The Top 5 Spots for Spicy Agujjim (Monkfish Stew) You Need to Try
- Daechang agujjim finished with a flame show — Songpa’s 'Gaenari Agujjim'
- The original Masan-style agujjim — Masan’s 'Jinjja Chogajib'
- Hearty agujjim chosen by singer Sung Si-kyung — Ttukseom’s 'Seongsu Agujjim'
- Piled high with fresh seafood — Seongnam, Gyeonggi’s 'Mirae Sikdang'
- Addictively spicy — Insadong’s 'Masan Agu Log Cabin Restaurant'
The aroma of spicy sauce bubbling away instantly amps up agujjim’s appeal. Tender monkfish, crisp bean sprouts, and richly seasoned sauce come together for deep, satisfying flavor. One bite hits you with heat and umami at the same time, making the whole meal feel more rewarding. As the sauce simmers and the textures mingle, the dish grows even more comforting. Below are five restaurants that showcase monkfish at its best.
Daechang agujjim finished with a flame show — Songpa’s 'Gaenari Agujjim'
On Garak-ro in Songpa-gu, Gaenari Agujjim specializes in a variety of steamed seafood dishes — from agujjim to haemuljjim and more. It’s a local favorite that’s even been featured on TV, so expect lines. The monkfish is springy yet chewy, with plump meat that soaks up the sauce. Because it’s popular, plan for a wait and go with an appetite.
| See more about 'Gaenari Agujjim' on Siksin
✔Location
1F, 7-8 Ogeum-ro 15-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
✔Hours
4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
✔Menu
Signature Daechang Agujjim 24,000 KRW (≈ $18.00 USD), Agujjim 45,000 KRW (≈ $33.75 USD), Goni Goni Agujjim 24,000 KRW (≈ $18.00 USD)
The origin of Masan-style agujjim — Masan’s 'Jinjja Chogajib'
Tucked away in Masan’s agujjim alley, Jinjja Chogajib has been serving up the same beloved flavors since 1965 — so much so it even popped up in the foodie comic Sikgaek. They use dried monkfish prepared in the traditional Masan way, which keeps the fish from releasing water and preserves a dense, satisfying texture. The sauce blends soybean paste with red pepper for a toasty, slightly funky aroma and a thick, comforting mouthfeel. Their clear monkfish soup loaded with fresh fish, bean sprouts, and water parsley is perfect for a hangover or a soul-soothing meal.
| See more about 'Jinjja Chogajib' on Siksin
✔Location
8-2 Odongnam 3-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon, Gyeongnam
✔Hours
Daily 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM; closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month
✔Price
Agujjim (small) 20,000 KRW (≈ $15.00 USD), Agu-tang 7,000 KRW (≈ $5.25 USD)
Hearty agujjim chosen by Sung Si-kyung — Ttukseom’s 'Seongsu Agujjim'
Near Ttukseom Station, Seongsu Agujjim has been dishing up monkfish for 23 years. They flash-freeze the fish right after gutting to lock in texture and flavor, and you can pick your spice level when you order. The red sauce deeply flavors the fish, which remains pleasantly springy yet flaky. When the meal’s almost over, they stir-fry the remaining broth and solids with sesame oil and roasted seaweed into a fabulous fried rice — just note fried rice isn’t available during peak lunch (12–1 PM) and dinner (7–9 PM) rushes. Their water-parsley–topped agu-tang is offered by the single serving and delivers an even richer broth and juicier fish.
| See more about 'Seongsu Agujjim' on Siksin
✔Location
10 Wangsipli-ro 4-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
✔Hours Daily 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM✔Price
Agujjim (small) 45,000 KRW (≈ $33.75 USD), Agujjim (medium) 55,000 KRW (≈ $41.25 USD), Agu-tang (small) 45,000 KRW (≈ $33.75 USD)
Loaded with fresh seafood — Seongnam, Gyeonggi’s 'Mirae Sikdang'
Located in the Hyojachon Mirae Town shopping complex, Mirae Sikdang is known for seafood stews made with very fresh ingredients. Whole squid, octopus, abalone, and webfoot octopus appear in generous portions, giving a satisfying range of textures. The sauce is balanced rather than overpowering, letting the seafood’s natural umami shine. Great portions and smart prices are what keep people coming back.
| See more about 'Mirae Sikdang' on Siksin
✔Location
31 Buljeong-ro 376beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi
✔영업시간Daily 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
✔Menu
Agujjim (small) 60,000 KRW (≈ $45.00 USD), Haemuljjim (small) 70,000 KRW (≈ $52.50 USD), Haemultang (small) 70,000 KRW (≈ $52.50 USD)
Addictively spicy — Insadong’s 'Masan Agu Log Cabin Restaurant'
Across from Nakwon Shopping Center, the Log Cabin Restaurant is a long-standing spot often featured in the media. Its weathered interior only adds to the charm. The signature agujjim pairs fresh monkfish and assorted vegetables with a sweet-and-spicy aged sauce. Wrap crisp bean sprouts and chewy monkfish, dip in mustard sauce, and the umami just pops. The monkfish skin — which bursts with savory juices — is a crowd favorite. Crisp water kimchi refreshes the palate, and the stew-based fried rice is a weekday-only treat available until 5:00 PM.
| See more about 'Log Cabin Restaurant' on Siksin
✔Location
436-1 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
✔Hours
Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
✔Price
Suyo Gourmet Show Agujjim (small) 39,000 KRW (≈ $29.25 USD), Morning of the World Haemuljjim (small) 42,000 KRW (≈ $31.50 USD)
