Mapo Jeong Daepo 마포 정 대포

Cuisine: Korean

Price: $

Reservations: No

Suggested Items: Galmaegisal, Dwaeji Galbi

This Mapo hole-in-the-wall is actually an upgrade from its smaller hole-in-the-wall location.  Mapo Jeong Depo is a no frills blue collar grill joint that does what it does well.  The floor is concrete.  The tables are small, and it gets noisy in the evening.  The menu consists of the basic grilled pork options of any Korean “gwi jip,” including samgyeopsal, galmaegisal and dwaeji galbi.  The galmaegisal is a top option.  Sweet, earthy pork.  It’s not a pan-fry place.  They do use charcoals and not gas.  What makes MJD unique is the double use of the well normally intended for collecting the rendered pork fat.  They pour scrambled egg into this well, where you can top it off with their well-aged kimchi.  Mike “The Metropolitician” Hurt likes to bring his own cheese to top it off.  Kimchi, pork and eggs create a glorious combination.  Their fermented bean soup is also a hit–light and buttery.  The service is typical of many of these places.  It’s family owned, but they aren’t rude.  You just have to shout pretty loud to get their attention.

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Phone: 02-3275-0122

Location

Mapo Station, exit 3.  Go behind the Best Western and turn left on the side road.

or

Gongdeok Station, exit 8.  First left, then next right.  Cross the street, and it’s on your left.  Look for the orange sign.

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Tags: Korean, Mapo, Seoul