Duck! 

Paul Ajosshi here with some info on the best place to get yourself some roast duck in Seoul. Down in Hannam-dong, there’s a little restaurant  called “The Ginko Tree House” (은행나무집) that specializes in roasting our water based feathered friends in their own little clay bricks and the result is mouth-watering. Ladies and Gentlemen, please prepare yourself for the wonderous 황토 오리 진흙구이 (Duck baked in yellow clay):

Duck!

You have to reserve your duck three hours in advance and this magnificent bird will set you back 45,000 won, but it’s worth it just to taste this uniquely Korean interpretation of a roast dinner.

Duck!

The side dishes that come with the duck are very simple and very sour: a bowl of iced water kimchi (동치미), some slices of pickled onion (양파 초절이), cabbage kimchi (배추김치), spicy pickled radish (무생채), large pieces of pickled radish (무 초절이), garlic and chili pickles (마늘 고추 초절이) and shredded scallions with red pepper flakes (부추 무침). The rational seems to be that the sour pickles will combat the fattiness of the duck; whatever the case, if you’re a vinegar fan, this is the place to go.

Duck!

To be honest, I was more interested with the duck and its fantastically rich stuffing. Once you break open the crispy skin and rip apart the tender flesh, there are numerous little treats waiting for you in the dark inner recesses of the bird. White rice, black rice, cinnamon, sultanas, pine nuts, ginko nuts, pumpkin seeds, ginseng, sunflower seeds, black beans, black sesame seeds, red dates  and deer antler come together to create one of the most flavoursome stuffings I’ve ever had. This pungent mix brings different tastes to each bite, combinations of sweet, spice and savoury along with subtle undertones of 한약 (traditional herbal medicine). The restaurant claims that the duck is good for stamina, for getting rid of poisons in the body, that it will help with diabetes and liver problems as well as improving your skin. High claims for a roast dinner, but my dining companions and I all felt revitalized, though more than a little full.

Duck!

If you’re still hungry, then you can order the “ceremonial noodles” (잔치국수) for 3,000 won and if you do, you’ll find yourself with a bowl of soothing broth and a handful of super thin noodles. A lovely way to end the meal.

Duck!

The Ginko Tree House has other dishes on offer, but the roast duck is the star attraction. To get there from Itaewon station walk towards Hangangjin station and turn right at the huge Cheil building. Walk down the hill past Soon Chung Hyang Hospital (순청향병원) and turn left after KB Star (국민은행). The Ginko Tree House is halfway down the street on the right hand side. Call them three hours ahead on 02 792 3851 to reserve your bird and get ready to have the best roast duck in Seoul.