Exploring Deokhyeon Kalguksu: A Gem in Jincheon
충청북도 진천군 덕산면 석장2길 23
As the weather cools down, certain foods come to mind. For me, kalguksu (Korean knife-cut noodles) is the first choice. Today, I'm sharing my experience at Deokhyeon Kalguksu, located at the edge of Chungbuk Innovation City in Deoksan-eup, Jincheon. This restaurant is loved for its generous seafood portions and rich broth!
Deokhyeon Kalguksu is situated near Deoksan Dream Park. The restaurant is slightly uphill, and as you walk up, you'll find it welcoming you. At the entrance, there's a sign that reads 'House of a Master Craftsman', indicating that this place is run by the family of Master Gi Jae-soo, known for his expertise in traditional engraving.
Behind the restaurant, I spotted Master Gi's workshop, but unfortunately, it seemed difficult to visit regularly. However, it was enjoyable to explore the various artworks displayed around the parking area and inside the restaurant. The earthen-colored building and the artworks create a warm and cozy atmosphere, making it feel like an art gallery.
Deokhyeon Kalguksu has been recognized as an exemplary restaurant in Jincheon County. It excels in hygiene, flavor, quality, and friendly service. I highly recommend it, especially for first-time visitors.
I arrived 10 minutes before opening at 11:00 AM, and there were already several reserved tables. The interior has a traditional earthen house feel, enhanced by the artworks, creating a nostalgic yet neat ambiance. All seats are table seating, and there are high chairs for infants, making it family-friendly.
The menu focuses on kalguksu, with seafood kalguksu as the signature dish. The dish is served for a minimum of two people and is cooked at the table. The seafood chicken soup is also popular as a nourishing option. You can customize your meal by adding more noodles and seafood according to your preference. There are also side dishes like kimchi pancakes and dumplings that pair well with the main dishes.
We ordered two servings of seafood kalguksu. The dish includes a whole squid and various seafood like shrimp, mussels, and clams, making for a visually abundant meal. The mussels are cooked and ready to eat, while the squid is boiled to perfection at the table.
Every time I visit Deokhyeon Kalguksu, I make sure to order the kimchi pancake as a side dish. The crispy kimchi pancake is spicy and pairs wonderfully with the kalguksu. The accompanying kimchi is also crunchy and delicious, making it hard to resist.
Once the squid is cooked, I cut it into bite-sized pieces and dip it in the prepared sauces, which include a zesty wasabi sauce and a sweet-spicy chili sauce. This enhances the flavor of the seafood even more.
After enjoying the seafood, I add the kalguksu noodles to the broth. Thanks to the rich seafood stock, the soup is light yet full of umami. Once the noodles are cooked, I enjoy a hearty bowl of kalguksu with the warm broth. The combination of kalguksu and spicy, crunchy kimchi is simply perfect!
Deokhyeon Kalguksu accepts payment via various methods, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their meals while benefiting from discounts. After a satisfying meal, I noticed the restaurant was packed with customers, confirming its reputation as a must-visit spot.
Despite being slightly outside the center of Deoksan-eup, Deokhyeon Kalguksu is always busy during lunch hours. Once you visit, you'll definitely want to return. If you're craving generous seafood kalguksu, I confidently recommend this gem in Deoksan-eup!
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