Namdong Japanese restaurant ramen and katsu date: Hongdae Gureume

A Fukuoka-style Japanese restaurant near Incheon Nonhyeon Station

I went on a weekend date with my boyfriend for the first time in a while, and we both fell for this place—the cute atmosphere made it feel like we had traveled to Japan, and the food was wonderful too 🙊💗

Hongdae Gureume Incheon Nonhyeon Branch (홍대구루메 인천논현점)

The restaurant is on the second floor of the iFlex Building, just a one-minute walk from Exit 3 of Incheon Nonhyeon Station. It is so close to the station that it is wonderfully accessible, and the building's underground parking is free for two hours, so bringing a car was easy too. A huge red lantern and the phrase “Fukuoka within walking distance” welcomed us at the entrance, and I stepped inside feeling excited.

The standing sign in front lists the hours (11:30–21:30, last order at 21:00). There is no break time, so it is easy to drop by whenever you like. Each table has a tablet for ordering, so we could browse the menu at our leisure and order easily. There is also detailed information about an event offering salmon sushi or takoyaki when you write a receipt review, so it may be worth keeping in mind when you visit.

A warm interior with counter and table seating

Inside, soft lighting and wood furnishings come together for a warm, tranquil atmosphere. Japanese-style posters on the walls and cute figurines were a delight to look at, while the seating was neatly arranged from counter seats ideal for dining alone to tables comfortable for couples and families. It was perfect for a date course!!

There was a wait when we visited, but counter seats were open, so we asked and were able to go straight in and eat!! I had read that this place often has a long wait, so it was our lucky day haha 🍀

Once seated, we looked through the menu and the information sheet provided. It kindly explains everything from Hongdae Gureume's brand story to handy tips for enjoying ramen, so it was fun reading while we waited for our food. They were also running a guaranteed-prize stick-draw event for purchases of ₩30,000 or more, adding a little extra fun.

Fukuoka-style tonkotsu ramen set

At last, our ramen set arrived! It costs ₩14,900 for the Fukuoka-style tonkotsu broth version, and as befits a set meal, one tray was generously filled with rich tonkotsu ramen, plump inari sushi (seasoned tofu pockets filled with rice), fresh salad, and crisp fried items. It passed the visual test from the start.

The inari sushi included in the set had plenty of nutty toppings, adding texture and savory flavor. The refreshing salad and neatly served side dishes also cut through the richness of the ramen completely, making it a satisfying combination.

After a spoonful of the tonkotsu ramen broth, I picked up a freshly fried shrimp tempura! The batter was incredibly crisp, while the inside was full of springy shrimp—a textbook case of crispy outside, tender inside. The chicken karaage (Japanese fried chicken) that came with it was exceptionally nutty and delicious right to the end.

350-hour-aged Korean pork Assorted Katsu A Set

Next came the Assorted Katsu A Set (₩15,900), made with domestic Korean pork carefully aged for 350 hours. With hot rice, miso soup, dipping sauce, and wasabi all neatly arranged, it made for a perfect full meal.

Beneath the crisp coating, the soft, moist meat was full of juices, and a nutty richness spread with every bite.