Hongdae Korean restaurant for solo lunch, XL gomtang: Anok
In short
Anok is a hanok-style Korean restaurant tucked up an alley staircase 7 minutes from Hongik University Station in Mapo, Seoul. Eating solo, a large clear gomtang (beef bone broth) and a plate of chilled pork with minari (water dropwort) salad turned out to be a great choice, the pork full of texture and the broth mild enough to finish completely. A quiet spot to return to for a solid Korean meal in Hongdae.
Good to know
- Address
- 13-4 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Hours
- 11:00 - 22:00 (last order 21:00)
- Closed
- Every Monday
- Ordered
- Clear gomtang (large), chilled pork plate, cider
- Sharing menu
- Pork platter ₩45,000 / Hanwoo bulgogi hot pot ₩64,000
- Banchan
- Gungchae, kkakdugi, kimchi (domestic)
- Parking
- Not available
- Other
- Corkage available (fee), group bookings possible, Wi-Fi available
- Location
- 7-minute walk from Hongik University Station
as written by the visitor on Sep 8, 2026
Fall is already here and the weather's turned cool~ After a long stretch of work I finally went out for a Hongdae lunch spot, solo, and landed on Anok~ I was torn about where to go but this turned out to be a great choice, feeling good, good~
Finding Anok from Hongik University Station
You need to take this staircase in the alley to reach Anok, the Hongdae restaurant. I nearly walked right past it. Even the stairs feel hip and very Hongdae. Not too high up though.
The exterior is gorgeous. Seeing a hanok (traditional Korean house) on a nice day put me in an even better mood. Great date-spot vibes.
Anok, Hongdae
Address: 13-4 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul / Hours: 11:00 - 22:00 (last order 21:00) / Closed every Monday
Anok's menu
- Clear gomtang (beef bone broth)
- Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles)
- Yukhoe bibimbap (raw beef rice bowl)
- Braised pork tail
- Chilled pork plate, half plate
- Yukhoe (raw beef)
- Good sharing dishes for a group — pork platter ₩45,000 / hanwoo bulgogi hot pot ₩64,000
- Grilled deodeok (mountain root)
- Cheese potato pancake
- Kimchi pancake
The hanok space and photo spots
With its gorgeous hanok looks and soft lighting, there are plenty of photo spots. You won't get bored even while waiting.
Point your camera anywhere and it comes out pretty.
Is this really Hongdae..?!
Anok's broth was served at the most delicious, comfortable temperature. The banchan (side dishes) also came in a good variety and tasted homemade — gungchae, kkakdugi, kimchi.
The wood-tone interior kept things calm and quiet, and I enjoyed every minute I sat there. The chairs were comfortable too. Plenty of people were having a daytime drink as well.
Solo order: clear gomtang and chilled pork
Anok's braised pork tail is also a popular order! Sounds perfect as a drinking snack. I went with the clear gomtang plus chilled pork. It looked as chewy as a braised pig's foot.
I wanted the grilled deodeok too. That texture is just too good.
They also have Kooksoondang makgeolli and Gyeongtakju rosé.
Instead of alcohol I comfortably ordered a cider right at the table.
Season it yourself with pepper and salt. But honestly it tasted good even without adding anything — mild and clean.
The staff were busy but still tried to help quickly, and were kind about it.
The interior stayed pleasant thanks to the air conditioning. Even during the late lunch hour there were plenty of people.
Chilled pork plate with minari salad
The chilled pork plate arrived. It came with a minari (water dropwort) salad that added savory depth, and it was delicious. Eating it cold kept the texture alive. I've tried a lot of places and this is the top spot for chilled pork. I even filmed it.
Gomtang, large size — even more meat
Ordering the large gomtang meant even more meat piled in. I was genuinely stuffed by the end.
The thinly sliced meat was tender with no gamey smell at all — exactly the right cut. The broth was so good my parents would love it. If it were closer I'd come all the time.
Wrap it with the tangy, spicy, crunchy minari, dip in the special sauce, and it disappears in seconds.
The well-prepared domestic kimchi is delicious too. Mix it into your rice and it's gone in no time.
Easy to digest and filling — a proper healthy meal. I don't have a big appetite usually, but it felt so nourishing I finished the broth too. Definitely coming back whenever I'm in Hongdae.
Japanese music was playing in the background. I came alone, but honestly this place works well for a date, a group of friends, or a bigger gathering.
Who this place is perfect for
- Families wanting a quiet meal in Hongdae
- Occasions with elders, needing something clean and formal
- Small get-togethers of 12 or fewer in a hanok setting
- Fans of neat, proper Korean home cooking
Wi-Fi is available in-store. Try the clear broth simmered with real care. Corkage available (fee), group bookings possible, no parking. The quality is good enough that I'd come back again.
A 7-minute walk from Hongik University Station, set in a quiet alley.
