Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong Review 2026: Unlimited Makgeolli & Kodari Jorim
Discover Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong, a popular restaurant near Gokseong Train Village, offering delicious spicy braised pollock and unlimited makgeolli.
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Discover Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong, a popular restaurant near Gokseong Train Village, offering delicious spicy braised pollock and unlimited makgeolli.
If you're exploring Gokseong and searching for an incredible dining experience, let me introduce you to Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong. This restaurant isn't just known for its mouthwatering Kodari Jorim (spicy braised pollock); it's also a fantastic value thanks to its unlimited, complimentary makgeolli (Korean rice wine)!
Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong Branch
Address
217-4 Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Operating Hours
11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Break Time
Regular Holiday
Every Monday (However, online maps sometimes list the 2nd and 4th Mondays. It's best to call ahead if you plan to visit on a Monday!)
Phone Number
0507-1341-0023
📍 Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong Branch
217-4 Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
📍 Seomjingang Train Village
232 Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
Our team recently took a company outing to the charming Gokseong Train Village. Before diving into the village's attractions, we made a pit stop at Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong for a delicious group lunch.
Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong immediately struck us as an impressively large establishment – you could easily call it a grand restaurant! The spacious parking lot was bustling with tour buses, and we saw numerous groups disembarking, ready to enjoy a meal together. It's clearly a popular spot for large gatherings.
While the original content only provided a heading for advantages, based on my experience and the rest of the review, here are the top three reasons to visit:
Let's take a look at the prices for their signature Kodari Jorim:
Kodari Jorim Small (~2 fish): ~$17
Kodari Jorim Medium (~3 fish): ~$24
Kodari Jorim Large (~4 fish): ~$31
Prices may vary slightly depending on additional side dishes or specialty items you choose to add to your order.
Hwanggeum Kodari is open daily from lunchtime until 9:00 PM.
Do note their break time, which runs from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. While the sign at the restaurant indicates they are closed every Monday, online sources like Naver Maps suggest it's only the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. To avoid any disappointment, especially if you plan to visit on a Monday, we highly recommend calling ahead to confirm their operating schedule for that day.
The space you see in the image above is only about a third of the entire restaurant! To the right, through the open doors, there's an even larger area specifically designed to accommodate numerous groups and large parties.
When you order your meal, a selection of complimentary side dishes (banchan) will be brought to your table. While they might seem modest at first glance, the Kodari Jorim itself is so richly seasoned and flavorful that you won't feel the need for overly elaborate side dishes.
Plus, there's a convenient self-serve bar where you can refill your favorite banchan or discover additional side dishes beyond the initial set. It's a great way to customize your meal!
Beyond the main Kodari Jorim, you'll find a variety of other delicious dishes centered around pollock. A great feature is the ability to adjust the spice level when you order, so you can tailor it to your preference!
If you're visiting on a weekday, be sure to ask about their special lunch menu, which offers an even more affordable way to enjoy their fantastic food.
Here's a look at the Kodari Jorim for four people, featuring four whole pollock. The generous portion, served with dried radish greens (siraegi), looked absolutely delicious even before the first bite.
Even for four people, the four fish in the large Kodari Jorim were more than enough – we had leftovers! The tender, flaky pollock meat, especially when enjoyed with the accompanying siraegi, was incredibly tasty and satisfying.
As you can see in the left photo, the makgeolli is served in traditional pitchers, and you're welcome to help yourself to as many refills as you like, completely free of charge! I initially assumed that complimentary makgeolli might be a lower-quality, mass-produced variety. However, one of my colleagues, a true makgeolli aficionado who enjoys it regularly, tasted it and declared it to be among the best makgeolli produced in the Jeolla Province region. I think their table alone went through at least seven pitchers!
The restaurant was completely packed with diners, and the staff were bustling around, diligently serving everyone – a testament to its popularity!
Tucked away inside the restaurant is Hwanggeum Dabang, a small cafe area. It's the perfect spot to grab a complimentary coffee or tea after your meal. To the left of the cafe, there were a couple of mini arcade games for kids. While a bit too small to be called a full arcade, it's a nice touch for families!
Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong: The Verdict
Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Gokseong Train Village, which is famous for its annual World Rose Festival (be sure to check the 2026 dates!). Personally, I wouldn't recommend it as the top choice for families with very young children, but it's an excellent option for adults, seniors, and large groups. The unlimited, free makgeolli makes it a budget-friendly choice for those looking to enjoy a drink without breaking the bank.
Given its delicious food and fantastic value, if you're looking for a great restaurant near Gokseong Train Village for a family meal or group outing, Hwanggeum Kodari comes highly recommended!
For more information on Gokseong Train Village events and parking:
Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong Branch offers unlimited free makgeolli, and guests can freely take and drink makgeolli served in traditional kettles. According to the article, one team member praised this makgeolli as being among the best produced in the Jeollado region.
The article states that Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong Branch's regular closing day is every Monday. However, Naver Maps indicates that the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month are regular closing days, so it's best to call ahead to confirm before visiting.
The prices for Kodari-jorim at Hwanggeum Kodari Gokseong Branch are: Small (2 fish) for ~$17, Medium (3 fish) for ~$24, and Large (4 fish) for ~$31. It is mentioned that the Large size Kodari-jorim (4 fish) is generous enough for 4 people, with some left over.
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