Must-Try Comfort Food in Hwagok: Grandma Chueotang (할머니추어탕), Sinwol 2nd Branch
Looking for a hearty Korean meal that warms your soul and fills your belly?
Grandma Chueotang (할머니추어탕) on Garogongwon-ro is a beloved local spot where the line never seems to end — and trust me, it’s worth the wait.
① Restaurant Name
Grandma Chueotang – Sinwol 2nd Branch (할머니추어탕 신월2호점)
② Address
146, Garogongwon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul
서울 양천구 가로공원로 146
③ Why It’s Worth the Hype
Located near Hwagok’s Garogongwon-gil, this place is always bustling — even though the restaurant is surprisingly spacious.
The prices are very reasonable, and the flavor is on point.
The soup is rich and deep, and the ground loach is blended so smoothly that there’s no gritty texture at all — perfect for first-timers.
④ What Makes It Special
As soon as the chueotang arrived, I poured the hot stone pot rice straight into the soup — no hesitation! I was way too hungry to wait.
Yes, they serve your rice in a sizzling stone pot.
Also: the fried loach (추어튀김)? Surprisingly delicious.
I used to find the idea a bit off-putting, but once I heard it was healthy, I gave in — and wow, it was totally worth it.
Even the side dishes shine here. The kkakdugi (radish kimchi) is super crunchy and flavorful.
And that little red thing? It’s fermented oysters (어리굴젓).
Try it on top of the scorched rice (nurungji) — it’s an unexpected match made in heaven.
Bonus: they even sell jars of fermented oysters. I bought one to bring home for my dad!
⑤ How to Get There
Take Exit 3 at Hwagok Station (화곡역 3번출구) and walk toward Garogongwon-gil (가로공원길).
The restaurant is located right along the main street, just a short walk from the station.
You’ll see the bright red sign — and probably a line of hungry locals.
⑥ Google Map
⑦ Naver Map
⑧ Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something truly comforting and deeply Korean, this is the place.
It’s affordable, satisfying, and full of flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
And hey, don’t be scared of the loach — it just might surprise you.
