Daughter of the Pollack House(명태집 딸) at Beomnaegol Rotting Bridge
There’s a neighborhood in Busan called Beomnaegol(범내골).
It’s right next to what is now called Beomil-dong(범일동), but these were originally the same neighborhood, all called Beomnaegol.
The current Beomil-dong was once part of this larger Beomnaegol neighborhood.
The name “Beomnaegol” originates from “Hocheonee” (호천, 虎川 / 범천, 凡川), meaning “Tiger River.”
It was named so because this neighborhood is located in a valley at the foot of Sujeong Mountain(수정산), and it referred to the river or valley that used to flow here in the past.
When we see Beomil-dong, Beomnaegol, and Beomcheon-dong(범천동) all clustered together in Busan, it’s evident that they all stem from the old name Beomnaegol.
After the valley ends, there’s a slightly flat area that leads to Munhyeon-dong(문현동), and there’s a small river flowing there.
This river gathers the water that flowed through Beomnaegol Valley and flows into the sea in front of Busan.
The beauty and uniqueness of this river, Beomnaegol, resonate with my childhood memories of this area.
There are several bridges crossing the river here.
The bridge you see on the right, where you can see E-Mart(이마트), is called the Rotting Bridge(섞은 다리), also known as the Rainbow Bridge.
When I was young, I didn’t know it as the Rainbow Bridge; my friends and I often called it the Rotting Bridge.
I remember as a child, the bridge seemed as if it would collapse at any moment, but now it’s been rebuilt sturdy and beautiful.
There’s a street here known only to the residents of Busan called the Food Alley.
It’s close to where I lived during my school days, and it holds many memories for me.
In January of the year I turned 20, I remember sitting with my father at one of the stalls here, having my first glass of makgeolli.
It’s a street filled with nostalgia for me.
It’s been a long time,
but thanks to the Busan citizens who continue to remember and visit, this neighborhood continues to thrive without disappearing.
You can taste delicious side dishes and snacks that are both really cheap and amazing.
After a tough day, it’s nice to stop by the alley and chat with friends, or sleep in late on weekends and gather for a simple meal and a glass of makgeolli in the evening.
I’ve always loved stories and the scent of the old market where people live, both when I was young and now.
Here, you can find tantalizing fruits and indoor food stalls labeled as “Silbi(실비집).”
When I was young, it used to be a place frequented by the elderly, but now, seeing many young people here, the neighborhood seems lively and vibrant.
Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I’ve been here.
Considering the era of COVID-19, it feels even longer.
There are many shops lining this short alley, among which “Jobang Soot-bul Gopchang(조방숯불곱창)” seemed to be the most popular.
Many young couples were enjoying ‘the charcoal-grilled(Soot-bul) gopchang’ at reasonable prices.
But today, our group had a different destination in mind.
Even the name is appealing.
They’ve chosen the name well.
“Daughter of the Pollack House(명태집 딸)”
This is my first visit here.
A friend strongly recommended it, assuring me that I would love both the price and the taste.
What’s great about a pocha (outdoor pub) is the variety of side dishes you can choose from according to your taste. Recently, I’ve been cutting back on drinking, so I felt guilty about only eating at drinking sessions. But coming to a place like this, I felt like I could momentarily put aside those worries.
At such a price, it’s hard to believe it’s April 2023 prices. It was amazing to see such a small pocha offering so many menu items.
Without hesitation, we each ordered one item.
A staple in pochas, the cheese egg roll appeared, a large egg dressed in ketchup. It was perfect for soothing the stomach and filling up the hunger.
A clear soup with pollack, something you wouldn’t expect at a pocha. It was much tastier than eating pollack soup at an upscale restaurant.
It felt like enjoying a variety of course dishes at such an affordable price. The shop was full of guests, yet the owner kindly smiled as he prepared each dish.
The owner of the Pollack House’s daughter was so kind-hearted.
Seeing the owner, who was so cheerful, made me think the shop must be bustling with customers and delicious food.
With such delicious side dishes in front of me, I laughed and chatted joyfully, as if I had just finished drinking a full glass of alcohol.
As we left, I spotted a traditional market.
It was a moment that made me feel the long history of this neighborhood.
It felt like I might find actor Won Bin sitting there. It’s not easy to come across traditional markets like this nowadays.
I really like alleys with hidden stories like this one.
It felt like I had spent a satisfying evening chatting and laughing freely with friends, without any worries. Next time I visit Busan, I’ll definitely suggest coming here again.
That’s how much I enjoyed the food and the atmosphere at this pocha(Out door pub).