There’s a place in Chungmuro called Pildong Bunsik. It looks like a bunsik (Korean snack) joint, but the most famous thing on the menu is chicken skewers. They apparently have other dishes too, though it seems to change from day to day.

A place like this

A really Chungmuro kind of atmosphere.

Inside

A bit run-down.

Table setting

Simple, but the freshness of the chillies and the garlic was remarkable. The chillies in particular weren’t spicy at all and were beautifully crisp. Famous places really are different, I thought.

A plate of chicken skewers

The owner grills them with great care over a briquette fire right by the door.. The meat isn’t of amazing quality, but it has that flame-grilled flavour.. That’ll be the care that goes into it. Dipped lightly in sesame salt, they make an incredibly good soju snack.. But in exchange for all that care, you do have to wait a bit after ordering..

It’s a popular place normally, but on this day, maybe because of the heat, there weren’t many people.. The inside is run-down, the tables are close together and there are flies buzzing around, so if you like things clean you’re probably better off staying away.. but for a few middle-aged guys to drop in for a casual second round and a glass of soju, it was the perfect spot.. Apparently they do eomuk (fish cake) too once the hot summer is over.. Another place I’d like to come back to often.

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