Jangteojinjjaengi Mokpo Review 2026: Korea's Best Kodari-jjim
Uncover Mokpo's culinary secret! My friend swore by Jangteojinjjaengi's Kodari-jjim, and it truly lived up to the hype. Get ready for an authentic spicy fish experience!
Loading...
Uncover Mokpo's culinary secret! My friend swore by Jangteojinjjaengi's Kodari-jjim, and it truly lived up to the hype. Get ready for an authentic spicy fish experience!
Mokpo Pyeonghwa Square Restaurant in Okam-dong
Jangteojinjjaengi Main Branch Kodari-jjim Review
I recently visited Jangteojinjjaengi Main Branch in Okam-dong, a spot famous among Mokpo locals for its incredible Kodari-jjim (braised dried pollack).
Honestly, I was initially skeptical about eating Kodari-jjim, a dish I thought I could find anywhere, especially after traveling all the way to Mokpo. But a friend who used to live in Mokpo insisted it was 'a whole different ball game' here and a must-try. So, I trusted their judgment and tagged along.
Jangteojinjjaengi Main Branch Basic Information
Address - 136-1 Pyeonghwa-ro, Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Opening Hours - 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Phone Number - 061-287-4323
Jangteojinjjaengi Main Branch is conveniently located across from Umi Oceanville, near Mokpo's Pyeonghwa Square!
Seeing 'Main Branch' in the name suggests they have several other locations, which speaks to their popularity.
Inside the Restaurant
This isn't just any restaurant; it's a well-known Kodari-jjim spot among Mokpo locals, even featured on TV!
My friend even claimed this was the original Kodari-jjim restaurant in Mokpo.
Even arriving a bit before the lunch rush, there were already several tables occupied in the main hall. The private rooms were set up, hinting at many reservations, and sure enough, that spacious area quickly filled up with diners shortly after.
The Menu
As a Kodari-jjim specialist in Mokpo, the menu focuses primarily on this single, delicious dish!
The wall even had a fun list of '10 Reasons to Eat Fish,' which was a nice distraction while we waited for our food.
Sizes: Small (~$21), Medium (~$28), Large (~$35), Extra Large (~$41)
Add-ons: Dried Radish Greens (Siraegi ~~$3), Tofu (~$3), Rice Cakes (Tteok ~~$2)
They also have a good selection of alcoholic beverages, perfect for pairing with Kodari-jjim.
Side Dishes & Our Order Review
The side dishes (banchan) were set out in a neat, home-style fashion, perfectly complementing the spicy Kodari-jjim. They included refreshing bean sprouts and crispy seaweed, among others.
My friend mentioned that the banchan selection changes slightly with the seasons or daily specials.
Each dish tasted homemade and delicious, but the perfectly fermented young radish kimchi was a standout!
A cooling bean sprout soup was also provided, which was great for balancing the spiciness.
While waiting for our Kodari-jjim, we made sure to read the instructions on the wall for how to best enjoy the dish!
Since there were two of us, we ordered the Small size Kodari-jjim.
We opted for the 'normal' spice level, and it arrived on a large platter, absolutely overflowing with deliciousness.
Even without adding extra toppings, the portion of dried radish greens (siraegi) was generous, and it even came with tofu, which was a pleasant surprise.
A quick photo of our entire spread once the main Kodari-jjim arrived!
Even as I write this, my mouth is watering just thinking about this truly authentic Kodari-jjim spot!
It's delicious simply eating the tender fish, but it’s absolutely heavenly wrapped in crispy seaweed with bean sprouts!
It wasn't just any seaweed; it was 'dol-gim' (stone seaweed), so good that we secretly asked for a refill (or two!).
Both of us are a bit sensitive to spice, so we worried the 'normal' level might be too much, but it was just the right amount of pleasant heat – we savored every bite.
The pollack itself was substantial, with plenty of tender meat on the bones.
Many Kodari-jjim restaurants try to round out their menu with makgeolli (rice wine) or jeon (savory pancakes), but this place truly focuses on the authentic taste of the pollack and its incredible sauce. It’s a restaurant that sticks to the fundamentals, and it shows!
I, who had questioned coming all the way to Mokpo just for Kodari-jjim, immediately regretted my skepticism after the first bite! Seriously, I would have deeply regretted missing this. I showered my friend with praise for bringing me here.
The leftover sauce was too amazing to waste, so we ordered a bowl of rice (~$1) to mix in. And wow!
Instead of a small, pre-portioned bowl, they served a generous scoop straight from the rice cooker into a large bowl. Talk about hospitality!
Nowadays, many restaurants serve pre-packed rice or stingy portions, but Mokpo's generosity shines here – just fantastic!
We eagerly mixed the rice into the remaining sauce.
The sauce was unbelievably good – truly a 'rice thief' that makes you want to devour everything!
Final Thoughts
We kept saying we were full and couldn't possibly finish it all, but we ended up leaving barely anything behind – a clean plate!
It seemed like they had many regular customers, as the staff accommodated every request. The owner also had a great demeanor and was incredibly friendly.
If you're traveling to Mokpo and want to experience an authentic local favorite or a life-changing Kodari-jjim, I wholeheartedly recommend Jangteojinjjaengi Main Branch!
📍 Jangteojinjjaengi Main Branch
136-1 Pyeonghwa-ro, Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Okam-dong Jangteojinttaengi Main Branch specializes in a single menu item: Kodari-jjim (braised dried pollack). Kodari-jjim is available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, and you can add dried radish greens (siraegi), tofu, and rice cake (tteok) as toppings.
The Okam-dong Jangteojinttaengi Main Branch is located at 136-1 Pyeonghwa-ro, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do. You can find it across from Umi Oceanville, near Mokpo Peace Square.
Yes, the spiciness level of Kodari-jjim at Okam-dong Jangteojinttaengi Main Branch can be adjusted. The regular spice level offers a pleasantly spicy flavor.
Okam-dong Jangteojinttaengi Main Branch operates from 10 AM to 9 PM. Basic side dishes include bean sprouts, roasted seaweed, and young radish kimchi, among others. The exact side dish composition may vary. A refreshing bean sprout soup is also provided as a basic offering.
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Dive into a unique culinary adventure in Mokpo! Discover Wonjo Yerimine, the home of Korea's first octopus dumplings, offering savory, chewy bites and heartwarming family hospitality. A must-try!
Explore Mokpo's Sanjeong-dong Memorial Church, designated as Korea's first Minor Basilica. Uncover its significant history, revered relics, and breathtaking cityscapes.
Embark on a delicious 2-day journey through Mokpo! Explore local eateries, trendy cafes, and iconic sights with this curated 2026 guide from a local expert.
Step back in time at Mokpo's Koromabang Bakery, a culinary landmark since 1949. Indulge in their legendary shrimp and cream cheese baguettes, fresh pastries, and local delights. A must-visit on your Mokpo adventure!
Planning a Mokpo trip? We're sharing our honest review of Cloudin Hotel's free breakfast, a surprisingly good perk near Peace Square, perfect for fueling your adventures.
Planning a trip to Mokpo? Discover the ultimate 2-day itinerary featuring must-see attractions, delicious local restaurants, and hidden gems for an unforgettable 2026 adventure.