On Saturday evening, December 6th, My Mom said she was craving chueotang (Korean mudfish stew), so we all went to Namwon Gol Chueotang for dinner. I normally don't eat chueotang -- I've never really been able to -- but that night I wanted something warm, so I decided to order it and try it for the first time. (In the past, whenever we came here, I always ordered grilled fish or another dish instead.) My mom always says that eating chueotang gives her energy when she feels tired, so I decided to give it a try. The soup was very warm and tasty, though a bit salty. The service was very friendly, and all the side dishes were delicious. No wonder My Mom has probably been here dozens of times for many years. read more

See all

Always love a good hole in the wall, its been here for years you can tell. On the border of Ktown and Arlington heights. Great place for a quiet dinner with your loved ones. We got the braised belt fish, the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. Feeds 3 very well. Their banchan is so fresh they don't allow you to bring home, pretty standard. Ultimate comfort food experience. Actually feels like any korean home, from the wall paper to the funny news on the TV. We also got the fermented bean soup which could get a bit gnarly if you eat it alone. Sort of like the japanese style natto bean but a soup version. Not my favorite but not the worse. Some awesome Pros Free Parking Usually not busy for Dinner time Not crowded because its more of a lunch / weekend spot. Clean building read more

Came across this restaurant while searching for a soup place on Yelp. Noticed that most yelpers praised the mudfish stew. It was actually their signature item here. This was my first time trying mudfish stew. The flavor was interesting for sure. It might not be for everyone. I had a couple of spoons before actually liking it lol once I got used to the taste, it was GOOD!! The grilled sole fish came with 4 fishes. No sauce needed. It was perfect the way it was made. I enjoyed eating the soup and fishes with the purple rice. Yum!! Not the biggest fan of the ban chan that they provided. Still good tho The tea was good. When we asked for refills, they gave us a pitcher RR avail Parking lot avail Great CS Clean read more

See all

Some good food, but TERRIBLE service. The Korean waitress wouldn't even refill water, other than giving you a dirty look when you ask for water, is SUPER rude. She still expects tips. read more

All korean food so good ! All servers so kind , Worth to visit 직원분들이 친절하시고 각종 반찬이 너무 맛있어요 . ( 저는 이런리뷰를 자주쓰는 사람이 어님) read more

It's one of my favorite spot. They signature menu are 추어탕, and the other dishes are good too. read more

Does Nam Won Gol allow dogs? No. Indoor seating only. Nam Won Gol, located in Arlington Heights just south of Koreatown, specializes in choo-uh-tang (mudfish stew). The restaurant is clean, and the staff is friendly and efficient. Their choo-uh-tang, kimchi jjigae, pork bulgogi, and banchan are all excellent. Prices are fair, and there's a small shared parking lot in the plaza. read more

Despite specializing in mudfish (I've never tried it), I decided to check out this small spot based on reviewers' photos of the other options like the squid and grilled fish. First, their limited menu was comforting knowing that their dishes would be good. Their kimchi is outstanding, fresh, ripened at the perfect time, and seasoned just right, which speaks volumes for a Korean restaurant. Their stir-fried nakji (octopus) had a perfectly seasoned smoky flavor, though I wish the portion had been a bit larger. The lightly breaded flounder was equally tasty. So don't get turned off by their mudfish sign if you're open to their other seafood options. read more

Nam Won Gol - Flounder - delicious - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

I came here expecting to order their mudfish soup since it's their specialty and was a bit worried that I wouldn't like it because I've never had it before. When I try to order it, the owner was nice enough to let me try a small bowl before I make my decision because she said a lot of Chinese people don't like the flavor. I thought it was good and no distinct taste to it. I mainly taste the dried cabbage. I really liked their stir fry squid dish. Probably the best Korean stir fry squid dish I've had. The sauce was delicious. The side dishes are also good. read more

I was there today with my 88yr old mom. She couldn't finish the soup so I ask if I take it home with side dish that we were eating. She says no to the side dishes which we payed for. I left but I was upset so I called and she said if I ask nicely like begging for it she could have give to me. How wrong is that!!!! There are just not good people. We will never go back to this restaurant ever again read more

Came here 12/17/2022. Nam Won Gol is a Korean restaurant specializing in cheap and hearty Korean stews. Their signature is "chew-au-tang" which is a soup that is made of ground-up loaches (think of a tiny catfish). I believe their signature is $17.99 or $16.99, but if you aren't in the mood for soup there are other options like stir-fried bulgogi, steamed fish, and grilled fish. The banchan spread is magnificent here and it can only be described as homemade, wholesome, and hearty. This is an amazing place to experience real Korean cuisine at an incredible cost. I recommend this place to get an authentic Korean experience. read more

Nam Won Gol - 12/17/2022 Banchan spread - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My mom LOVES this place. When a Korean mother LOVES a certain restaurant - it means a ton - so alas, I'm finally reviewing it to appease the Korean gods and those looking for a very specific flare in Ktown. FYI: the restaurant exterior signs are in Korean. If you can't read Korean you'll have to just make guesses. Luckily it's visible from the road. Food - Choo Uh Tang (Mudfish stew- $17): Mom loves this stew. Plus you add in some other spices on the side and there's a tingly sensation. You get the fermented taste but also has a depth of flavor that Koreans appreciate. Solid solid option since this is their signature dish. - Chung Gook Jang (#4): It's similar to a typical gwen jang jee gae and you have the fermented beanpaste stew but with a more deep flavor profile and thicker. Super healthy for you too. I enjoy the flavor of the fermentation and I greatly appreciate the consistency. - Stir Fried Squid: I really enjoy their version of their squid. Not only do they give a good solid portion - but it's coated really well with spice and a great assortment of veggies that go with the entree. If you want something safe but also spicy, go for this option! It's oddly really tasty and I'm always tend to go for this option over others. - Side dishes: A good assortment of fresh kimchi, acorn jelly, radish kimchi, and usually something else. I enjoy their selection even if it's only three. - RICE: Their rice is a mixture of white and purple rice. Gvies it a slight flavor for those who like purple rice. I think it creates a level of complexity. - WATER: okay so they dont use just barley for their cold and hot water, but some other mild ingredients that really gives it a very satisfying flavor. I'm a huge fan because it's not your typical tea water. I can drink this everyday. It's refreshing! Pros: - Solid flavors. There's always a few people in the restaurant - I wish it had more business. It's not that far from the heart of ktown. - I appreciate the homey flavors and touches. Easily supporting my 5-star review. - Extra rice cost $1. Not a bad price considering inflation Cons: - Can be a little pricey for each meal. But it also is made up with quality of ingredients. - $0.5 for to-go containers. hmm. I've been here like 5+ times and they consistently create delicious food. My mom eats here every time she visits from the east coast. I mean, honestly, that in itself says something special and is worthy of a 5-star review. Great job Nam Won Gol! I'll be beck...in a few months. read more

Great food, friendly staff, and pleasant ambiance! The mudfish stews were great, very tasty!! It kinda reminds me of a gamjatang bc of the perilla seeds. The side dishes were so good -- kimchi was very fresh (not too sour not too sweet) and the jelly one very yummy too. The restroom is spotless; you can tell that the owner really takes care of this place read more

Nam Won Gol - Mudfish stew - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing and authentic. Everything is fresh!! I drive 30 miles to eat here at least once a month. read more

Mudfish soup, this is the place for this soup. You can't really see the fish as it's ground up. But the flavors are good.

Honestly, I love this place. I've been craving Choouhtang since I got back from Chicago and this place hit the spot. The waitress is super friendly and their food tastes really healthy. I was esp impressed with their water/tea where they make their own tea from dates and healthy roots. read more

This place isn't the most aesthetically pleasing and it'll never be in no culinary class tantamount to a Soowon or even a Chosun Galbee(restaurant/s), but Nam Won Gol makes really competent foods at great prices . Aka: A Seoul restaurant in the Gangnam district of Apkujeong has a corvina fish which is on par with this place yet this place in LA does it better ! Side note : It's always the restaurants with no pretense that do food right !! Always IMO read more

See all

Foods is make me healing. Have to try once need energy. Service person was smiling and restaurant was clean all the time read more

The loach soup is delicious. If you have a group and are willing to pick through some whole fish, get the fried croaker!

They have the best chu-uh-tang hands down! It's supposed to be really good for your health. So whenever I crave something good for my body, this is the first place I think of. Good quality food and fast service. The Mexican lady at the counter speaks such good korean. I always end up speaking to her in korean lol!! Oh and somehow their rice and banchans are really good too. read more

Nam Won Gol - Their banchans may not look like much but these are the best! - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Yes!! Truly a hidden DIAMOND in the K-town area. Service is of extreme hospitality. The waitress genuinely wanted to know us better. In addition, the food is so traditional and flavorful. The mud fish soup and side dishes are some of the best food I've ever had. Highly recommend. read more

See all

The best tasting mudfish stew I've had in K-town! Order the grounded one, #1 on the menu. I liked how the fishy taste was much milder and the portion was enough to share for two people. We also ordered the octopus to share. The seasoning/flavor was good but the texture was a bit chewy. Tidbit: You've got to eat the octopus quickly or else the dish will get oily. And, the spicy level was 3/5. We eat got a bowl of their multigrain rice. We liked how soft and fluffy the rice were! I normally don't eat rice but I'll eat theirs! Their complimentary side dishes (total of 5) were tasty. And their complimentary ice tea was too! The service was friendly and helpful. They accept credit cards but not AMEX. Parking available on the shared lot. read more

See all

My friend wanted to try mudfish stew. It sounded weird, but I was game. It was pretty good. We got the ground up version. I love the rice here too. The banchan was also good. Not sure if I'd make the trek out here again or crave it, but was fun to try something new. read more

See all

MUDFISH STEW: this was so good! On the side they give you ground perilla seeds and ground eucalyptus (or that's what it smells like). I don't use the eucalyptus bc too fragrant.. but I do put a little of the ground perilla seeds. Their banchan is super good. read more

Nam Won Gol - Empty bowl! It's that good! - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Food was great and authentic the squid and soup was memorable. Staff was extremely friendly and accommodating will return next time I'm in the area read more

great food in Ktown. My favor was Choouhtjang- mud fish soup. even better than Seoul. read more

I'm so grateful that my parents know where all the best traditional Korean food spots are in ktown amongst the hundreds you could choose from. Even Yelp couldn't help you on that one. We arrived around 1245 pm and there were maybe two other tables seated. We ordered the mud fish stew/soup, octopus stirfry, and broiled fish. They're known for their mud fish stew as that's what's written in Korean on their big sign as part of the restaurants name. It tastes herby/vegetabley rather than fish and there's no actual pieces of fish in it for you to eat but rather more vegetables like napa cabbage with perilla seeds. Mud fish stew just sounds disgusting but in reality it's nothing like what I'd imagine stew with fish in to taste or look like. I've had the soup so many times before and didn't know it was fish based until this weekend lol oops? You HAVE to try their octopus stirfry. I'd actually been talking about it since the last time I had lunch with my parents about how I missed it and didn't know where to get it. And by coincidence this restaurant had it. And it was SOOO good! It's extra saucy, bold in flavor, and has a nice kick from the gochujang and slices of jalapeños. The dish comes with pieces of octopus and sliced vegetables, the onions in it add a nice texture. I have to know how they make their sauce. It's amazing. We took leftovers home and my mom was still raving about the sauce when she ate it again later. The broiled fish also comes in a spicy sauce with big slices of daikon and tofu. My mom seemed to really enjoy it. Also their kimchi side dishes were so good. The servers are very nice and pleasant. They get busy real quick. The place went from empty to line forming from the time we go there to the time we left. The downfall is when they're busy their service is slower because there's only two ladies able to help you and they do everything from seating, serving, cleaning up and ringing you up. There's a parking lot with spaces saved specifically for the restaurant. If you wanna get some real Korean food I definitely recommend here. I'd overhear tables next to me make comments about how long it's been since they'd had such good Korean food. The dishes are really flavorful and clean in taste. read more

Nam Won Gol - The side dishes - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This would be the Best place to eat mudfish soup. No matter how many times I eat at this location, they never disappoint me.. I am always satisfied!!! In addition to mudfish soup, I specially like their hong-uh moo chim they give out as side dish.. one of the best!!!! read more

Nam Won Gol - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is the first place I had mudfish stew at and it's still beast. There was another Nam won gol at West 3rd street that I liked better, but it seems they've since changed into a different restaurant. I'm never disappointed with the food here and the servers are nice. Mudfish stew, or Chu uh tang, is the main entree here and the only thing I ever order here. It's an earthy stew with vegetables and mudfish, but it's a much tastier than it sounds. It's a warm and comforting dish that's super beast. It's a stew more popular with older people than younger, but don't let that deter you from at least trying it out. The side dishes are good too. read more

Nam Won Gol - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Standard namwongol dishes that meets expectations. Many "beyond (older than)" senior crowd whom like to share their interesting political opinion out loud. Came hungry left staminized :) read more

It's called Chu Uh Tang (mudfish stew) and it is one of my all-time favorite Korean dishes. Right before I have to go back to SD for school, I love to grab either a bowl of soondae gook or chu uh tang. Today, I was craving chu uh tang. This place has the best mudfish stew in all of LA. Absolutely delicious! Mudfish stew is made by grinding up the whole mudfish, bones and all, so I look for a certain consistency and Nam Won Gol's is perfect. This stew is chock full of calcium from the fish bones as well as protein and good fats (unsaturated) from the fish. In addition there is tons of vegetables and health benefits from the fermented bean paste as well. My parents always tell me this stew is supposed to make you strong. Popeye had spinach, Koreans have Chu Uh Tang. The flavor of the stew is mild and does not fall into the "spicy" category as is typical of most Korean dishes. On its own the stew is nice, but I highly recommend adjusting it with some minced garlic, jalapeno, ground sesame seeds, and a special spice blend called san cho. San cho has a very earthy/floral scent and gives the stew a lovely undertone of a similar flavor profile. I like to add in a lot, but if this is your first time, I would say start with a small amount since you can always add more as san cho can be overpowering. The ground sesame seeds add a nice nutty flavor which balances out with everything else going on in the bowl just beautifully. The mudfish stew is served with rice and the portions here are spot on (see pic). The side dishes here are delicious as well. They serve kimchi, beansprouts, marinated crab, and another one of my favorites dotori muk (Korean acorn jelly) salad. The food here is very authentic and my idea of real comfort food. If you want to expand your knowledge of Korean cuisine or your taste buds are longing for something flavorful and satisfying I highly recommend a bowl of Chu Uh Tang from Nam Won Gol. Priced at $8.99 it is what I consider to be a perfect meal. read more

Nam Won Gol - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Breakfast. I am here to pass it on to my little dude, the wholesome goodness of korean culinary art of the past from his grandpa's taste buds. read more

Nam Won Gol - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Tastes good. It was the first time I tried the mudfish soup, and it was not fishy (which I was afraid of). I asked for to-go, and the amount for each food (rice, banchan) were good. I gave 4 stars for I found $1 non-tax charge in the receipt that I was not explained to. I am assuming it is service charge for packing or package material fee or both. Overall experience was good. read more

Nam Won Gol - Mudfish soup, banchan, and rice - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

This place is one of my favorite places. The best Chueo-tang(loach soup) and the spicy stir-fried squid is also very good. The banchans(Korean small side dishes) are all neat and tasty. I've had Chueo-tang a lot of times here and every time I was so satisfied with empty ddukbaegi(Korean stone bowl) read more

I come here for the mudfish stew and the mudfish stew only. My peoples believe it's good for the body, as far as a cure all for all kinds of medical maladies... or something along those lines. I don't know about all that, but it is indeed quite tasty. The place is usually frequented by the older generations, looking for something to up their vitality and energy points. (insert super geek video game reference here). If you don't feel like sitting around a bunch of older Korean ladies and gents silently judging you as you eat, you can always call in your order. read more

Nam Won Gol - mudfish stew - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is a Korean traditional restaurant. Usually, Korean people come here to eat mudfish soup because it is nutritious and healthy. The mudfish soup smells and tastes like herbs, and it doesn't taste like nor smell like fish at all. It has a very unique taste. read more

Nam Won Gol - Mudfish soup - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Their choo eo tang is my soul food and my remedy. 1 spoon of sesame powder is enough. If you put more, it will be salty. read more

The most amazing and traditional mud fish soup around. The ban Chan is also delicious and very traditional. Loved everything

I have been here a few times with my GF but I always forget the name of the place so I am just now reviewing. The place is very small but it's never been too crowded when we go. Very quick and friendly service. I usually get a small bowl of Chu eo tang (Mud fish stew) and a plate of Bulgogi. The stew is spicy and delicious. And the Bulgogi is very tasty too! If you love Korean food as much as I do then you will love this place. read more

I didn't like mudfish stew when I was young but now enjoy it very much. Also tried the one in Fullerton but wasn't as good as the Pico location read more

Nam Won Gol - Korean Near Me - Los Angeles, California