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A Blue Ribbon Christmas Eve at Mokdong Jang-eo and Izakaya Oneul in Gimpo

Celebrating Christmas Eve 2025 in Gimpo(김포) with a grand feast. A journey from high-quality unlimited eel at Mokdong Jang-eo(목동장어) to a serene night walk at Laveniche(라베니체), and a refined finish at Izakaya Oneul(이자카야 오늘).

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• 4 min read
A Blue Ribbon Christmas Eve at Mokdong Jang-eo and Izakaya Oneul in Gimpo

The 2025 Christmas Eve began with a visit to Mokdong Jang-eo(목동장어) in Gimpo(김포), a restaurant featured in the Blue Ribbon Survey. For 36,000 KRW per person, guests can enjoy an unlimited selection of eel and various meats for two hours.

Inside, the refrigerators are stocked with beef, Samgyeopsal(삼겹살), Dwaeji-galbi(돼지갈비), and Kkeopdegi(껍데기). There is also a dedicated section where fresh eel is placed on top of beef slices, all available for guests to help themselves.

Fresh eel and beef slices ready for unlimited access.
A refrigerator stocked with various meats like Samgyeopsal(삼겹살) and Dwaeji-galbi(돼지갈비).

The salad bar offers an impressive variety of side dishes and hot foods. From essential sauces and condiments to popular dishes like pasta, Tteokbokki(떡볶이), and Japchae(잡채), the selection is very diverse.

The first section of the salad bar featuring various side dishes and sauces.
Hot dishes like Tteokbokki(떡볶이) and Japchae(잡채) available at the salad bar.

While waiting for the main grill, I enjoyed some pork cutlet, French fries, and fried chicken from the salad bar. Soon, the high-quality raw eel was placed on the grill, promising a wonderful feast.

A plate of snacks from the salad bar, including pork cutlet and fried chicken.
The high-quality raw eel before being placed on the grill.

The eel was perfectly grilled, offering a rich and savory flavor. On this day, I truly had my fill of delicious eel, making the Christmas Eve meal unforgettable.

Perfectly grilled eel, looking savory and delicious.

After dinner, I visited the square in Gurae-dong(구래동). The impressive LED cloud art on the ceiling and a magnificent giant Christmas tree illuminated the night, creating a magical atmosphere.

The Gurae-dong(구래동) square featuring impressive LED cloud art on the ceiling.
A magnificent giant Christmas tree lighting up the holiday night in Gurae-dong(구래동).

Continuing the stroll, I moved to Laveniche(라베니체) to enjoy more festive lights reflecting beautifully on the water.

Beautiful festive lights reflecting on the water at Laveniche(라베니체).
Charming illuminations that enhance the Christmas Eve atmosphere.

For the second round, I headed to Izakaya Oneul(이자카야 오늘). The Japanese-style interior, decorated with Miyazaki Hayao style art, creates a cozy vibe. I even spotted a cute beer box bottle opener and adorable teddy bears in Santa outfits.

The cozy interior of Izakaya Oneul(이자카야 오늘) with artistic illustrations.
A unique and cute bottle opener in the shape of a beer box.
Adorable teddy bears in Santa outfits celebrating the holiday.

The finale was a 2-person sashimi platter featuring thick slices of aged sashimi. It was a clean and refined end to a perfect Christmas Eve in Gimpo(김포), spent at two wonderful Blue Ribbon restaurants.

Elegant 2-person sashimi platter featuring assorted aged raw fish.

[Glossary: Korean Terms in This Post]

  • Gimpo(김포): A city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
  • Gurae-dong(구래동): A neighborhood in Gimpo known for its vibrant square.
  • Laveniche(라베니체): A famous water-side commercial area in Gimpo.
  • Mokdong Jang-eo(목동장어): The name of the unlimited eel restaurant.
  • Izakaya Oneul(이자카야 오늘): The name of the Japanese-style pub.
  • Samgyeopsal(삼겹살): Grilled pork belly.
  • Dwaeji-galbi(돼지갈비): Marinated pork ribs.
  • Kkeopdegi(껍데기): Grilled pork skin.
  • Tteokbokki(떡볶이): Spicy stir-fried rice cakes.
  • Japchae(잡채): Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables.

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