This time I visited Buja Haemul Kalguksu located in Siheung. The menu includes the basic clam kalguksu and a seafood kalguksu; I ordered the seafood kalguksu and a potato pancake.

First, barley rice was served to whet the appetite. The potato pancake was cooked with a crisp exterior and moist interior—exactly the "crispy outside, tender inside" texture—so good it even reminded me a bit of hash browns. The side dishes were homemade young radish kimchi and fresh kimchi; the young radish kimchi was perfectly fermented, sweet yet spicy, making it an excellent accompaniment to rice. The fresh kimchi had a balanced flavor, neither spicy nor sweet, and paired amazingly well with the kalguksu.

Here they pre-cook the shellfish and serve them. After waiting about 10 minutes, you eat the shellfish first—including surf clams, common clams, pen shells, and small webfoot octopus (they seemed to serve them per person; the pieces were small but tasty!)—and then add the kalguksu. The broth was, without question, spicy and refreshing, and really delicious. I highly recommend a visit if you’re coming to the Siheung area!

As a note, you need to go by car and parking is limited. Lunchtime can be crowded, so it's best to plan your visit outside peak hours.

Still, it was such a delicious and filling meal that five stars aren't enough.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆