Recommended Jagalchi(Local Market) Restaurant by Busan Locals, Yeongjin Yang Gopchang(영진 양곱창)
I took a flight according to the timing of an evening gathering in Busan.
It was close to my home in Seoul, Gimpo Airport,
and since I usually go to Busan for gatherings rather than travel,
booking a flight for the evening and returning the next morning was cheaper than taking the KTX or SRT(Express Train).
Of course, I could have taken a bus or used the Mugunghwa-ho(Slow Train) to go even cheaper,
but that would have been inefficient due to the longer travel time.
Although Air Busan is slightly more expensive than other LCC airlines like Jeju Air, Jin Air, and T’way,
it still has its advantages with wider seats than other airlines.
I don’t particularly prefer airlines; I just buy the cheapest ticket available at the time.
After landing at Busan’s Gimhae Airport, I immediately headed to Jagalchi Market, where the gathering was.
Currently, there is an ongoing subway construction from Sasang(사상) to Hadan(하단), but I don’t know when it will be completed.
For now, the fastest way was to transfer from Gimhae Airport to Line 2 and then Line 1 to Jagalchi.
Taking a bus was also an option, but it took a similar amount of time.
I exited through Exit 10 of Jagalchi Station.
Jagalchi always feels dear, welcoming, and very Busan-like.
Nam-po Dong(남포동) and Jagalchi in Busan are connected underground via subway stations,
but unless you’re from Busan, finding the right exit can be confusing.
You need to check the map and find your way out to your desired destination.
Exiting through Exit 10, if you enter the alley right away,
you’ll come across this Yang Gopchang Alley(Beef Intestine, 양곱창 거리).
It’s such a narrow alley that barely one car can pass through,
but there are many brightly lit yang gopchang restaurants here.
For someone visiting Busan for the first time, entering such a dimly lit alley might make them hesitate.
It’s a moment that requires a bit of courage to have a delicious dinner.
Today’s destination is Yeongjin Yang Gopchang.
There are many yang gopchang restaurants in this alley that Busan locals frequent.
If you like a bustling atmosphere, I recommend the nearby ‘Baekhwa Yang Gopchang(백화 양곱창)’.
But if you want to have conversations with friends in a quieter atmosphere,
‘Yeongjin Yang Gopchang(영진 양곱창)’ here might be good.
‘Baekhwa Yang Gopchang’ isn’t just one store; it’s a structure with multiple blocks and many stores inside,
while ‘Yeongjin Yang Gopchang’ operates only one store, so it doesn’t feel as complex.
Half of the store is with low seating, and the other half has tables,
so you can enjoy yang gopchang the way you prefer.
The part of the meat called “yang(양)” or “yang gopchang(양곱창)” refers to the first stomach of the cow, which has a chewy texture.
Yeongjin Yang Gopchang sells only one type of meat.
This indicates the confidence and taste of the grandmother owner.
Salt-grilled: 35,000 won
Marinated: 35,000 won
Extra meat: 25,000 won
Hot pot: 40,000 won
Stir-fried rice (per serving): 10,000 won
Whenever our group visits ‘Yeongjin Yang Gopchang’, we always order the same menu.
We eat until we’re full of marinated meat and then have stir-fried rice.
It’s not that marinated meat is necessarily better than salt-grilled;
it’s just a habit that we’ve been following as regulars for a long time.
It seems like our group has similar tastes.
The slightly sweet yet intermittently salty taste,
and dipping it in the soy sauce unique to Yeongjin Yang Gopchang seems to be the best match.
After finishing the meat, stir-fried rice is a must-order item,
and when you order it, they take the hot plate to the kitchen to fry the rice.
When you chew on the meat’s texture, along with the kimchi, rice, and the aroma of green onions, it brings such happiness.
Since there aren’t many tables,
there might be a wait if you go during dinner time.
But even if you have to wait a bit, it’s worth it to try the delicious yang gopchang at Yeongjin Yang Gopchang, a must-visit yang gopchang restaurant in Busan.