A Full Course Korean Meal at Jokumeon
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Korean dishes are famous for their savory taste and the abundance of side dishes, but for those who want to experience this through a slowly served meal, Jokumeon is the place for you.
Opened in 1996, Jokumeon aimed for a cozy and hospitable restaurant that serves ''hanjeongsik'' (Korean set meal) that enables guests to experience the core of Korean food. Indeed, visitors can taste many famous Korean dishes through their meals, as there are more than 15 different side dishes for every one that will surely fill your eyes and palate.
Jokumeon offers three different full course meals, the ``Cham Jokumeon'' (which literally means `superb' and costs 30,000 won per person), ``Cham Haengbokhan'' (' truly happy,' 22,000 won) and ``Cham Gwenchaneun'' (`fine,' 15,000 won). The ``Cham Jokumeon'' includes all dishes the other two offer, plus a dish of grilled yam in black garlic and grilled eel. The Cham Haengbokhan offers tteok galbi (grinded, marinated and then grilled meat) and steamed prawn.
We tried the most popular ``Cham Haengbokhan'' and it was indeed a ``happy'' treat. The meal started with juk (porridge) and water kimchi. The juk, which differs seasonally, includes pumpkin, bean sprouts and black sesame. Black sesame was served for our visit.
Next came the salad, japchae (stir fried noodles with vegetables) and buchimgae (buckwheat pancakes). Although Koreans tend to share food from one large bowl or plate, everyone is given an individual plate and all the dishes have their own separate pair of chopsticks in this restaurant.
The course then presents its variety of dishes: a small yet satisfying dish of sashimi, steamed prawns, sweet and sour mushroom stew, boiled pork with shrimp sauce served with vegetables and kimchi, fish pancakes and braised beef ribs. Rice is not served with these dishes, so you will be able to enjoy the delicacies to the utmost.
Just as you feel that you have finally have gone through everything, the course continues with a traditional Korean style meal: rice, doenjang-jjigae (thick soup made from fermented bean paste and vegetables) and simple side dishes. The rice was served in bamboo cane and was soft and chewy with a hint of bamboo. The doenjang-jjigae was a bit strong for our taste, but the side dishes were simple yet tasty.
Vegetables and traditional pastes, including bean pastes and hot pepper paste, used in Jokumeon are produced by designated farms and factories. This may be the reason why the dishes have their own original rich flavor.
Last, but not least, the meal was completed with dessert, fruit or tteok (traditional rice cake) with tea such as sujeonggwa (cinnamon persimmon punch) or sikhye (sweet rice punch).
Although all savory in taste and presence, the delicacies were more than enough, considering the number of dishes, so it is a good idea to go with an empty stomach.
Currently, Jokumeon has 19 outlets across the nation. The one near Samseong Station on subway line 2 is open 11:50 a.m.-10:00 p.m. and is located near exit 5. From the exit take the bus 4428 and get off after three stops, in front of the Medimoa Clinic. It also costs the basic fare from exit 5 by taxi. Jokumeon is on your right across the street. Reservations should be made at least three days in advance for large parties. For more information call 02-565-1669 or visit www. jokumeon.com (in Korean).