"Babo Nakji," a popular restaurant specializing in octopus dishes, has opened a new branch in Gyeongju's Hwangnam-dong. Its name, which means "Foolish Octopus" in Korean, is certainly memorable. This Gyeongju location is managed by Kim Soo-in, the owner and chef who previously ran the original location in Busan's Gijang-gun.
After falling in love with Gyeongju, Kim decided to move there and open a new restaurant. With 30 years of cooking experience, she is dedicated to providing customers with a taste of her unique, well-honed recipes.
The Philosophy of Taste
Kim believes that consistent quality is the most important factor in a restaurant's success. While anyone can find recipes online, she emphasizes that it's the experience gained from cooking hundreds of times that allows her to create a consistent flavor. She knows she can't please every customer, but aims to satisfy at least 70% of them with her unique and unchanging flavor profile. "Food is a matter of personal taste," she says, explaining that attempting to cater to everyone can lead to a mediocre product.
Signature Dishes
"Babo Nakji" offers four main dishes:
Stir-fried Octopus (Nakji-bokkeum): A spicy and savory staple.
Grilled Octopus (Nakji-gui): A uniquely grilled octopus dish.
Octopus and Abalone Soup (Nakji Jeonbok Yeonpotang): A clean and refreshing soup.
Grilled Octopus with Cream Pasta: A unique fusion dish that surprisingly is more popular with customers over 50 than younger diners.
All main dishes, except for the grilled octopus and cream pasta combination, are served with 13 seasonal side dishes, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to providing a healthy, heartfelt meal.
A Commitment to Quality
Kim is a meticulous manager, personally inspecting all ingredients. She even invites potential suppliers to the restaurant to taste her food, ensuring they understand the quality she expects. She also personally handles the cooking to maintain a consistent taste and appearance for every dish. Her hands bear the scars of her passion, a testament to her years of dedication in the kitchen.
A Compassionate Leader
Before opening "Babo Nakji," Kim ran a restaurant called "Tongyeong Fisherman's Sea." During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she decided to open a new restaurant in Gijang because her staff wanted to continue working with her, even if it meant a longer commute. This compassion highlights her dedication not only to her craft but also to her employees.
Kim ends by saying, "Korean food requires a lot of work and ingredients due to the large number of side dishes. Because of this, fewer Korean restaurants are opening. However, 'Babo Nakji' serves its customers with the heart of a mother preparing a medicinal meal. I hope people will experience our unchanging taste and service."
Restaurant Information:
Address: 791 Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (next to Hwangnam Bread)
Phone: 054-771-4777
Break Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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