Guwol-dong restaurant with baby chairs and free parking: Haemokjeong

I was out in Guwol-dong after a while and trying to decide what to eat, so I went looking for a hearty, delicious Korean restaurant in the area and ended up at Haemokjeong Guwol Branch. Right from the entrance the vibe was clean and inviting, and once I saw the spacious, comfortable interior and the neatly laid table setting, I thought — great choice.

Where is Haemokjeong Guwol Branch, and what is it like inside?

Haemokjeong Guwol Branch is a Korean restaurant sitting right in the middle of the Guwol-dong rodeo street. This street is always lively, lined with popular Guwol-dong restaurants, and Haemokjeong Guwol Branch sits right at its center.

The entrance was clean and the business hours were clearly posted, which already felt promising before we even walked in. Once inside, the space was much bigger and more comfortable than I expected.

The tables were spaced generously, which made the meal comfortable. Right as you enter, the open kitchen catches your eye, giving the impression that hygiene is a priority. The induction burners on every table were also spotlessly maintained.

Baby chairs and aprons: eating out with kids at Haemokjeong

On one wall of Haemokjeong Guwol Branch, aprons hung neatly in a row — a small but thoughtful touch that impressed me.

There was also a baby chair tucked into a corner, which seemed like great consideration for families visiting with young kids.

They were also running a Naver Place save-and-review event, so I took part. Writing a review earned us 2 fried shrimp on the house, and their crispy, savory flavor made the meal even more satisfying.

What comes with the meal: banchan and seaweed soup

At Haemokjeong Guwol Branch, the basic banchan (side dishes) get set the moment you sit down, and every single one looked neat and appetizing. The seaweed soup that came alongside was especially good at whetting the appetite before the main dish even arrived. There was a nice variety of side dishes too, so it was fun trying a bit of everything.

They also gave a generous portion of fragrant perilla leaves, which paired really well with the main dish later on.

The main dish: seafood braised ribs with minari and rice cakes

Finally, the main dish we'd been waiting for arrived — the spicy braised ribs.

I was surprised by the huge portion first, and then again by how appetizing it looked.

Fresh seafood piled high on top of the chunky braised ribs, and the fragrant minari (water dropwort) really caught the eye.

The ribs were so tender the meat practically fell off the bone, and the sauce had soaked in well, giving it a deep, rich flavor.

The spicy-sweet sauce kept pulling us back for more. There were also plenty of chewy rice cake sticks (tteok-sari) mixed in, which was fun to pick through.

How spicy is the medium heat level?

The braised ribs at Haemokjeong Guwol Branch come with adjustable spice levels, so you can dial it in to your taste. If you love spicy food, keep this in mind.

We ordered ours at medium, and it turned out to be just the right amount of pleasantly spicy.

Parking in Guwol-dong: 2 hours free at Haemokjeong

The best part was the parking. In busy Guwol-dong, Haemokjeong Guwol Branch offers 2 hours of free parking so you can eat without stressing over where to park.

If you're looking for a hearty, delicious Korean meal in Guwol-dong, Haemokjeong Guwol Branch is a really solid choice. Between the friendly service and the pleasant environment, it was pretty much perfect. Highly recommend it for a family meal or a get-together with friends!