Discovering the Rustic Charm and Delicious Grilled Duck at Sigol Maru Jangjakgui(시골마루장작구이) in Seo-o-reung
① Restaurant Name
Sigol Maru Jangjakgui (시골마루장작구이) – Seo-o-reung Branch
② Address
307-16, Seo-o-reung-ro, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
③ Why It’s Worth the Hype
Today’s featured restaurant is the renowned Sigol Maru Jangjakgui in Seo-o-reung, famous for its wood-fired rotisserie (Jangjakgui) dishes, especially the duck. This place isn’t just about delicious grilled duck; they also serve fantastic wood-fired pork belly and Baeksook (chicken soup with rice), making it a haven for barbecue lovers. It’s even been featured on various TV shows, a testament to its popularity. Discovering such a gem near Seoo-reung, which is also close to Eunpyeong-gu, was a delightful surprise. I immediately thought of recommending it for our next family gathering!
④ Ambience & Vibe
Located on Seo-o-reung-ro, Sigol Maru Jangjakgui offers a refreshing escape from the city bustle. Its proximity to Gusan Station and Yeonsinnae makes it easily accessible for those living in Eunpyeong-gu. I was surprised I hadn’t discovered it sooner, especially since my in-laws live in Yeonsinnae. This is definitely a place I want to bring my parents-in-law to. Upon entering the grounds, you’ll see the restaurant building. Despite it being early evening, the parking lot was already quite full, which is always a good sign. They also have outdoor seating, which gives the whole experience a lovely camping vibe. Inside, the walls are adorned with celebrity autographs, further confirming its reputation as a local favorite. It seems like it’s been around for a while, and I’m just now discovering it! Perhaps having a child has made me more inclined to explore places like Seoo-reung. There’s a waiting area, and next to it, a candy vending machine for kids and a soft-serve ice cream machine (though the ice cream is only available on weekends, sadly). Despite the early dinner hour, the main hall was packed. Only room seating was available, but those were all reserved, as indicated on the reservation list at the entrance. The private rooms looked spacious enough for group gatherings, making it a great option for meetings in the Eunpyeong-gu area as well. The outdoor seating area, with its gazebo-like structures, looked particularly charming for enjoying a meal on a pleasant day. The restaurant also has a bonfire area where you can enjoy the warmth and even roast sweet potatoes after your meal, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. The swings and small play area in the garden also make it family-friendly.
⑤ Beer & Food Highlights
Here’s a look at the menu and prices at Sijol Maru Jangjakgui in Seoo-reung. They offer a variety of options, including duck, pork belly, Tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties), pork ribs, marinated pork neck, herb-marinated pork neck, and Baeksook. However, being a wood-fired rotisserie specialty restaurant, we decided to order the Herb Garlic Duck (Heobeu Maneul Ori), which was listed first on the menu. What was truly impressive was the note on the menu stating that all main dish orders come with complimentary rice, soybean paste stew (Doenjang Jjigae), Janchi Guksu (banquet noodles), and porridge! What fantastic service! We also ordered some Soju and beer to accompany our meal. The side dishes arrived first, and they were all delicious. I especially enjoyed the fresh greens (Chamnamul, I think?) and the perfectly rinsed Kimchi, which paired wonderfully with the duck. If you need more side dishes, there’s a self-service bar where you can help yourself. Our Herb Garlic Duck was then presented – a generous portion, beautifully roasted over a wood fire, giving it a fantastic smoky aroma. It reminded me of the smoked pork belly my husband used to make on our Weber grill. My mouth was watering! Since the duck is already cooked, you just need to warm it up a bit on the grill at your table, which was very convenient. No long wait required! My husband took on grilling duties once again. Once the duck was nicely heated, it was time to eat! With the unlimited meal options, we ordered a Kimchi Mari Guksu (cold noodles in Kimchi broth), a bowl of rice, and the Doenjang Jjigae. The Kimchi Mari Guksu was refreshingly cool and had a nice kick to it – perfect with Soju! The Doenjang Jjigae and rice arrived quickly. Not having to order separate meals felt like great value for the price, making this place ideal for gatherings in the Seoo-reung area. We eagerly started eating. The duck wrapped in the rinsed Kimchi was an absolute delight! We devoured it. Even our child enjoyed the duck with rice, almost finishing a whole bowl on their own (and they don’t usually eat a lot of rice). The Herb Garlic Duck wrapped in lettuce was also delicious. It was so good that I kept wondering why I hadn’t discovered this place sooner! The portion size was just right for the four of us (three adults and one child). As we were almost finished, the staff brought us some roasted sweet potatoes that had been cooking under the grill – one for each of us! It was a perfect sweet ending to a fantastic meal.
⑥ How to Get There
Located on Seoo-reung-ro, Sijol Maru Jangjakgui is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take a bus from either Gusan Station or Yeonsinnae Station. If you’re driving, there’s ample parking available.
⑦ Google Map
⑧ Naver Map
⑨ Final Thoughts
Sigol Maru Jangjakgui in Seo-o-reung is a fantastic place that offers not only delicious wood-fired barbecue but also a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The generous complimentary meal options and the post-meal roasted sweet potatoes were particularly memorable. I highly recommend this restaurant for family outings or gatherings with friends. If you’re planning a visit to Seoo-reung, be sure to include this gem in your itinerary!
