Are you ready to test your spice tolerance in Seoul? 🔥
If you're looking for the ultimate "K-Spicy" experience that locals have cherished since 1966, you must visit "Mugyodong Yujeong Nakji." Famous for its fiery red, tender stir-fried octopus, this restaurant is a legendary landmark in the Gwanghwamun and City Hall area.
Today, I’ll guide you through this iconic spicy journey, including tips on how to survive the heat and how to navigate the waiting system like a local!
🐙 Quick Overview: Mugyodong Yujeong Nakji (Main Branch)
- Specialty: Spicy Stir-fried Octopus (Nakji-bokkeum) & Clam Soup
- History: Serving authentic spicy octopus since 1966
- Vibe: Modern, clean, and spacious (perfect for groups or solo diners)
- Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Very Spicy! But you can ask for a milder version)
💡 Local’s Recommendation:
I recently wrote a post about "Gwanghwamun Mijin," located just a few minutes away. If you prefer a clean, refreshing cold broth to beat the heat, I highly recommend Gwanghwamun Mijin. However, if you are ready to challenge yourself with the fiery "K-Spicy" flavor that Koreans absolutely love, then this is the place to be.
1. How to Get There (Location & Transport) 📍
🚕 SHOW THIS TO THE TAXI DRIVER:
무교동 유정낙지 본점 (주소: 중구 세종대로21길 22) 으로 가주세요.
2. Opening Hours, Menu & Waiting 🕒
🕙 Operating Hours
- Everyday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Last Order: 9:20 PM
- *Open year-round (No break time)
🍴 Signature Menu & Price (2026 Update)
- Stir-fried Octopus (1 person): 19,000 KRW (Rice excluded)
- Live Stir-fried Octopus (2 persons): 63,000 KRW (The freshest experience!)
- Clam Soup (Baekhap-tang): 15,000 KRW (Essential to cool down the spice)
- Octopus Pancake (Pajeon): 24,000 KRW
- Octopus Dumplings: 7,500 KRW
🎁 Special Weekday Lunch Set (Available until 3:00 PM)
As of January 2026, there is a perfect value set for two people during weekday lunch hours!
- 2-Person Lunch Set: 41,000 KRW
- Included: Spicy Stir-fried Octopus (2 portions) + Clam Soup (Baekhap-tang)
- Note: Steamed rice is NOT included in the set and must be ordered separately (1,000 KRW per bowl).
- Availability: Weekdays only, until 3:00 PM
🎟️ How to Wait (Catch Table Guide)
This restaurant is very popular during lunch and dinner. They use the Catch Table system.
- For Foreigners: If you don't have a Korean phone number, you can enter your Email Address at the kiosk. You will receive an alert when your table is ready.
- Pro Tip: Weekday lunch (11:30~12:30) is the busiest time as it's packed with local office workers. Visiting at 2:00 PM is much quieter.
3. ✨ Real User Reviews: The Good & The Bad
👍 PROS
- The octopus is incredibly tender and fresh (not rubbery at all).
- The spicy sauce is addictive—"clean" heat without a heavy aftertaste.
- Clean, spacious interior and very accessible from major subway lines.
👎 CONS
- It can be quite expensive compared to other casual Korean diners.
- Rice and side dishes often need to be ordered separately.
4. 💡 Essential Tips for the Full Experience
- The "Clam Soup" Trick: Do not skip the Baekhap-tang (Clam Soup). It is the perfect partner to neutralize the spiciness of the octopus.
- Mixing Your Bowl: Ask for a large mixing bowl (Bibim-bowl) with bean sprouts and seaweed. Mix your rice with a few spoons of the spicy octopus sauce for a delicious Bibimbap!
- Solo Travelers: Unlike many spicy restaurants that require a 2-person minimum, this place offers a 1-person portion for stir-fried octopus.
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Can you handle the heat?
Try the legendary spicy octopus and share your experience below! 🐙🔥
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