8 Side Dishes for 1,000 Won: The Reason Why a Owner with 40 Years of Stubbornness Shouts "Leave if You Are Noisy"

We are living in an era where the scenery of 'Daepotjip'—places where one soothes the bitterness of life with a drink and fills their hunger with generous hospitality—is disappearing. Originating from a common way of drinking where people shared alcohol from large bowls, Daepotjip are now establishing themselves as romantic spaces where people meet, moving beyond being simple eateries. According to KBS Documentary (VJ Special Forces) footage, Daepotjip that hold onto regulars with their own unique philosophies and flavors are still carrying on their legacy across the country.

"Leave if You Are Noisy": A Space Created by the Owner's Firm Philosophy

Some Daepotjip keep customers on edge with a single unique rule. That is the strict rule: "Leave if you are noisy." In the video, the owner of one Daepotjip firmly restrains customers when they become excessively loud. The sight of the owner advising them to be quiet, saying, "I need to tone down this house of debauchery a bit," creates a strange atmosphere that seems to stand on the boundary between a regular restaurant and a Daepotjip. This rule, which implies one could be kicked out for making loud noises or drinking excessively, actually creates an atmosphere where visitors can calmly share affection. In fact, gathering glasses is prohibited here, and entering while already intoxicated is not allowed. The owner even emphasizes the strict rules, noting, "I got scolded while trying to drink one more bottle."

The way this place is operated is also extraordinary. The owner encourages customers to use self-service and takes care of their convenience even amidst busyness. In particular, it is impressive to see the owner appearing with scissors to personally trim the ingredients once the naejang-tang (innards soup) begins to boil. The reason they do not let customers touch it themselves is due to the owner's consideration-filled stubbornness, stating, "It is better for the customers if I do it while looking into their eyes, and it is also better for the customers." Such meticulous care becomes the secret to creating regulars who visit this place for 10 or 20 years. Additionally, even when mixing rice, sincerity is added through the owner's touch, finishing it by pressing down firmly with a press.

Happiness for 1,000 Won: Side Dishes Imbued with the Generosity of the Five-Day Market

The 'Happiness for 1,000 Won,' which considers the pocket circumstances of ordinary people, is also an indispensable charm of Daepotjip. A certain Daepotjip that holds a five-day market boasts an extraordinary generosity where eight different side dishes come with a price of just 1,000 won. Fresh intestines brought from the slaughterhouse the previous day and carefully prepared side dishes are laid out as if the table legs might break. This place, where market merchants and commoners gather, overflows with abundant affection, to the point where people say, "If you pay just 1,000 won, it's like seeing everything for free." The owner expresses affection for the common people, saying, "It is a place where you can eat your fill and have fun without worrying about the state of your pockets."

The menu also contains the seasons and sincerity. 'Doromuk,' a winter delicacy, has a tradition where the mother-in-law's handmade taste is passed down to the daughter-in-law. The Doromuk, grilled to a golden brown using pork fat, provides a texture where the grains pop in the mouth. In particular, it is served in a heavy green bowl that has been used since 50 years ago, which maintains coolness and deepens the taste of the makgeolli. Furthermore, 'Dangnaejang-tang,' which embodies the owner's philosophy of using only plain water to bring out the natural taste of chicken innards, makes one forget the winter cold with its deep and rich broth. The owner's food philosophy, "We focus on the taste of the innards rather than meat broth," is revealed in the attitude of prioritizing good raw ingredients over flashy seasonings. Additionally, it is characterized by cutting large amounts of green onions like a mountain to capture both health and taste.

An Artists' Hideout: Romance and Elegance Filling the Walls

A Daepotjip in Busan serves as a cultural space for artists beyond being a simple pub. The walls of this place, which has been in business for 37 years, are reminiscent of an art museum. This is because the walls are filled with works left by artists who have frequented the place for a long time. With a heart that loves art and understands artists, the owner takes care of them so they can eat comfortably even if they have no money. The works on the walls carry the traces of time and represent the history and romance of the Daepotjip.

The customers here treat each other familiarly, calling one another 'Daejang-nim' (Captain/Boss), and enjoy 'pungryu' (the appreciation of arts and nature) by singing songs in between drinks. Although a menu exists, the 'Ondre menu' style, where the owner serves whatever seafood is freshest that day, is a unique culture of this place. As one regular said, "It doesn't feel like a business; it feels like visiting a neighbor's house," the Daepotjip remains the last bastion of romance where one can briefly lay down the burdens of life and smell the scent of human life. This place, where affection overflows with a single drink and the elegance created by various people gathering is alive, is like a comma in life.