A Disappointing Experience at a Jeon Stall in Gimpo Bukbyeon 5-day Market
A record of a very disappointing visit to a Jeon(전) stall at the Gimpo Bukbyeon 5-day Market(김포북변오일장). From unhygienic conditions to greasy, poor-quality food, this was an experience that fell far below expectations.
After enjoying a great first round of food at Bakcheon Sundae-guk(박천순대국) while exploring the Gimpo Bukbyeon 5-day Market(김포북변오일장), I was looking for a second spot. I happened to see a stall selling Jeon(전) at a very low price. Since they had indoor seating, I decided to go in without knowing what was in store.
The hygiene was appalling. The gas stove looked as if it had never been cleaned, and the frying pans were covered in grease. I ordered the Nokdu-jeon(녹두전), and it was served with Kimchi(김치) as a basic side dish.
The Nokdu-jeon(녹두전) had no crispness at all and was completely soaked in oil. The Kimchi(김치) did not taste properly fermented; it had a spoiled, rotten flavor. Later, the Modeum-jeon(모듬전) was served, but it was just as disappointing.
Every piece in the Modeum-jeon(모듬전) lacked freshness and was dripping with grease. While it is said that even a shoe tastes good when fried, the food here was unbearable due to the poor hygiene and preparation. I will never visit this place again.
[Glossary: Korean Terms in This Post]
- Gimpo Bukbyeon 5-day Market(김포북변오일장): A traditional market in Gimpo.
- Bakcheon Sundae-guk(박천순대국): A famous local Korean blood sausage soup restaurant.
- Jeon(전): Korean-style savory pancakes.
- Nokdu-jeon(녹두전): Mung bean pancakes.
- Kimchi(김치): Traditional Korean fermented side dish.
- Modeum-jeon(모듬전): An assortment of various Korean pancakes.