Some Korean meals are about more than just filling your stomach. They are about good food, a drink or two, and catching up with an old friend.
On this day, I headed to Geomdan in Incheon for grilled sea eel. What began as a hearty lunch turned into a leisurely afternoon of grilled eel, Korean side dishes, soju, beer, and shrimp ramyeon.
And yes, we were drinking during the day.
Why Koreans Eat Eel for Stamina
In Korea, certain foods are known as boyangsik (보양식)—hearty foods people eat to restore their energy and take care of themselves.
These dishes are especially popular on boknal (복날), the three hottest days of summer, when many Koreans line up at restaurants for samgyetang or eel.
Samgyetang, or ginseng chicken soup, is probably the best-known example. But eel is another popular choice. In Korea, eel is often mentioned right after samgyetang as a favorite stamina food.
Grilled eel is especially appealing when you want a substantial meal that feels a little special. It is savory and satisfying, and it is often enjoyed with fresh vegetables, garlic, ginger, and dipping sauces.
Freshwater Eel vs. Sea Eel
Not all Korean eel dishes are the same.
- Freshwater eel (민물장어): Often richer and fattier, and commonly served grilled with a sweet-savory sauce or salt seasoning.
- Sea eel (바다장어): Also known as anago (아나고), it is lighter and leaner, with a clean, mild flavor.
At this restaurant, the menu identified the dish as bada jangeo (anago), so we were having sea eel rather than freshwater eel.
The Main Event: Grilled Sea Eel
The eel arrived, and we grilled it at the table.
There is something satisfying about watching the pieces cook slowly on the grill. As the surface begins to brown, the eel develops a savory aroma that makes it difficult to wait.
Because sea eel isn't oily, I found that a pinch of salt was all it needed. No sauce, no glaze. Just eel, charcoal, and salt.
The meal came with a variety of Korean side dishes, or banchan (반찬). We had seasoned chives, pickled vegetables, mushrooms, pickled wild garlic leaves, and even beondegi (번데기), steamed silkworm pupae—a traditional Korean snack that can surprise first-time visitors.
Garlic, ginger, and dipping sauces offered more ways to enjoy the eel. The side dishes added different textures and flavors, making each bite a little different.
It was a simple, satisfying combination: freshly grilled eel, small plates to share, and plenty of time to enjoy the food.
Day Drinking, Korean Style
In Korea, there is a familiar saying about drinking during the day:
“낮술에 취하면 애미애비도 몰라본다.”
A playful English translation would be: “Get drunk during the day, and you might not even recognize your own parents.”
It is an exaggerated warning, of course, but it captures the reputation of daytime drinking in Korean humor.
We started with somaek (소맥), a mix of soju and beer, and later moved on to soju. Between the food and the conversation, lunch gradually became a long afternoon.
The best part was not the alcohol itself. It was having nowhere urgent to go and no need to rush through the meal. When you are catching up with an old friend, even an ordinary lunch can turn into a memorable occasion.
Finishing with Shrimp Ramyeon
Just when we thought we were done, shrimp ramyeon entered the picture.
The restaurant's menu listed shrimp ramyeon at ₩5,000 (about US$3.75). After grilled eel and drinks, a hot bowl of spicy noodles was a fitting way to finish.
Autumn is also a popular season for daeha (대하), large Korean prawns, especially along the west coast. The restaurant's menu featured several shrimp dishes, too.
The ramyeon was the final touch: hot, savory, and comforting—the kind of dish that is easy to appreciate after a long meal.
What We Ordered and What It Cost
For two people, the final bill came to ₩114,700 (about US$86), or about ₩57,350 (about US$43) per person (October 2026). Here are the menu prices for what we ordered, for reference.
| Item | Menu price |
|---|---|
| Grilled sea eel, large (3 servings) | ₩66,000 (about US$50) |
| Additional small portion of grilled eel | ₩35,000 (about US$26) |
| Soju, promotional price per bottle | ₩2,900 (about US$2.20) |
| Beer, promotional price per bottle | ₩2,900 (about US$2.20) |
| Shrimp ramyeon | ₩5,000 (about US$3.75) |
The restaurant displayed a limited-time promotion offering soju and bottled beer for ₩2,900 (about US$2.20) each from October 3 to 18, 2026.
USD amounts are approximate and are provided for reference. Exchange rates fluctuate, so the equivalent in US dollars may change.
Good to Know
- Sea eel is a good first choice. It's milder and less fatty than freshwater eel.
- Try it with salt first. Then try it with ginger strips or wrapped in pickled wild garlic leaves (myeongi-namul, 명이나물).
- Look for the tank. Many eel restaurants keep live eels at the entrance, a good sign of freshness.
- Watch for drink promotions. Korean restaurants sometimes run limited-time discounts on soju and beer. Check the posters on the wall.
- Pace yourself with day drinking. The saying exists for a reason.
There is something special about drinking in the middle of the day with an old friend.
No rush. No plans to hurry back. Just grilled eel, a few side dishes, a drink, and stories that seem to get longer as the afternoon goes on.
The sea eel was clean and mild, and I found that salt alone brought out its flavor. The conversation flowed easily, too.
By the time we reached the shrimp ramyeon, I finally understood the old saying about daytime drinking.
Thankfully, I still recognized my own parents.
Though, to be honest, it was getting a little close.
Sources
- Korea Tourism Organization, Korean Freshwater Eel
- Korea Tourism Organization, Grilled Korean Prawns
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