A Savory Comfort Found at Seokjanggol Ogolgye Sutbul-gwi, a Hidden Gem in Yanggu, Gangwon-do

The Warmth of Charcoal Found at the End of an Unfamiliar Alley

Gangwon-do Yanggu has always been a quiet travel destination kept in a corner of my heart. I arrived in Yanggu-eup after driving for a while along the green mountain ridges passing by the car window. As I walked down the quiet alleys, a savory charcoal scent tickling the tip of my nose made me stop in my tracks. My destination, ‘Seokjanggol Ogolgye Sutbul-gwi (Seokjanggol Silky Fowl Charcoal Grill)’, welcomed me like an old friend who had been in that spot for a long time.

As soon as I opened the door, the warm temperature and the distinct savory smell of charcoal seemed to wash away the fatigue of the trip in an instant. It was a space that harmonized perfectly with the simplicity provided by the name Yanggu.

A 60-Day Wait, Savory Taste Filling the Mouth

When I faced the signature menu, the Ogolgye Sutbul-gwi (Silky Fowl Charcoal Grill), the first thing that caught my eye was the dark color of the meat. The owner explained that the silky fowl used here is a young bird that has grown for just about 60 to 70 days. He said it is light and mild due to having little fat, and possesses a chewiness that cannot be compared to regular chicken.

When I placed the meat on the charcoal fire, I heard a pleasant ‘sizzle’ sound. The aroma from the cooking meat was quite different from the chicken I usually eat. It was a bit deeper and richer, a savory scent that seemed to contain the fragrance of a forest. Grilled over charcoal, the plate, which is thoughtfully composed of parts including the liver and gizzards, stimulated my appetite with its golden-brown color. As I put a piece in my mouth, I found myself smiling at the light, savory juices that came out as I chewed. Even without strong seasoning, the experience of having the natural flavor of the meat fill my mouth was the best gift I encountered during this trip.

The Leisure of Yanggu, and Setting Off on the Road Again

When I finished my meal and came out, the sun was setting. After filling my stomach, the air in Yanggu felt even cooler. Seokjanggol Ogolgye Sutbul-gwi is located on Yangnok-gil, Yanggu-eup, so accessibility is good, but above all, the unique calm atmosphere of this place makes one feel at ease.

For visitors, here is a small tip: if you visit around 5 PM, a little earlier than dinner time, you can enjoy the charcoal grill in a more relaxed manner. Since Yanggu shows different charms in every season, a perfect Yanggu travel itinerary would be to look around the nearby Korea Center Observatory (Gukto Jeongjungang Cheonmun-dae) or the Park Soo-keun Museum during the day and then visit this place for dinner. The night sky of Yanggu that I encountered after a hearty meal had exceptionally bright stars. It is not flashy, but I feel like I will visit again when I miss its sincere and healthy taste.