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Korean Dinner: ‘Bulgogi Hotpot’ and ‘Makgeolli’ at BoriKoge ChooEuk Restaurant in Insa-dong

I thought Dutch was hard to learn? Well, I am glad I do not have to learn Korean! At least not any character-based language I must say.

We stayed in Seoul, Korea for 5 days and 4 nights last month. On our first night we had dinner in Insa-dong at a traditional Korean restaurant called BoriKoge ChooEuk. I have no idea how to pronounce this and I am glad I don’t have to.

For our dinner, we ordered a traditional Korean beef hotpot—‘Bulgogi’ and some rice wine—‘Makgeolli’ to go with.

The waiter asked us if we know how to drink makgeolli and when we stared at him with searching eyes, he knew precisely what to do next. He demonstrated the step-process of drinking makgeolli. At the end of the demo, Dutchman and I were a knowledge richer =)

Shake the makgeolli first, then open it veeeeeeeery slowly (because it might burst), then pour on the little bowl and drink it. It is very smooth. We love rice wine! I did not realise that you can actually get drunk with rice.

Then the banchans arrived. They are small side dishes, usually vegetable based, that are served along during Korean meals. It’s part of the whole Korean eating set up, including the cooking on the dinner table. Koreans like cooking while eating or eating while cooking. I like Korean food. Especially when they serve different types of my favourite banchan—kimchi.

More pictures!


I thought Bulgogi was spicy but it has a tinge of sweetness in it.

I am so tired here. We arrived around 1PM in Seoul after 10+ hour flight from Amsterdam. Dutchman and I were very tired and we wanted to sleep but we held up until dinner so that we are quickly adjusted to Asia time. Just look at my sleepy face! Oh dear, I suddenly look my age haha.


We love the spread: Bulgogi hotpot, banchans and makgeolli


This is my bowl of bulgogi.


We did not know that this is a ‘bell’ to call the attention of the waiter. Press the center. 

The interior of theBoriKoge ChooEuk Restaurant is tastefully designed, traditional and with a very pleasant homey ambiance. Many Korean restaurants have a grill in front of the restaurant as well. Just like in the picture below.

‘Jeon’ or Korean pancakes (they are usually made with vegetables) were a popular choice that night. Many locals order them to share with each other.

Koreans are also visual people. They like to take pictures of their food and post them on brightly-lit billboards. Some restaurants and food stalls even have an exact copy of the dish, a scale model made from plastic. They look so real as the real food.

Travel Period: October 2012
Destination: Insa-dong – Jongno-gu (Seoul Old City Centre), South Korea

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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)

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