Hapjeong Korean BBQ set: pork neck instead of belly, plus jowl, Ijjok

Where is Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal near Hapjeong Station?

Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal (이쪽 김치삼겹살) is a Korean BBQ restaurant at 20 Dongmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, in the basement level 1, a short walk from Exit 3 of Hapjeong Station. The day I went, I was craving meat something fierce. It's already a famous meat spot with a 4.79 rating, so my expectations were high.

A savory smell drifted out from the entrance and my steps sped up all on their own. Inside it's clean and warmly lit, and you can hear the cheerful sound of meat grilling.

Can you swap pork belly for pork neck in the 55,000 won set?

What I ordered at Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal was the set (₩55,000) with 2 servings of fresh pork belly, 1 serving of whole pork jowl, steamed egg and doenjang (fermented soybean paste) stew. I opened the menu as soon as I sat down, but I wanted something lighter than belly, so I swapped it for fresh pork neck.

The moment the meat arrived, my eyes were happy first. Thick-cut pork neck and jowl were laid out neatly, with kimchi, bean sprouts and mushrooms next to them, ready to be grilled.

When it sizzles on the grill and that savory smell spreads, all the worries of the world vanish for a moment!

How do the pork neck and jowl taste grilled with kimchi?

The signature of Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal is grilling kimchi together with the meat. The kimchi cuts the richness of the pork while adding depth of flavor.

The pork neck is packed with juice, and the jowl is chewy yet tender. The two textures take turns delighting your mouth.

Steamed egg and doenjang stew included in the set

The steamed egg (gyeran-jjim) in the set was truly "fluffy," just like its name. Soft and warm, it's perfect to eat between bites of meat. The doenjang stew wasn't salty and had a deep, savory flavor. A spoonful of rice, a piece of meat, a bit of kimchi and a spoonful of stew together make a perfect spread!

Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal hours and restaurant info

Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal is open on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with a break time from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. On Saturdays it opens at 5:00 PM, and it's closed on Sundays. Last order is at 10:00 PM, so you can relax even for a late dinner.

The restaurant is spacious enough for groups to sit comfortably, and there's Wi-Fi. There's also a waiting area, so busy hours aren't a hassle. Simple-pay payment is supported too, which was convenient.

Verdict: is the pork neck set at Ijjok worth it?

After finishing, what I felt was that Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal isn't just a "pork belly place" but a Korean dining spot where meat and kimchi go together perfectly. The meat quality is good, and it's trimmed cleanly so the taste holds up to the end. Above all, the staff were friendly, so I could enjoy the meal in a good mood.

Calling Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal a "meat spot" is no exaggeration. I switched to pork neck, but if anything I was even more satisfied. It's light yet has real depth, so next time I want to come back with friends. The smell of grilling meat, the spicy aroma of kimchi and the warm doenjang stew will stay in my memory for a long time.

Switching to pork neck was an excellent choice, and the pairing with the jowl was much more satisfying than I expected. With the steamed egg and doenjang stew alongside, the meal felt complete. On the way home the flavor of the meat kept lingering in my mouth, and I found myself wanting to go back.

If you're looking for a Korean BBQ restaurant near Hapjeong Station, Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal is easy to recommend. Next time I'd like to bring friends and try more of the menu. This is a place where meat and kimchi shine together, and I think that taste will stay with me!

Today's conclusion is simple. If you want a proper meat feast near Hapjeong Station, Ijjok Kimchi Samgyeopsal is the answer!