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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!
Mokpo's Unique Culinary Gem: Korea's First Octopus Dumplings
Mokpo Wonjo Yerimine Octopus Dumplings
When you think of Mokpo, one ingredient instantly comes to mind:
the "sea pearl" octopus!
Mokpo is famous for its incredible octopus dishes, but on my recent trip, I discovered a truly special spot: Mokpo Wonjo Yerimine Octopus Dumplings. This place claims to be the first in Korea to serve octopus dumplings, and I just had to try them!
Mokpo Wonjo Yerimine Octopus Dumplings: Essential Info
Address: 1st Floor, 7 Nojeokbong-gil, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do
Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Monday-Friday) / 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Saturday, Sunday)
Phone: 070-8844-6076
You'll find this gem conveniently located right across from Slow the Bite, a fantastic cafe near Mokpo Station that I've raved about before.
Plus, it's close to the famous Koromang Bakery, making it a perfect stop to include in your Mokpo walking tour!
The place itself exudes a sense of tradition and family legacy, even though it's relatively new.
The menu is delightfully simple, featuring just three types of dumplings:
Pork & Octopus Dumplings: ~$8
Kimchi & Octopus Dumplings: ~$8
Spicy Octopus Dumplings: ~$8
They also had a fun Naver review event where participating earned you a complimentary popcorn or a scoop of bead ice cream!
The dumpling steamers were spotlessly clean, looking sparkling new!
It felt like a new spot, and my sister confirmed it: Mokpo Wonjo Yerimine opened just this past May 2026, making it a super fresh addition to Mokpo's culinary scene. They steam the dumplings fresh to order, and the sound of them cooking was so inviting!
After checking some reviews, I heard the Spicy Octopus Dumplings packed a real punch, so I opted for the Pork & Octopus and Kimchi & Octopus varieties.
This charming spot is run by a family, and the restaurant is actually named after their adorable daughter, Yerim.
I've always found that restaurants named after their owners or children tend to be fantastic, and this one instantly earned my trust. The owner, with his kind, warm demeanor, looked exactly like his picture. His wife was equally lovely, exuding friendliness and grace.
What truly melted my heart was seeing Yerim herself. On a weekend, when most kids her age would be out playing, she was diligently helping her parents, carefully cutting octopus for the dumplings and thoughtfully packing chopsticks, soy sauce, and pickled radish into bags. It was truly heartwarming to witness such dedication!
Inside the shop, there was a popcorn machine offering a mix of delicious flavors.
As I waited outside for my dumplings, little Yerim came running out, kindly offering me popcorn with a sweet "Please enjoy while you wait!" It was such a thoughtful gesture!
I was already so grateful for the popcorn, but then she reappeared with a basket of bead ice cream, insisting I have some too! She just kept bringing out more treats, melting my heart!
Oh, thank you, sweet Yerim!
After such a warm welcome, my freshly steamed Pork & Octopus and Kimchi & Octopus dumplings arrived, hot off the steamer!
The aroma was absolutely incredible, and through their thin, delicate wrappers, you could clearly see the generous filling inside.
My original plan was to take them back to my accommodation, but the irresistible aroma of the fresh dumplings convinced me otherwise. Nothing beats freshly steamed dumplings, so I found a bench in the nearby Rodeo Plaza and enjoyed an impromptu dumpling picnic!
Good to know: they also offer nationwide delivery within Korea, with free shipping on orders over ~$35! So if you're local, you can enjoy them at home.
Honestly, after all the popcorn and ice cream Yerim so generously gave me, I wasn't particularly hungry. But these dumplings? They just disappeared! I couldn't stop myself.
Just look at those generous chunks of octopus!
These dumplings are 99.9% delicious, and 100% Mokpo's pride! Forget the port, Mokpo is all about the octopus! The Pork & Octopus dumplings were incredibly juicy and savory, bursting with flavor. The Kimchi & Octopus dumplings offered a perfectly balanced, moderate spiciness that kept me wanting more without being overwhelming.
What truly sets these apart from regular dumplings is the addition of octopus, which provides a wonderfully chewy texture, making them a truly unique and satisfying treat. My photos don't even do them justice!
If you're exploring Mokpo and looking for something beyond the usual fare – a truly special and delicious culinary experience – I wholeheartedly recommend Mokpo Wonjo Yerimine Octopus Dumplings!
📍 Mokpo Wonjo Yerimine Octopus Dumplings
1st Floor, 7 Nojeokbong-gil, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do
Mokpo Wonjo Yerimine Nakji Mandu operates from 10 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, it is open from 9 AM to 8 PM.
This place sells three types: Meat Octopus Dumplings, Kimchi Octopus Dumplings, and Spicy Octopus Dumplings. All octopus dumplings are ~$8 per pack.
If you participate in the Naver review event, you will receive either popcorn or marble ice cream. Additionally, nationwide delivery is available, and orders over ~$35 qualify for free shipping.
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