Kid-friendly Korean BBQ in Hongdae, Seoul: Chopilsal Pork Grill

It's been so hot lately that just stepping outside made me break a sweat, but somehow the heat has passed and cool breezes are starting to blow in. In this kind of changing-season weather, the temperature swings are big and it's easy to catch a cold. On top of that, influenza has been going around lately, so if your immunity dips you get sick easily. Washing your hands well matters at times like this, but eating well and hearty is just as important. So I went with my family to Chopilsal Pork Grill Hongdae Branch, a Hongdae restaurant known for delicious samgyeopsal (pork belly)!

Let me tell you all about the experience.

Chopilsal Pork Grill Hongdae Branch hours

• Mon–Thu: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (last order 11:00 PM)
• Fri–Sun: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM (last order 1:00 AM)

The exterior on Donggyo-ro near Hongik University Station, with outdoor seats too

Today's restaurant stands out with its red signage and the lighting around it. It's clearly visible in broad daylight, and just as visible once it gets dark. There were also seats with a bit of an outdoor feel, which looked appealing. Eating outside when the weather is cool has such a nice vibe, but unfortunately those seats were already taken, so we saved that for next time.

What are the indoor seats like? Partitions and storage chairs

Once you step inside, the brick interior catches your eye. The soft lighting makes the atmosphere even better. There are multiple tables, so it looked like the place could handle anything from a small team dinner to a larger department gathering.

Aprons hang on the wall, so you can grab one and put it on before eating.

There are clean wood-tone tables with black chairs, and the chairs open up so you can store your belongings inside. Partitions separate the tables from one another, so privacy is well kept even if someone sits right next to you. If you're with a group, it looks like you can remove the partitions, so use them however suits you.

Before grilling the meat, you can put your coat and bag inside the chair for storage.

There was a review event going on. Write a thoughtful review and you get a Hongpil-i hair tie and a taste of pork skin!

Chopilsal Pork Grill Hongdae Branch menu and prices

Let's take a quick look at the menu at Chopilsal Pork Grill Hongdae Branch, a great Hongdae restaurant for team dinners. For meat, there's Pilsal Pork Skin (150g) for ₩9,500, Salted Pork Belly (120g) for ₩12,000, Real Dwitgogi (120g) for ₩10,500, and Choryang Pork Ribs (180g) for ₩12,000.

For meals, there's Country Pork Kimchi Jjigae for ₩9,000, Zucchini Doenjang Jjigae for ₩7,000, Chopilsal Mixed Cold Noodles for ₩8,000, Double Cheese Steamed Egg for ₩4,500, Radish Salad Rice Bowl for ₩2,000, and Extra Salted Pollack Roe for ₩2,500.

Drinks include soju, beer, and sodas too, for reference.

Salted pork belly, 3 servings, dipped in fermented anchovy sauce

I ordered Salted Pork Belly for 3 people, Zucchini Doenjang Jjigae, and Double Cheese Steamed Egg! Once you sit down, a spread of side dishes is set up to go with the meat — shredded green onion, perilla leaves, peppers, garlic, pickles, and more.

Thick, glistening pork belly comes out along with a big mushroom.

You just put it straight on the grill, and dipping it in the fermented anchovy sauce served alongside is seriously delicious.

You can throw the mushroom on early and grill it together.

Having pickles and salted pollack roe alongside made for a really great combination.

The heat was strong, so it really felt like proper grilling. Once it's cooked enough, you cut it into smaller pieces and keep rolling it around on the grill.

Zucchini doenjang jjigae and double cheese steamed egg — great for feeding kids

Personally, I thought the zucchini doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) was a real highlight. It was packed with zucchini and other ingredients. The broth was so good that I could have eaten a whole bowl of rice with just this.

And then the Double Cheese Steamed Egg came out with an overwhelming look to it. Generous portion, delicious, and great for feeding kids too.

A Hongdae restaurant for team dinners and family meals alike

Chopilsal Pork Grill Hongdae Branch, a great Hongdae restaurant for team dinners, is a wonderful spot to eat with coworkers. Since there are plenty of seats, if you just secure a spot in advance, you might even earn some praise at work for picking it. It's also great for eating with family, kids included, just like I did. This is the kind of place worth visiting for a hearty, tasty meal that also boosts your immunity as the seasons change!