Jeonpo-dong Korean restaurant, mushroom jeotgal wraps: Hyangtaek

Words and photos ⓒ Kirei

Today I want to introduce a place I went to near Seomyeon when I was craving a hearty but different kind of meal. I'd been wanting a rice bowl for lunch for a while, and this place had its own special style that isn't something you see everywhere — I left really satisfied.

Where is Hyangtaek Jeonpo Branch, and what are the hours and parking?

Hyangtaek Jeonpo Branch is at 42-1 Seojeon-ro, 1st floor, Busanjin-gu, Busan, an 8-minute walk from Exit 8 of Seomyeon Station. It's open daily from 11:00 to 20:00, with a break time from 15:30 to 17:00 and last orders at 15:00 and 19:30.

• 📍Location: 42-1 Seojeon-ro, 1st floor, Busanjin-gu, Busan (8-min walk from Seomyeon Station Exit 8)
• ⏰Hours: Daily 11:00–20:00 / Break time 15:30–17:00 / Last order 15:00, 19:30
• 🚗Parking: No on-site parking. Nearest option ✔️ private lot near the commercial building (₩500 per 10 minutes)

It's very close to the subway station, so it's super accessible. If you're driving, I'd recommend using the nearby private lot since there's no parking at the building itself.

Inside Hyangtaek: warm wood tones and an unusual menu

I visited around 2pm and there were still plenty of people — clearly a popular spot. The wood-toned interior was cozy and I really liked it.

The whole restaurant was bright, which kept me in a good mood throughout the meal.

Looking at the menu, I was delighted to see so many rice bowl dishes I hadn't come across before. Not the usual options — they felt healthy yet special, and it was genuinely fun choosing.

Hyangtaek Jeonpo Branch menu prices

Here's a quick rundown of the menu.

• ✔️ Mackerel gondre rice - ₩14,000
• ✔️ Eggplant doenjang rice bowl - ₩13,000
• ✔️ Yukhoe bibimbap - ₩14,000
• ✔️ Chamnamul squid rice bowl - ₩13,000
• ✔️ Herring roe bibim noodles - ₩13,000

They also have grilled deodeok (mountain herb root) with mushrooms and Cheongsong-style chicken bulgogi, so if you want a side dish, those are good options too. We ordered the two signature dishes of this Jeonpo rice bowl favorite — mackerel gondre rice and yukhoe bibimbap.

Barley tea, clear soup and the side dishes at Hyangtaek

While waiting for the food, I drank some water — but it wasn't plain water, it was barley tea, which tasted nuttier and better. I was touched they paid attention to even the small details.

On one side of the table was a note explaining how to enjoy the dish best.

1. Mix the toppings on the rice or noodles evenly. 2. Eat it wrapped with gopchang gim (thick roasted seaweed) and mushroom jeotgal (fermented mushroom relish). 3. Add the special sauce for another layer of flavor.

I really recommend following these steps exactly.

The side dishes came out right away, all neatly arranged — I liked that everything you'd want was there.

From the gim to the egg yolk and soy sauce for mixing, plus the sauce — everything was generously provided.

The soup was warm, which was great to have before the meal. The seasoning was just right too.

Yukhoe bibimbap: a bowl that doesn't skimp on the raw beef

Finally the food arrived, and the yukhoe bibimbap I chose for lunch at this Jeonpo favorite came piled high with yukhoe (raw beef) — I loved it right away.

A lot of places skimp on the yukhoe, but not here. Mixed in with the egg and sauce, it all came together deliciously.

I usually can't eat much right after waking up, but this was so good I finished it all.

What does the mackerel gondre rice taste like?

The other signature dish at Hyangtaek Jeonpo Branch, mackerel gondre rice, came topped with a generous, hefty cut of mackerel, and the special sauce was sweet and salty in the best way.

There was plenty of sesame for a nutty flavor, and I was surprised at how well the gondre (thistle greens) and mackerel went together. It was mild enough that even people who don't like vegetables could enjoy it without hesitation.

And wrapping it in gim with mushroom jeotgal made it absolutely irresistible with rice.

The balance of flavors was great and the bright atmosphere made for a happy end to the meal. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm craving a hearty rice bowl in Jeonpo. If you like a well-put-together set meal, I'd say this place is worth a visit.