Yeoljeong Chukkumi: Spicy Baby Octopus in Jangan-dong, Seoul

The Storefront

Exterior of Yeoljeong Chukkumi restaurant in Jangan-dong, Seoul, with neon signage

Yeoljeong Chukkumi (열정쭈꾸미), Jangan-dong Branch, sits in Jangan-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, just a short walk from Chwal-yeongso intersection. At night, the neon sign makes it easy to spot, so even first-timers shouldn’t have trouble finding it.

Interior and Menu Overview

Interior seating at Yeoljeong Chukkumi with wood-toned tables

Menu board at Yeoljeong Chukkumi listing chukkumi and pork belly sets

Table setup at Yeoljeong Chukkumi restaurant in Jangan-dong

The interior has a cozy, understated vibe, with wood-toned tables throughout. Each table has a convenient pull-out cutlery drawer — a small but thoughtful touch. The menu centers around the signature chukkumi (spicy baby octopus) dish, with a few set-menu combos featuring pork belly. Note: orders here start at a minimum of two servings, so solo diners should keep that in mind before heading over.

The Basic Sauce and Herbs

Perilla leaves, garlic, and green chili peppers served as banchan

House-made dipping sauce for chukkumi at Yeoljeong Chukkumi

A set of perilla leaves, garlic, green chili peppers, and the restaurant’s house-made dipping sauce arrive first. Wrapping the spicy chukkumi in leafy greens mellows out the heat to a much more manageable level. Crunchy flying fish roe (nalchial) is also included, adding a nice pop of texture and flavor.

Watching the Chukkumi Cook

Chukkumi and vegetables cooking in spicy red sauce on a griddle

Close-up of spicy baby octopus bubbling in sauce on the grill

Watching the baby octopus bubble away on the griddle alongside bean sprouts, onion, and perilla leaves, all coated in a bright red sauce, is enough to get your appetite going just from the sight of it. This time we went with spice level 2 out of the scale, and even as a Korean, I found it genuinely, seriously spicy. If you’re visiting from Japan or generally can’t handle heat well, I’d strongly recommend starting at level 1.

Modeum Chukkumi — Octopus Plus Samgyeopsal

Combo platter of chukkumi and pork belly arranged on a griddle

This time we ordered “modeum (combo) chukkumi,” which lets you enjoy baby octopus and pork belly together. Thick-cut pork belly, shredded cabbage, and perilla leaves are arranged neatly around the griddle, making for an impressive-looking spread. The sweetness of the pork fat combined with the spicy octopus sauce was an excellent pairing.

Want to Tone Down the Heat? Try the Steamed Egg

Corn and cheese side dish served to soften the spice

Even if you order the “sunhan-mat” (mild) spice level, adding gyeranjjim (steamed egg) noticeably softens the heat. The silky, custard-like steamed egg makes for a perfect palate break between spicy bites, and it’s especially recommended for anyone who struggles with heat. The corn-and-cheese side dish also brought a nice sweetness that helped balance things out.

A Perfect Match for Drinks

Soju served alongside spicy chukkumi at a Korean restaurant

Spicy chukkumi pairs beautifully with Korean soju, as you’d expect. The crisp, clean finish of the soju really elevated the whole meal alongside the heat.

When Chukkumi Is at Its Best

Chukkumi (baby octopus) is generally considered to be at its best from late autumn through early winter. During this season, the octopus is plumper and packed with more flavor. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, timing your visit around this season is a great way to try chukkumi at its peak.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

A satisfying combo of baby octopus and pork belly in one meal
Well-rounded side menu, including steamed egg and corn-and-cheese
Pairs excellently with soju

Cons:

Minimum order is two servings (not solo-diner friendly)
Even spice level 2 is genuinely hot by Korean standards — foreign visitors should be cautious
If you’re sensitive to spice, go with the mild (“sunhan-mat”) option and add steamed egg