Jinmi Restaurant (진미식당): Ganjang Gejang in Mapo, Gongdeok

Jinmi Sikdang: The Top-Tier Ganjang Gejang Restaurant in Seoul!

This Ganjang Gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) restaurant in Seoul has already been featured in numerous media outlets. Reservations are essential, and a few years ago, it was so popular that there was more than a month's waitlist. You had to eat it during your spare time!

This time, I also reserved a table during the restaurant's available time slot, not my preferred one!

There are many great Ganjang Gejang restaurants, but I truly believe this one is the best! I've been to the West and South Seas, but this place is the most delicious. That's why I periodically make reservations to come back!

"Jinmi Sikdang"

• 186-6, Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• 282m from Exit 4 of Aeojae Station (Line 5)
• Business Hours: 12:00-20:00
• Break Time: 15:30-17:00

Finding Jinmi Sikdang for the first time can be a bit tricky.

Because…the sign doesn't say Jinmi Sikdang!

It says "Seosan Flower Crab Specialty Store." So I looked around, and yes, this is the place! They serve one large crab per person. The menu is very simple; only Gejang (crab) set meals!

Gejang Set Meal Price: 45,000 won per person (one crab included)

It's much more expensive than the Gejang set meals I've had on the West or South Coast, which are around 15,000 won per person. However, the quality and size of the crab here are incredible, so it's worth it! ㅠ_ㅠ

Lots of Michelin stickers plastered in front of the store! ㅎㅎ

It seems to have been receiving them consistently since 2017. Amazing!

When you enter the restaurant, the owner confirms your reservation and shows you to your seat. The side dishes are quickly set up!

Kimchi and various other dishes are served. The side dishes change slightly each time I visit! ㅎㅎㅎㅎ

But my favorite side dish, consistently, is the Hijiki seaweed (top right)...and they also serve laver. The combination of the Hijiki seaweed and the Ganjang Gejang in the picture is amazing! Steamed egg is served after a short wait.

Finally! Three servings of the main dish, Ganjang Gejang, have arrived.

Since we were three people, they set three portions of crab.

The orange roe inside the crab looks incredibly fresh.

The size of each crab is truly enormous.

Apparently, they only use flower crabs caught from the West Coast. They purchase them in large quantities during the peak crab season (June and December), quick-freeze them, and then make the Ganjang Gejang.

No wonder the Ganjang Gejang is so fresh and high-quality.

Absolutely not fishy at all; the orange roe is even slightly sweet! It's an amazing combination. This Ganjang Gejang is a masterpiece.

I needed more rice to mix it with the large crab shell! ㅠ_ㅠ If you love Ganjang Gejang, make a reservation and check it out.

Take-out is also available!