Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi Main Branch ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™A Popular Charcoal-Grilled Octopus Spot in Seoul

hand holding grilled scallop over charcoal grill at Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi Main Branch

Exterior View of a Long-Running Local Favorite ๐Ÿฎ

exterior sign of Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi Main Branch in Seoul

From the outside, Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi Main Branch looks simple and straightforward.
The bright signage makes it easy to spot, especially in the evening when the area becomes busier.
The building itself feels very old-school Chungmuro โ€” practical, no-frills, and fully focused on good food. ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

Just looking at the exterior gives you a sense that this is a place locals trust and return to again and again, especially after work hours. ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ

A Lively Grill-Focused Dining Atmosphere ๐Ÿป๐Ÿ”ฅ

busy interior of Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi main branch with metal exhaust pipes

The dining space at Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi Main Branch is lively, busy, and full of local energy.
Each table comes with its own grill, and large metal exhaust pipes hang from the ceiling โ€” a classic Korean BBQ-style setup.
As dinner time approaches, the restaurant quickly fills with office workers unwinding after work. ๐Ÿ‘”๐Ÿบ

Itโ€™s loud, warm, and full of conversation. Instead of a quiet or polished vibe,
the atmosphere feels authentic and familiar โ€” exactly what youโ€™d expect from a long-running local favorite in Chungmuro. ๐Ÿ™๏ธโœจ

Spicy Jjukkumi Bulgogi Served Hot and Generously ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฅ

spicy jjukkumi bulgogi served on a large plate at Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi Main Branch

The jjukkumi bulgogi is served generously on a large plate, fully coated in a thick, spicy sauce that clings to every piece.
You can see the slices of jjukkumi mixed with vegetables, all glistening under the lights as theyโ€™re ready to be grilled or shared straight from the plate.

The texture is one of the best parts โ€” springy, juicy, and never overcooked.
Combined with the bold seasoning and smoky grill flavor, the dish feels deeply satisfying,
especially when enjoyed slowly with friends or coworkers after a long day. This is comfort food, Seoul-style. ๐Ÿ™๏ธ๐Ÿป

Charcoal-Grilled Jjukkumi and Scallops on the Grill ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ”ฅ

charcoal-grilled jjukkumi and scallops cooking on the grill at Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi

This photo perfectly captures the highlight of the meal โ€” jjukkumi and scallops grilling over hot charcoal.
The jjukkumi looks glossy and richly coated in spicy sauce, while the scallops develop a beautiful char as they cook.
The sound of sizzling and the smoky aroma rising from the grill make the experience even more appetizing.

Each bite of jjukkumi is chewy yet tender, with a bold spice thatโ€™s balanced by the subtle sweetness of the scallops.
The charcoal grilling adds an extra layer of depth, giving the dish a slightly smoky, almost addictive flavor that keeps you reaching for another bite. ๐ŸŒถ๏ธโœจ

Steaming Doenjang Jjigae to Balance the Spicy Flavors ๐Ÿฒ๐Ÿ”ฅ

steaming doenjang jjigae served at Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi Main Branch

The doenjang jjigae at Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi Main Branch arrives bubbling hot in a heavy stone pot, filling the table with a deep, savory aroma.
The broth is rich and comforting, with soft tofu and vegetables simmered until perfectly tender.
Itโ€™s the kind of stew that instantly calms your palate after a few spicy bites of jjukkumi.

This stew also pairs especially well with the classic Korean fried rice finish.
After enjoying the main dish, many diners order fried rice made using the remaining spicy sauce, vegetables, and seaweed.
Eating a spoonful of that rich fried rice together with the warm doenjang jjigae is a very Korean way to end the meal
โ€” hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor. ๐Ÿšโœจ

Location & How to Get There

๐Ÿ“ Address (English):
11 Toegye-ro 31-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

๐Ÿš‡ Nearest Station: Chungmuro Station (very close)
๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ Also walkable from Myeongdong Station

Because itโ€™s centrally located, this restaurant is easy to include in a Seoul food itinerary,
especially if youโ€™re staying around Myeongdong or Jung-gu.

Final Thoughts โœจ

Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi Main Branch lived up to its reputation.
From the smoky charcoal flavor to the chewy jjukkumi and satisfying fried rice finish, everything felt hearty and authentic.

If you want to experience a place where locals actually go after work
โ€” and enjoy bold, spicy Korean flavors โ€” this restaurant is definitely worth adding to your Seoul food list. ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฅ