Discovering the Best Spicy Hot Pot in Jincheon: Kim Sabu Maratang
충청북도 진천군 진천읍 교성리 30-13번지
김사부마라탕
Do you enjoy spicy hot pot? With the recent craze for maratang, many restaurants have popped up, making it a dish you’ve likely tried at least once. Initially, it was the kids who loved it, but before long, the parents became addicted too. Today, I’d like to introduce Kim Sabu Maratang, a popular spot in Jincheon that I've been visiting consistently for several years.
Kim Sabu Maratang was selected as a model restaurant in Jincheon County for the second half of 2025. Since it’s a place I frequently eat at, I can confidently say it deserves this recognition! The certification is given by Jincheon County to restaurants that excel in hygiene, ingredient management, and service, making it even more trustworthy.
Kim Sabu Maratang(김사부마라탕)
Address: 11-1 Namsan 8-gil, Jincheon-eup, Jincheon-gun, Chungbuk
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Closed on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month)
Discounts: Available for Jincheon Love Card and Zero Pay (10% discount)
Parking can be a bit tricky since the location is in an alley. There is space for two cars in the building's parking lot, and street parking is also an option. If parking is unavailable, I recommend using the nearby GS Mart parking lot, which offers one hour of free parking. Remember, the restaurant is closed on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.
The interior of the restaurant is surprisingly spacious and clean. The table spacing is just right, making it a comfortable place for family meals or dining with friends. The main menu items are maratang and malatang stir-fry, but you can also order sweet and sour pork and shrimp.
The biggest charm of the maratang menu is that you can choose only the ingredients you want. There are a variety of vegetables, noodles, tofu, and seafood available. Skewers on the top shelf are priced at 1,000 won each, while other ingredients are priced by weight, with maratang costing 1,900 won per 100 grams.
Ordering maratang is simple. The minimum order, including meat, starts at 7,000 won. Meat is priced at 3,000 won per 100 grams, and you can choose between beef and lamb. There are three spice levels: mild, medium, and spicy. Although not listed on the menu, you can also order a non-spicy version for children.
When I’m hungry, I tend to add more ingredients than I planned. Adding meat at the end can make the portion quite generous. The key is to only take as much as you can eat.
After weighing your bowl of ingredients, the price will be calculated based on weight. You can then decide whether to add meat and choose the spice level before finalizing your payment. Kim Sabu Maratang accepts Jincheon Love Card and Zero Pay, allowing for additional discounts, which is great for regular visitors.
After payment, your order will be prepared according to your selected spice level. While waiting, you can enjoy free pickled radish, rice, and sauces at the self-service corner. Mixing rice into the spicy broth is a delicious treat.
My husband ordered level one, while I opted for level two. When we first tried maratang, we shared a single bowl, but now we each customize our own portion according to our spice preferences.
Level two offers a spicy kick reminiscent of jjambbong, balancing flavor without being overwhelming. Unlike other Chinese maratang, Kim Sabu’s version is adjusted to suit Korean tastes, making it just right!
Maratang provides a hearty meal with a good mix of meat, vegetables, and noodles. The ability to customize ingredients and spice levels makes it enjoyable for everyone. This is why we find ourselves craving maratang more often.
After a spicy meal, we finish off with free ice cream at the entrance! It’s a sweet way to cool down after the heat of maratang. My husband often visits for a hangover cure the day after a night out. As the weather gets chilly, maratang is the perfect comfort food. Enjoy a warm and spicy bowl at the model restaurant, Kim Sabu Maratang, where hygiene and taste are both highly rated. I highly recommend it as the go-to spot for maratang in Jincheon!
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