Balsan Station Restaurant, Ojeokhall is a must-visit spot for squid lovers, offering a wide variety of delicious squid dishes just a 3-minute walk from Balsan Station. Known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes, Ojeokhall is perfect for both casual meals and group gatherings. With its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal paired with drinks.
Overview, Balsan Station Restaurant, Ojeokhall
Located just a short distance from Balsan Station, Ojeokhall is a squid specialty restaurant perfect for both meals and drinks. With its large, eye-catching sign, it’s easy to spot even from afar, and I finally had the chance to visit.
Just a 3-minute walk from Exit 9 of Balsan Station, Ojeokhall is a convenient spot for gatherings or company dinners. It’s a go-to place for anyone looking for a meal that pairs well with drinks. Plus, if you drive, you can park at “Science Park View” and enjoy up to 3 hours of free parking.
Ojeokhall Operating Hours:
- Every day from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (last order at 10:00 PM)
The restaurant is located on the second floor of a building, and once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a large, welcoming space. Ojeokhall is famous for its squid dishes, and its brand story displayed inside tells the origin of its name. “Ojinguh,” or squid, comes from the term “ojeokuh,” meaning “the robber that eats crows.” Squid, known for its high taurine content and rich protein, outshines other seafood with its health benefits, making it the star of the restaurant.
Ojeokhall was featured on a popular TV show, so it’s not unusual to find a waitlist. However, you can reserve a table via Naver in advance. When booking, you also get perks like free squid salad, a makgeolli coupon for rainy days, and even a 10,000 KRW coupon for company dinners. Definitely take advantage of these deals when planning your visit.
Interior Space of Balsan Station Restaurant, Ojeokhall
The restaurant is spacious and well-lit, with plenty of seating for larger groups. There are also smaller tables by the windows, making it a great spot for family meals or casual outings. When I visited, there were several tables of people having company dinners and friends catching up over a meal. The open kitchen allows you to see the chefs in action, which adds to the lively atmosphere.
Menu:
Each table has a tablet menu, which features an extensive list of squid dishes. From sizzling squid stir-fry on a hot plate to squid tempura and squid soup, there’s no shortage of options. For something more fusion, they also offer squid with cheese on a hot plate and squid-pork stir-fry.
The signature dishes are the Ojeok Hansang and Ojeok Dusang, both highly recommended by the staff:
- Ojeok Hansang for two people: Includes squid stir-fry, pork belly, squid salad, and squid tempura (62,000 KRW)
- Ojeok Dusang for four people: Includes squid stir-fry, pork belly, squid salad, clam soup, and spicy squid noodles
We decided to go for the Ojeok Hansang for two, along with a bottle of Kelly beer and Jinro soju.
Special Offers at Balsan Station Restaurant, Ojeokhall
Ojeokhall runs various promotions, including stamp card rewards, KakaoTalk friend promotions, and Naver receipt reviews, allowing you to enjoy additional perks and discounts.
Dining Experience at Balsan Station Restaurant, Ojeokhall
The meal started with a self-serve salad and vegetable bar, offering a variety of fresh greens. The vegetables were sourced daily from Garak Market and included over 10 types of greens, such as lettuce, kale, chicory, and perilla leaves. Alongside this, they also offer unlimited rice and soup, making it a great value for money.
Their side dishes are also a highlight, and you can even purchase five of their side dishes for 10,000 KRW if you want to take some home. This makes it a great option for those who enjoy a hearty meal and want to grab some extras for later.
Balsan Station Restaurant, Ojeokhall, Food Review:
The food arrived, and I quickly realized the portions were much more than expected! The Ojeok Hansang is definitely enough to feed three people, despite being labeled as a two-person meal.
Sizzling Squid Stir-fry on a Hot Plate:
The first dish was the signature squid stir-fry, served piping hot on a sizzling plate. The generous portion of squid and vegetables continued to bubble and stay hot throughout the meal.
The dish was bursting with smoky, spicy flavors and had a kick that reminded me of Shin Ramyun-level spice. It was hard to stop eating because the seasoning was so addictive, making it perfect for pairing with rice or drinks. The squid itself was incredibly tender despite its thickness, which was impressive.
Pork Belly:
Next up was the pork belly, kept warm in a steamer. The meat was tender and juicy, with a slightly sweet dipping sauce on the side.
Paired with fresh vegetables and baek kimchi, the combination was unbeatable.
Squid Salad:
The squid salad, served with fresh vegetables and a spicy, tangy dressing, was a refreshing contrast to the other richer dishes. The squid was incredibly fresh, and the radish salad added a nice crunch to the dish.
Squid Tempura:
Finally, we tried the squid tempura. Despite being nearly full, I couldn’t resist biting into the thick, tender pieces of squid. The tempura batter wasn’t overly crispy, but the squid inside was so well-cooked that it still tasted amazing.
After finishing the meal, we were served nureungji (scorched rice tea) to help with digestion, along with complimentary Dutch coffee as a dessert, which was a nice touch.
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Final Thoughts:
With generous portions, great-tasting food, and a welcoming atmosphere, Ojeokhall is a perfect choice for gatherings, whether it’s with family, friends, or colleagues. The squid dishes were impressive in both flavor and quantity, making it a must-visit for squid lovers.
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