The summer heat in Seoul lately has been intense, right? On a day so hot I was melting, a friend and I were wandering through Hongdae and knew we needed a refuge with cold drinks and delicious food—fast.
That’s when we discovered a true gem: ‘Hongdae Jokbal,’ located just a 10-minute walk from Hongik University Station, Exit 9.
A Life-Saving First Sip: The Best Makgeolli of My Life!
The moment we sat down, we were so hot that we ordered the ‘Chilled Oriental Melon Makgeolli’ without a second thought. When the icy, slushy rice wine arrived, one sip made me say, “Wow!” out loud. This wasn’t some artificial flavoring; it was the refreshing sweetness of real melon juice. It instantly quenched my thirst and cooled me down. I’m officially crowning it the best makgeolli of my summer.
The Perfect Harmony of Savory and Spicy: Half-and-Half Jokbal (Large)
Once we cooled down, it was time for the main event. We ordered the Banban Jokbal (Half-and-Half Pork Trotters) in a large size, which comes with both the original ‘Jokbal’ and the spicy ‘Fire Jokbal’.
The Jokbal, glistening beautifully, was incredibly tender and soft. The subtle herbal notes eliminated any gamey taste, leaving only a rich, savory flavor. Next, the Fire Jokbal delivered a delicious, fiery kick that felt like it was melting all my stress away. They were both amazing on their own and even better when wrapped in a fresh lettuce leaf.
Pro Tip #1: Get Free Noodles with Naver Reservation!
Insider Tip: I highly recommend making a reservation through Naver (Korea’s popular portal and map app) before you go. Thanks to our reservation, we got a complimentary bowl of Mak-guksu (chilled buckwheat noodles)!
And don’t underestimate this “free” dish. The chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and sweet-and-tangy sauce were a perfect match for the rich jokbal. It cut through the richness beautifully, making it impossible to put our chopsticks down.
Pro Tip #2: Get a 10% Discount Before You Pay!
Insider Tip: Ask at the counter before you pay! If you write an on-the-spot review on Naver Maps (using your digital receipt), they give you a 10% discount on your total bill. Enjoying a fantastic meal and then getting a discount was the perfect end to our dinner.
Thanks to this, we finished our amazing meal at a very satisfying price.
Final Verdict: The Go-To Jokbal Spot in Hongdae
From its incredibly refreshing melon makgeolli to the delicious jokbal, free noodles, and great discount, ‘Hongdae Jokbal’ delivered on all fronts. Its location is easy to find from the station, making it a perfect spot for a gathering with friends or a casual date night.
If you’re in Hongdae on a hot summer day, craving delicious pork trotters and a cold drink, you have to check out ‘Hongdae Jokbal’!
Reference
https://heavenly.tistory.com/entry/명동-저녁-회식-돼지고기-소고기-맛집-금돈옥-을지로점
