Gwangjin Japanese restaurant solo bar dining: Hekbap Main Branch

Looking for an everyday Japanese home-style meal near Konkuk University Station

While looking around Konkuk University Station for a well-rounded meal that would be good for an everyday visit, I ended up eating at Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch (핵밥 건대본점). I had spotted Hekbap locations here and there before, but apparently this Konkuk University location is the main branch! It was somewhere I would often pass by and wonder about, so I was happy to finally stop in and try it for myself. The menu was varied and the atmosphere was tidy, making it an easy place to visit—and a nice spot to choose whatever suits your cravings that day.

• 2F, 127 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• 188 m from Exit 3 of Konkuk University Station
• After parking at Konkuk University Lotte Department Store, download the department store app for 2 hours of free parking
• Konkuk University Hospital parking is free for 30 minutes, then ₩500 per 10 minutes

Head up to the second floor and you’ll find the restaurant!

Maybe because it is on the second floor, the interior felt more spacious and relaxed than I expected. There were many kinds of seats, and everything was neatly arranged, so I could take my time over the meal without feeling cramped.

What is on the menu at Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch?

As I looked through the menu slowly, there were really more choices than I expected..! 👀 There were all kinds of Japanese dishes, including rice bowls, ramen, curry, katsu, soba, and udon. 🥢 On days when you want rice, you can choose a rice bowl or curry; when you are craving noodles, there is ramen, soba, or udon. It is nice to choose based on what sounds good that day. If you love Japanese food like I do but get choice paralysis when it is time to eat and wonder, “What should I have today?”, I think it would be nice to come in, browse the menu at your own pace, and pick whatever you are craving rather than deciding beforehand! Haha. I looked over the dishes one by one too, and chose my favorite, mazemen, that day. 😋🥢

Solo dining at a bar table with an outside view

I came alone, so I settled into a bar table with a view outside while I ate.

Being able to look out the window while eating made the view feel wide open and refreshing rather than stuffy~ I really like seats where you can enjoy the scenery outside while you eat, haha.

Mazemen and fried chicken set with side dishes

• Mazemen and fried chicken set — ₩16,400
• Mini okonomiyaki, 2 pieces — ₩3,000
• Mini udon — ₩2,500
• Cider — ₩2,000
• Enable notifications for a coupon for 2 pieces of karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken)
• There are also coupons for mini udon and soft drinks, plus coupons for local residents, birthdays, military personnel, and police officers

I wanted mazemen, but the weather has been getting cooler lately and I really wanted broth, so I ordered mini udon too! Once I ordered, though, it suddenly looked like so much food that I got worried 😓

My long-awaited mazemen arrived! Mazemen is all about mixing it up, right? Haha. The noodles had a springy texture similar to udon noodles, and they were seasoned just enough, so it was an easy, solid dish overall.

The mini okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) was quite filling for something called mini! At a glance, its round shape almost looked like a hamburger steak. But one bite gave me that familiar okonomiyaki flavor..! I think it tasted even better because it was nice and thick. Haha.

This was the fried chicken that came with the set. It went nicely alongside the mazemen! Dipping it into the mayonnaise sauce added a sweet, tangy flavor, which I liked.

An easy place to drop by for an everyday meal

Rather than feeling like a place for only special occasions, it felt like somewhere you could comfortably drop by whenever you want a meal, so I think it would be good for anyone looking for an everyday restaurant near Konkuk University Station. With such a varied menu, it was also a nice place to stop by casually on a day when you are craving Japanese food. 🥢 There were many seating options, the interior was tidy, and the tables were spaced fairly generously, making it comfortable for a meal. It did not feel intimidating for solo dining, and it also had a nice atmosphere for a casual meal with friends or a partner, so I recommend it as an easy everyday favorite!