Hapjeong weekend date Korean BBQ: spicy beef doenjang stew, Jeongyukdo

We're a couple who dates every weekend, and this time we're bringing you our review of Jeongyukdo in Hapjeong, where you can enjoy charcoal-grilled meat with a patio vibe. On nice-weather days, there's nothing better than good meat and a drink at an outdoor table.

Jeongyukdo is a Hapjeong Station favorite with a variety of charcoal-grilled meat dishes and multiple spaces to eat in, from outdoor tables to private rooms. Here's how the food and the overall atmosphere held up, plus our honest impressions from the visit!

Where is Jeongyukdo Hapjeong, and its hours and parking

Jeongyukdo Hapjeong is a 1-minute walk from Hapjeong Station, open Mon–Sat 11:30–23:00 and Sundays 11:30–22:00. Paid parking is available at the Kakao T unmanned lot right in front of the entrance.

• Hours: Mon–Sat 11:30–23:00 / Sun 11:30–22:00
• Location: 1-minute walk from Hapjeong Station
• Paid parking available: Kakao T unmanned lot in front of Jeongyukdo

It's easy to reach by public transit, and with a parking lot right outside, driving works too. Since they have a patio, this is exactly the kind of place you want in weather like this!

Garden patio, indoor window seats and the mood at Jeongyukdo

Even before stepping inside, we were surprised by how big and pretty the outdoor garden at Jeongyukdo Hapjeong is. So many patio tables! Definitely a spot to remember next time we want patio Korean BBQ near Hapjeong or Hongdae.

It was a bit warm that day, so we headed into the cool, comfortable interior instead. Second surprise: tons of celebrity autographs on the walls, haha.

There were plenty of indoor seats too. The place is large overall with group seating available, so it seems great for friend gatherings, work dinners, or dates alike. We sat right by a cool window seat.

What's on the menu at Jeongyukdo

These are Jeongyukdo's signature menu items. Beyond hanwoo (Korean beef), there's a wide range of hanwoo pork options too, and it was nice to be able to pick set menus or side dishes to taste.

What side dishes come with the meal?

The basic side dishes (banchan) came out quickly, and it was nice that they were arranged neatly right in front of us instead of needing to reach across the table.

Salt, wasabi, and whole-grain mustard for the meat all came out cleanly presented too.

Right after, the piping-hot charcoal came in.

Pork set for 49,000 won: what's in it and how it tasted

We ordered the pork set (₩49,000) — fresh ribs, pork neck, pork belly, and your choice of a hot pot with meljeot (salted anchovy) or hanwoo beef doenjang stew. We debated the pork specialty-cuts set with hangjeongsal, gabrisal, and galmaegisal, but ended up craving the pork belly and neck more, so we went with the pork set!

Charcoal grilling meant the fire was strong and there was no oil splatter, which was great. The meat grilled up clean and light.

How do you resist a visual like this? We immediately ordered a bottle of soju and started with the side dishes that had come out first, haha. Having everything laid out like a tray right in front of me looked clean and was super convenient.

The doenjang stew (soybean paste stew) was bubbling away — not bland at all, but spicy and rich, the perfect pair for soju, and a spoonful between bites of meat cut right through the grease.

Note: you grill the meat yourself here! The cuts were nice and thick, and I loved how the charcoal aroma soaked in.

The smoke was sucked away really well too, so our clothes barely picked up any smell. Do they clean the hood religiously, or is it just good equipment?

I tried a piece of the first batch grilled, and the meat was so tender and light that you could tell right away the quality was good.

Doesn't the fully grilled meat look gorgeous? The juiciness and flavor stayed great to the last bite, and being able to enjoy several different cuts at once made this set so satisfying!

We kept grilling and eating happily until the end. It was just the right amount for two — filling but not overwhelming!

Verdict: a Hapjeong grill house for dates and group dinners alike

From 1++ hanwoo to domestic hanwoo pork specialty cuts, Jeongyukdo let us try it all in one visit! With easy transit access it's also a great meeting spot, and with a patio for this kind of weather plus private rooms and group seating indoors, it works for coworkers, friends, or dates — a true all-purpose Hapjeong grill house.

If you're looking for a patio-style grill house around Hapjeong or Hongdae, I think this is one you should try at least once.