Sugi Salt

Daegu

Sugi Salt

Sugi Sogeum, a place with a simple space and special dishes

As the sun sets, people gather one by one at this place located at the end of the Gyodong alley.

Edit Jihyun Cho

Photograph Youngmin Bae

As the sun sets, people begin to gather one by one at this spot nestled at the end of a Gyodong alley. The four tables and the bar counter surrounding the kitchen quickly fill up. Sugi Sogeum, where orange lighting, special dishes, and pleasant background noise harmonize, was opened by longtime friends and co-owners Kim Ok-hyun and Park Bo-kyung. They curated this space based on the extensive experience they each accumulated throughout their long careers in the food service industry. Aiming for a rational brand, they hope for a balance between people, time and space, and food and drink. Prioritizing the people who stay, the food, and the joy of a drink, they designed a simple interior while curating a special menu. The signature dish is "Cold Shabu," where fresh vegetables such as chives, onions, and perilla sprouts are wrapped in thinly sliced raw eggplant or boiled pork. Homemade ponzu and sesame sauces enhance the flavor. "Gejang Sundubu," made by simmering rich crab innards in spicy chili oil, is also perfect as a light snack to accompany drinks. With a unique harmony of ingredients and recipes, this is a menu exclusive to Sugi Sogeum that cannot be tasted anywhere else. The 'Clear Chicken Hot Pot' reflects the personal preference of CEO Kim, who favors side dishes with clear broth. While spicy and salty meat-based hot pots—the quintessential Korean snack—are found everywhere, some people make a special trip specifically to eat this rare clear chicken hot pot. CEOs Kim and Park, who lead Sugi Sogeum by offering such a comfortable space and special dishes, hope that this place becomes a spot where people's memories accumulate layer upon layer. They dream of a place where people recall past memories to create new ones, a place they will continue to return to even after a long time has passed. Bearing this humble spirit, they continue to shine their light without fail at the end of the Gyodong alley.