Hapjeong izakaya for an anniversary: salmon and aged sashimi, Ppaeret

Where is Ppaeret near Hapjeong Station, and what are the hours?

Ppaeret (빼레) is at 23 Dongmak-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 460m from Hapjeong Station Exit 6. It is open Monday to Saturday from 18:00 to 02:00 the next day, and Sunday from 18:00 to 24:00. It is closed on the fifth Sunday of every month. There is no parking.

A hidden gem in Hapjeong: my visit to the izakaya Ppaeret

There are so many restaurants around Hapjeong Station that I end up agonizing over where to go every single time. I recently wanted a satisfying evening in a special atmosphere, so I went to Ppaeret, and I'd like to write down why it stood out.

Once Ppaeret opens at 6 p.m., guests trickle in and the place fills up quickly, so I recommend booking before you come.

Why I picked this Hapjeong izakaya

With an anniversary coming up, I was looking for somewhere not too noisy that still served high-quality food, and I found Ppaeret, which many people recommend. I love the neatness of Japanese food and the cozy mood that's typical of an izakaya (Japanese-style pub).

For anyone near Hapjeong Station looking for a Japanese spot, Ppaeret offers more than just a meal.

Is Ppaeret's atmosphere good for a date?

What struck me the moment I opened the door was the calm, refined lighting. It's a different vibe from a rowdy pub, and a nice place to talk quietly.

The counter seats let you watch the chef cook, which was fun to see and made me trust the food even more.

The attentive service from the staff also proved its worth as a date spot.

Aged sashimi and warm soup at Ppaeret

At Ppaeret I tried a range of dishes made with that day's seasonal ingredients. The restaurant aims for a Hapjeong Station Japanese style and focuses on bringing out the natural flavor of the ingredients.

The aged sashimi in particular was outstanding, melting softly in the mouth, and the warm soup had a deep flavor that practically begged for a drink. I could feel the care in every neatly plated dish, and I felt looked after the whole meal.

Would I go back to Ppaeret? Final thoughts

In short, Ppaeret nails the three things: atmosphere, taste and service. If you want precious time with a partner or a classy evening on a special day, I strongly recommend it. It's a Hapjeong Station Japanese spot serving food made with real care, and I finished the meal happily, already looking forward to next season's menu.

Ppaeret FAQ

Do you need a reservation at Ppaeret?

It's a popular place, so I recommend booking ahead on weekends or special occasions.

What drinks does Ppaeret recommend?

The sake and highballs served at Ppaeret go very well with the food, so ask the staff for pairing suggestions.

Three-line summary

• Ppaeret has a quiet, refined atmosphere that suits a date very well.
• Neat plating and high-quality seasonal ingredients please both the mouth and the eyes.
• Recommended if you want classy Japanese food with someone special on a special day.

The dish served on ice, and the salmon

It smelled wonderful and came out on a bed of ice, thin and fresh, and I enjoyed it so much. The table next to us ordered it too.

My daughter loves salmon and ate it with gusto, which made me proud the whole time I watched her.