In the bustling university neighborhood of Anam-dong, just a stone’s throw from Korea University, there’s a restaurant with a name that’s impossible to forget: Guksu Meokneun Kkolttugi (국수먹는 꼴뚜기) — loosely translated, “The Baby Squid That Eats Noodles.” Despite the playful name, this is a place serious about its food, serving up a menu that champions seasonal seafood, homemade noodles, and dishes that pair effortlessly with Korea’s favorite alcoholic beverages.
Spring’s Seasonal Star: Boiled Webfoot Octopus (쭈꾸미 데침)
When dining in Korea, seasonal eating is a deeply ingrained tradition. And in spring, 쭈꾸미 (jjukkumi) — webfoot octopus — takes center stage. Unlike its baby squid counterpart (꼴뚜기), jjukkumi is prized for its richer, deeper flavor and slightly firmer texture, especially when lightly blanched (데침) and dipped into a vinegary, spicy gochujang sauce.
At Guksu Meokneun Kkolttugi, I opted for the boiled jjukkumi over the classic baby squid, and it was absolutely the right call. Tender but satisfyingly chewy, the octopus slices had a fresh, ocean-sweet taste. Each bite paired beautifully with the spicy-tangy dipping sauce, awakening every taste bud. For the indecisive (or simply hungry), there’s even a “Kkoljju Dechim (꼴쭈 데침)” combo on the menu that lets you enjoy both squid and octopus on one platter.
The Perfect Pair: Kimchi Seafood Pancake with Baby Squid
To complement the seafood, I ordered the Kimchi Haemul Pajeon with Kkolttugi (꼴뚜기 김치해물파전). This dish was a highlight — a massive savory pancake filled with chopped kimchi, green onions, squid pieces, and seafood batter. Crisped to golden-brown perfection, it achieved that elusive Korean culinary texture goal: 겉바속촉 (crispy outside, moist inside).
The pancake was just spicy enough from the fermented kimchi to stimulate your palate without overpowering the seafood. It was robust, umami-laden, and matched perfectly with the drinks I ordered — a bottle of soju and a kettle of makgeolli. Because why choose one when both elevate the food in different ways?
Makgeolli, Soju, and the Art of Pairing
Korean cuisine is often experienced best with alcohol, and Guksu Meokneun Kkolttugi makes that pairing seamless. The clean burn of soju cuts through the rich pancake, while the slightly sweet, fizzy tang of makgeolli balances out the spicy octopus.
Watching other diners — groups of friends, couples, and university students — all clinking glasses and tearing into squid with chopsticks, I couldn’t help but smile. This is the kind of meal where conversation flows as easily as the drinks, and your table slowly fills with empty plates and happy exhaustion.
The Showstopper Finale: Kalguksu Soup for the Soul
Just when I thought the meal couldn’t get better, I finished it with a bowl of Kalguksu (칼국수) — hand-cut noodles served in a spicy, clear broth. This wasn’t just an afterthought carb. It was a reviving, sinus-clearing, soul-restoring soup that brought the whole experience full circle.
The broth was packed with green onions, red chili flakes, garlic, and just the right amount of salt. The noodles had perfect elasticity and soak-ability. After the richness of the squid and pancake, the kalguksu offered a clean, fiery finish that felt like a mini hangover cure right in your seat. It’s no wonder people linger over this dish at the end — it resets you.
Atmosphere: Cozy, No-Frills, and Full of Life
The interior of Guksu Meokneun Kkolttugi is casual and slightly cramped in the best way. Wooden tables, handwritten menus on the wall, metal chopsticks clattering — it’s not designed for Instagram, but for flavor and comfort.
The crowd is a mix of Korea University students, local regulars, and off-duty professionals. It’s the kind of place where no one’s on their phone because the food and conversation command attention. Service is fast, efficient, and a little playful — the ajumma who took our order teased us for hesitating too long on the soju.
Why This Place Stands Out in Seoul’s Seafood Scene
What sets this restaurant apart is its commitment to freshness, flavor layering, and seasonality. The ingredients are simple, but they’re treated with respect. The variety is wide enough to please seafood lovers, noodle slurpers, and fried food fans alike. The balance of heat, tang, chew, and crunch across each dish creates a rhythmic harmony throughout the meal.
Most of all, it delivers that rare trifecta: affordable, satisfying, and deeply memorable.
Neighborhood Notes: Why You Should Visit Anam-dong
Anam-dong isn’t as touristy as Myeongdong or Hongdae, but that’s exactly its charm. It’s an authentic university town with great coffee, late-night snacks, budget-friendly meals, and old-school drinking joints like Guksu Meokneun Kkolttugi. You’ll hear more Korean than English here, which is a sign you’re in the right place for real local eats.
The restaurant is about a 5-minute walk from Anam Station (Line 6), tucked on a quieter side street. Though modest from the outside, you’ll know it by the gentle steam curling out the door and the buzz of happy diners within.
Menu Highlights and Pricing (2025)
- 쭈꾸미 데침 (Boiled Webfoot Octopus) – ₩20,000
- 꼴뚜기 데침 (Boiled Baby Squid) – ₩20,000
- 꼴쭈 데침 (Squid & Octopus Combo) – ₩20,000
- 꼴뚜기 김치해물파전 (Kimchi Seafood Pancake with Squid) – ₩14,000
- 해물파전 / 김치해물파전 (Seafood Pancake) – ₩14,000
- 도토리묵 (Acorn Jelly Salad) – ₩10,000
- 돼지껍데기 볶음 (Stir-fried Pork Skin) – ₩11,000
- 칼국수 (Spicy Knife-Cut Noodle Soup) – ₩7,000
- 비빔국수 / 잔치국수 (Spicy / Soy Noodle Soup) – ₩7,000
Practical Info
- Name: Guksu Meokneun Kkolttugi (국수먹는 꼴뚜기)
- Address: 20 Goryeodae-ro 28-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone: +82-2-926-0676
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Closed: Sundays
- Nearest Subway: Anam Station (Line 6, Exit 2)
- Parking: Very limited – public transport highly recommended
- More Info : https://blog.naver.com/yougetwhatyougive/223033741356
If you’re seeking a meal in Seoul that’s delicious, unpretentious, and rooted in local tradition, Guksu Meokneun Kkolttugi (국수먹는 꼴뚜기) should be high on your list. Whether you’re slurping kalguksu, savoring spring octopus, or raising a glass of makgeolli, you’ll leave this place warmed, full, and wanting to return.