Baetgodong Restaurant: Seoul's Authentic Squid Bulgogi

Nestled in the heart of Seoul’s trendy Apgujeong district, Baetgodong stands as a testament to Korean culinary excellence, serving what many consider the city’s finest squid bulgogi. The sight alone is mesmerizing: vibrant red-orange sauce coating thick, tender pieces of squid, steam rising from the sizzling iron plate, while the rich aroma of Korean spices fills the air. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a sensory journey into one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods.

Since 1990, this unassuming basement restaurant has weathered Seoul’s ever-changing food landscape, building a devoted following that spans generations. Unlike fusion Korean restaurants that cater to international palates, Baetgodong represents authentic Korean soul food – the kind that Koreans themselves crave when seeking comfort and satisfaction.

The Legend of Baetgodong

For over three decades, Baetgodong (뱃고동) has maintained its position as Apgujeong’s ultimate squid bulgogi destination. The restaurant’s name, which translates to "boat horn," hints at its maritime focus, specializing exclusively in squid and octopus dishes that showcase Korea’s rich seafood tradition.

What sets this establishment apart isn’t flashy décor or trendy Instagram aesthetics. Instead, it’s the unwavering commitment to quality and consistency that has created a loyal customer base willing to wait in line, even on weekday afternoons. Food enthusiasts, celebrities, and ordinary Seoul residents all converge here for one reason: the addictive combination of perfectly tender squid and Korea’s signature spicy-sweet flavor profile.

The restaurant has been featured on numerous Korean television programs, including food shows highlighting Seoul’s hidden gems. Yet despite its fame, Baetgodong has resisted the temptation to expand or franchise, choosing instead to perfect their craft in this single location.

What Makes This Dish Uniquely Korean?

Squid bulgogi represents a fascinating evolution of Korea’s traditional bulgogi concept. While most people associate bulgogi with marinated beef, Korean cuisine’s adaptability shines through dishes like this, where seafood receives the same careful seasoning treatment that makes Korean barbecue world-famous.

This dish embodies Korea’s jeong (정) – the cultural value of warmth and emotional connection through shared meals. Squid bulgogi is inherently communal food, cooked and eaten together from a shared plate, fostering the social bonds that are central to Korean dining culture. The preparation method, with its final transformation into fried rice using the remaining sauce, reflects Korean resourcefulness and the cultural importance of not wasting food.

In Korean society, this type of hearty, flavorful dish represents comfort food that transcends social classes. Whether you’re a university student, office worker, or business executive, squid bulgogi offers the same satisfying experience – a democratic pleasure that unites diners across Seoul’s social spectrum.

What Are the Key Ingredients That Create This Flavor?

Gochujang (고추장) – Fermented Red Pepper Paste

The soul of squid bulgogi lies in gochujang, Korea’s fermented red pepper paste. This complex condiment provides both heat and depth, with fermentation creating layers of umami that complement the squid’s natural sweetness. Rich in probiotics and vitamin C, gochujang offers the distinctive sweet-spicy flavor that defines Korean cuisine. Available at most Asian markets, or substitute with a mixture of miso paste and red pepper flakes for a simplified version.

Fresh Squid (오징어) – The Star Protein

Baetgodong uses premium fresh squid that maintains a perfectly chewy texture without becoming rubbery. The squid provides lean protein, taurine for heart health, and a subtle oceanic sweetness that balances the bold seasoning. The key is using squid that’s neither too thick (tough) nor too thin (mushy), achieving that signature Korean "ssaldak-ssaldak" (쫄깃쫄깃) chewy texture that Koreans treasure.

Minari (미나리) – Korean Water Parsley

This aromatic herb adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that cuts through the dish’s richness. Minari provides essential vitamins and helps aid digestion, particularly important when eating rich, spicy foods. Its crisp texture creates a pleasant contrast to the tender squid, while its distinct flavor prevents the dish from becoming overwhelmingly heavy.

How Would You Describe the Taste and Spice Level?

Spice Level: 6/10 – Moderately spicy with building heat that most international diners can handle comfortably.

The first bite delivers a complex flavor symphony: the initial sweetness from caramelized onions, followed by the fermented depth of gochujang, building to a warm spiciness that doesn’t overpower. The squid itself contributes a subtle oceanic sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the Korean seasoning.

Primary Flavor Notes:

1. Sweet: Caramelized onions and natural sugars in the sauce
2. Umami: Fermented gochujang and soy-based seasonings
3. Spicy: Warm, building heat rather than sharp burning
4. Fresh: Crisp vegetables and herbs cutting through richness

The texture is equally important – tender, chewy squid that requires just enough effort to chew, creating the satisfying mouthfeel that Koreans describe as "ssaldak." When served, the dish arrives bubbling hot on an iron plate, maintaining its temperature throughout the meal.

What Should First-Time Eaters Know?

Proper Eating Method: Use chopsticks to pick up pieces of squid along with vegetables, wrapping them in lettuce leaves (ssam) when provided. Don’t rush – the hot plate keeps everything at the perfect temperature throughout your meal.

The Essential Finish: When you’ve eaten about two-thirds of the squid bulgogi, order fried rice (볶음밥). The staff will add rice and seaweed to the remaining sauce, creating what many consider the meal’s true highlight. This isn’t optional – it’s the traditional conclusion that transforms leftover sauce into a completely new dish.

First Taste Expectations: The initial bite may seem very spicy, but Korean cuisine builds gradually. The heat mellows as you continue eating, and the complex flavors become more apparent. Don’t worry if you need water initially – this is normal for those unaccustomed to Korean spice levels.

Cultural Considerations: Eating squid bulgogi is a social experience. Share the dish, talk, and take your time. Rushing through the meal misses the point entirely. Also, it’s perfectly acceptable (and expected) to make appreciative sounds while eating – showing enthusiasm for your food is considered polite in Korean culture.

The Baetgodong Experience

Walking down into Baetgodong’s basement location, you’ll immediately notice the authentic Korean restaurant atmosphere – no-frills décor, the sounds of sizzling plates, and the animated conversations of satisfied diners. The restaurant’s popularity means waits are common, especially during peak hours, but the efficient table turnover keeps things moving.

The menu focuses intensely on squid and octopus preparations, with squid bulgogi reigning as the undisputed star. Many regulars also order the crispy fried squid (오징어튀김) as an accompaniment – perfectly crispy exterior giving way to tender squid inside, serving as an ideal textural contrast to the saucy bulgogi.

What truly sets the Baetgodong experience apart is watching the transformation of your meal. The squid bulgogi arrives bubbling and dramatic, but the real magic happens when staff prepares the finishing fried rice. Using the intensely flavored remaining sauce, they create what many locals consider Seoul’s best squid bulgogi fried rice – a dish so popular that even full diners find room for this final course.

The restaurant operates with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine, yet maintains the personal touch that defines Korean hospitality. Staff members are knowledgeable about spice levels and happy to guide first-time visitors through the proper eating sequence.

Location and Practical Information

Address: Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong 663, Seoul (Basement Level)

Phone: 02-514-8008

Hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Last order 9:15 PM)

Nearest Station: Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Line Bundang/Suin), 6-minute walk

Insider Tips:

1. Arrive before 5 PM to enjoy lunch pricing
2. Weekend waits can exceed 30 minutes
3. No reservations accepted – first-come, first-served
4. Parking available with validation
5. English menu available upon request

The restaurant’s Apgujeong location places it in the heart of Seoul’s luxury district, making it an ideal stop while exploring the area’s high-end shopping and cultural attractions. Despite the upscale neighborhood, Baetgodong maintains reasonable prices that reflect its authentic, local character rather than tourist-targeted pricing.

Ready to experience Seoul’s legendary squid bulgogi? Baetgodong offers more than just a meal – it’s a window into authentic Korean culinary culture that has remained unchanged for over three decades. From the first sizzling bite to the final spoonful of fried rice, this is Korean comfort food at its finest.

For those planning their Seoul food adventure, Baetgodong represents the perfect introduction to Korea’s incredible seafood traditions and the addictive flavors that keep locals coming back generation after generation.

Have you visited Baetgodong or tried squid bulgogi elsewhere in Seoul? Share your experience and help fellow food enthusiasts discover the best of Korean cuisine!