, dip it in the sweet-chill sauce. Or eat as it is. I liked it dipped in egg yolk with a bit of wasabi. When you finish eating all the beef and vegetables, add the noodle to complete your meal. I got really full so I couldn’t finish the noodles.

Oncheonjip Set (Beefsteak deopbab) ₩22,000

Poached egg and vegetables with medium-rare beef steak. The seasoned rice is beneath the beef. The beef was soft and tasty to chew. I liked to dip the beef into the poached egg, making it more creamy or wrap it with onions.

The side dish change in seasons, so when you visit, they could serve different side dishes. I'll tell you what I got. On the right is the banchans (side dishes). Clockwise from the top left corner was dried vegetables, octopus marinated with wasabi, seasoned eggplant and acorn curd dipped in soy sauce. My favourite was the octopus marinated with wasabi. It went really well with the beef and rice.

On the left is desserts. Clockwise from the top left corner was cheese ball dipped in honey, Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette), lychee with citron jelly, and sweet squid. I really liked the lychee with citron jelly. The sweetness from lychee and refreshing flavour from the jelly complemented each other very well.

When we finished and got up, they placed our shoes like this, which was very thoughtful.

The look of the food was very neat and lovely, but the taste was just above average. For its price, I think they could do more with the food. There was no wow factor to it. But then again, the place in itself was very mesmerising and classy. I guess you are paying for its scenes and services. Oncheonjib, a piece of Japan in Seoul.

Direction

As soon as you come out of Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga turn right.

Go into an alleyway on the left. From there, keep walking straight.

Keep walking straight.

When you approach this section turn right.

Go straight and you have reached your destination.

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