A Local Favorite in Namdaemun Market’s Braised Cutlassfish Alley: Jungang Galchi Restaurant
If you’re looking for a taste of Seoul’s old-school charm and hearty, spicy seafood dishes, make your way to the Braised Cutlassfish Alley in Namdaemun Market—a hidden gem for locals and in-the-know food lovers. Among the many bustling eateries here, Jungang Galchi Restaurant (중앙갈치식당) stands out as a beloved spot known for its rich, flavorful galchi-jjim (braised cutlassfish) served in hot stone bowls.
📍 Location & Hours
Jungang Galchi Restaurant
📍 22-12 Namdaemun Market-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
🕒 Open daily: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
❗ No regular holidays (but check ahead during major holidays)
Tucked away in a narrow alley within Namdaemun Market, the restaurant has the nostalgic feel of an old Seoul eatery. As you walk through the alley, you’ll see fish being grilled on open flames, hot stone pots bubbling with spicy broth, and steamed egg dishes puffing up like little volcanos—it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.
🥘 What to Order
Their signature braised cutlassfish is the main attraction—served piping hot in a stone pot with thick, spicy broth and tender slices of cutlassfish. Each order typically includes:
- 2 generous pieces of galchi
- A small grilled cutlassfish on the side
- A fluffy steamed egg served as a complimentary dish
- A selection of traditional Korean banchan (side dishes), such as radish kimchi, seasoned vegetables, and crispy sheets of dried seaweed
✅ Pro tip: Wrap a bite of cutlassfish in the dried seaweed—it’s a classic Korean way to enjoy it.
You can also order the grilled fish platter, which comes with a variety of fish like flatfish (gajami), mackerel pike (ggongchi), and croaker (jogi). While the croaker was a bit on the small side during my visit, the overall quality was satisfying and full of flavor.
🌿 Taste & Ingredients
The dish’s spicy red sauce isn’t overwhelming with artificial seasoning—unlike some other places—and tastes well-balanced. It’s bold, but won’t leave you bloated or dry-mouthed. The cutlassfish used is domestically sourced, meaning it’s smaller than imported varieties but fresher, softer, and more flavorful.
Even the small grilled piece that accompanies the main dish is surprisingly good. Though the bones haven’t been completely removed, most are soft enough to eat, and the rest can be easily picked out.
🅿 Parking Tip for Weekends
If you’re driving, there’s a handy weekend-only parking option nearby:
- Woori Bank HQ Basement Parking (B4)
📍 51 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
⏰ Open weekends only: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
🚨 Important: After parking, stop by the Namdaemun Market Tourist Information Center to pick up a 3-hour free parking coupon. Without this, you’ll be charged full price.
Route:
- Park at Woori Bank (weekends only)
- Walk ~10 minutes to the restaurant
- Get your parking coupon from the tourist center
🚇 Getting There by Subway
For a stress-free visit, take Line 4 to Hoehyeon Station and use Exit 5—the alley is just around the corner.
🍽 Final Thoughts
Jungang Galchi Restaurant is the kind of place where locals gather for a hot, comforting meal. Whether you’re dining alone or with friends, you’ll get generous portions, genuine flavors, and a true slice of Seoul’s culinary heritage. And for solo diners—good news! Unlike many other restaurants in the area, they serve single portions, making it perfect for travelers exploring the market on their own.
Don’t forget to finish your meal with a hot Namdaemun-style stuffed pancake (hotteok) from one of the nearby stalls—it’s the perfect sweet ending to a spicy feast.
🏷 Hashtags (for blog/Instagram)
#NamdaemunMarket #GalchiJjim #JungangGalchi #SeoulFoodie #BraisedCutlassfish #HiddenGemsSeoul #KoreanSeafood #SoloDiningSeoul #TraditionalKoreanFood #NamdaemunEats
