Hapjeong bossam for two with free braised beef tendon: Pyeongidambaek

Where is Pyeongidambaek? Between Mangwon and Hapjeong in Mapo, Seoul

My friend and I decided to grab dinner around Hapjeong, and after some back and forth we ended up at Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch. The name itself signals that bone kalguksu is the main event, so I figured I'd order that, but that day I was suddenly craving bossam, so we went with a bossam medium instead.

It's located at 84 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, a solid spot for a meal between Mangwon and Hapjeong. Since it's known as a kalguksu specialist, quite a few tables around us were eating kalguksu when we visited. But there were also people ordering bossam like we did.

• 📍 Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch
• 84 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Hours 11:00–22:00
• Break time 15:00–17:00
• Last order 14:30 / 21:30
• ※ Closed September 25 for Chuseok

How is the medium bossam for two? Pork with no gamy smell

We ordered the bossam medium for two, and honestly, the dish won me over the second it arrived. The meat was piled up so appetizingly it basically screamed 'pour me a soju' haha.

The meat was clean, with no gamy smell at all, and the nutty, savory flavor really came through. When bossam meat has that particular odor, no amount of great side dishes or wraps can save it — but here there was none of that, and we ate happily.

Fresh wrap vegetables we kept reaching for

My friend and I kept saying it was delicious the whole time. The meat itself was mild yet nutty, so it was good eaten plain, and it also paired really well wrapped in lettuce.

The wrap vegetables that came with it were especially fresh. Bossam is about the meat, sure, but when the wrap vegetables are fresh, you just keep reaching for more. Between piling on the meat and adding this and that, before we knew it we'd eaten quite a lot.

The braised beef tendon side we remember most

If you're looking for a good bossam spot in Hongdae or Hapjeong, I think this combination is worth trying. It's a kalguksu specialist, but the bossam is delicious too, so it's a good place to bring meat-loving friends.

Personally, though, what stuck with me most that day was something else entirely — a braised beef tendon (sujigom-jangjorim) side the restaurant gave us to try. I only meant to take a small taste, but it was so much better than expected that I was genuinely surprised.

It was salty with a deep savory kick, the kind of flavor that would go perfectly with rice. We joked that we could eat two bowls of rice with it haha.

The bossam was great, but that unexpected braised tendon side is what really stayed with me. Little complimentary dishes like this quietly boost how satisfying a meal feels.

Coming back to Pyeongidambaek for the kalguksu

We were too busy with bossam to order kalguksu this time, but looking around, a lot of people at nearby tables were eating it.

Since bone kalguksu is literally in the restaurant's name, I figured I should try it next time. Beyond that, they also have bibim kalguksu (spicy mixed noodles) and perilla oil kalguksu, so there's something for different tastes.

The bibim kalguksu in particular sounds interesting — sweet and tangy sauce with meat and egg ribbon toppings. We enjoyed the bossam this time, so kalguksu is definitely next!

They also seem to really care about hygiene. Here's a quick look at the signature menu photos and prices too.

Whether you're after bossam near Hapjeong or craving kalguksu, this place works well either way. We really enjoyed the bossam medium that day — the meat was nutty with no gamy smell, the wrap vegetables were fresh, and the braised tendon side was a surprise treat.

The weather's been so nice lately! Next time, I'm definitely coming back for the kalguksu :)