Discovering the Delights of Buja Nakji Village

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In Iwol-myeon, Jincheon, there is a special restaurant known as Buja Nakji Village, which won the grand prize at the 23rd Saenggeo Jincheon Cooking Contest in 2025. Here’s a review of my delightful dinner experience at this award-winning establishment!

Buja Nakji Village

Address: 5 Songnim 5-gil, Iwol-myeon, Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Operating Hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Discount: Available for Saenggeo Jincheon Pay card payment (10% discount)

Buja Nakji Village is located in an alley next to the Iwol Police Station. Last year, they renovated their sign during the cooking contest ceremony, making it more noticeable with sparkling lights at night. The restaurant operates year-round, daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

This place is not just any ordinary restaurant; it is recognized as the restaurant of the 'Jincheon Cooking King' with genuine culinary skills. Awards and accolades were displayed throughout the restaurant, assuring us of the quality of the food.

The interior of the restaurant is not very spacious, but the tables are arranged efficiently. It can accommodate a larger number of guests than expected, making it suitable for groups. There is also a separate area inside, which is ideal for family gatherings or quiet meals. I once visited with a friend and a baby, and it was great to find a high chair available.

Looking at the menu, it’s easy to understand why this place is called 'Nakji Village.' From Nakji Bibimbap to Nakji Stir-fry, Nakji Stew, Nakji Bossam, and even Live Nakji Sashimi, all the dishes revolve around octopus. That day, I ordered Nakji Bibimbap, a popular lunch item that can be ordered from two servings.

The meal was served with three neatly arranged side dishes, along with bean sprouts and seaweed flakes to mix with the rice. The Dongchimi (radish water kimchi) was refreshing and delicious. The rice was a healthy mix of black rice and grains, adding to the wholesome meal experience.

Finally, the Nakji Stir-fry arrived! It was prepped for easy eating, so no cutting was necessary. The spicy seasoning was incredibly appetizing. The accompanying steamed egg was soft and warm, perfectly balancing the spiciness. A bite of spicy octopus followed by a spoonful of steamed egg and a piece of Dongchimi created a truly 'fantastic combination'!

Octopus has long been known for its rich nutrition, often said to be able to 'revive even a fallen cow.' It is high in protein and taurine, which helps relieve fatigue, while DHA supports brain health, and its iron content is effective in preventing anemia. The appeal of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its health benefits.

To enjoy the Nakji Bibimbap, simply place the Nakji Stir-fry on top of the rice, add the bean sprouts and seaweed flakes, and mix it all together. The moment you take a bite, the chewy texture of the octopus, the spicy seasoning, the crunch of the bean sprouts, and the nuttiness of the seaweed create a delightful harmony!

That day, I was especially hungry, and I think I focused on eating right from the start. The spicy flavor kept me engaged, and the Dongchimi helped cleanse my palate in between bites, allowing me to enjoy the meal without getting tired of the flavors. If you find yourself needing more Dongchimi, don’t hesitate to ask for a refill!

As I enjoyed the spicy Nakji Bibimbap, I naturally craved some Makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Isn’t a drink part of the charm of dining out? I paired my meal with Deoksan Makgeolli, produced in Jincheon, which complemented the Nakji Stir-fry perfectly. The sweet and refreshing Makgeolli paired wonderfully with the spicy food, creating a fantastic match. My husband and I must have exclaimed how delicious it was several times!

After thoroughly enjoying the meal, I felt a satisfying fullness. Buja Nakji Village accepts payments via the Saenggeo Jincheon Pay card, which offers a 10% cashback on the payment amount! (In March, there’s a 15% cashback promotion going on!) However, one downside is that there are no visible signs for Saenggeo Jincheon Pay within the restaurant, which might confuse first-time visitors. Please note that QR payments or contactless payments are not supported yet.

If you’re curious about the culinary skills of the award-winning cooking king, be sure to visit Buja Nakji Village in Jincheon Iwol. You’ll experience happiness with every bite of spicy octopus!