Outdoor seating grilled clams with seasonal shrimp in Hongdae: Hawaii

Recommending a grilled clam spot in Hongdae — Hawaii Clam Hongdae Branch.

There aren't many places right in downtown Seoul where you can properly enjoy fresh grilled clams, so whenever the craving hits, I don't need to trek out to the sea — I have a real go-to spot I've visited many times. That's Hawaii Clam Hongdae Branch, which has built a buzz in Hongdae for its flashy visuals and generous portions. Every time I go, both the freshness and the value are satisfying, so I often recommend it to people around me.

Location, parking, and reservations at Hawaii Clam Hongdae Branch

• Address: 19-8 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Taegyeong Building, B1)
• Hours: Daily 16:00–02:00
• Reservation: Naver Reservation
• Parking: Free parking available

It's tucked in an inner alley between Hongik University Station Exit 9 and Sangsu Station Exit 1. Even in this busy area, parking is available, and you can easily book through Naver Reservation.

The outdoor tank and new yajang seating

As soon as you enter the alley, a clean exterior greets you. The first thing I noticed was a well-maintained tank. And since the weather's turned cooler, they now have outdoor 'yajang' seating too. Eating grilled clams outside in this cool weather really feels like a little getaway.

What's the interior atmosphere like?

Stepping inside, the soft, dim lighting gives off a hip yet relaxed vibe. Tables are spaced fairly generously, so you get a sense of privacy from other tables. Best of all, it doesn't have the typical smell or smoke you'd expect from a grilled clam place — it's kept pleasant and well-managed, which I really liked. The atmosphere works fine as a date spot and is also suitable for group gatherings.

Menu lineup, unlimited ramyeon, and corkage-free wine

There's a wide range to choose from between grilled dishes and hot pots depending on your taste. They also serve seasonal seafood.

One of the biggest perks of Hawaii Clam is that ramyeon is unlimited — at the self-serve corner, you'll find various kinds like Yeul Ramyeon, Jin Ramyeon, Samyang Ramyeon, and Snack Ramyeon, and you can grab whichever suits your taste and cook it up yourself. With grilled clams, you naturally crave a spicy, refreshing broth as you eat, so unlimited ramyeon is a definite plus.

Another perk is that wine is corkage-free. Bringing along a white wine that pairs well with seafood sounds like a great way to enjoy the meal.

My actual experience trying the clam set

Before long, a clam set with a flashy presentation arrived on a huge tray. The visuals alone were overwhelming — scallops, cockle scallops, and various other clams arranged neatly. From cheese-loaded scallops to sweet-and-spicy sauced cockle scallops to gratin with pasta noodles mixed in, it was a combination that never got boring.

The clams themselves were so fresh there was no fishy taste at all, and they were great even with just a light dip in chojang (vinegared chili sauce) or soy sauce. But the cheese-topped scallops and cockle scallops, where the cheese and sauce blended just right, tasted perfectly seasoned even on their own.

Seasonal shrimp service

Since shrimp is in season right now, they also served us plump shrimp to grill ourselves — grilled golden on the pan and peeled, they were plump and sweet, truly a special treat. Thanks to this thoughtful, seasonally-tuned addition, I enjoyed the whole meal in a great mood.

Yeul ramyeon simmered in mussel broth

After enjoying the grilled clams for a while, I naturally headed to the self-serve ramyeon corner. There were several kinds, but I figured spicy Yeul Ramyeon would pair best after grilled clams, so I picked it without hesitation. Cooked in the mussel broth, the soup turned out even deeper and tastier. Thanks to the spicy, hearty broth that washed away all the richness, I finished the meal perfectly refreshed to the very end.

Feeling like something was missing after the grilled clams, I ordered some refreshing pineapple — it was sweet and delicious, great as a palate cleanser, so it's a menu item I'd recommend.

Final thoughts

I think this is one of the best options in Hongdae for enjoying high-quality, fresh grilled clams comfortably. It's a big draw that you can taste seafood at this level of freshness right in the middle of the city, without having to travel all the way to the West Sea. Beyond the well-rounded set with various cheese toppings and sauces, there's the seasonal shrimp service and, as the finishing touch, the unlimited ramyeon system! It's a place that delivers on both value and satisfaction. If you're looking for a great-atmosphere seafood restaurant or a can't-go-wrong date spot near Hongdae, I definitely recommend stopping by Hawaii Clam Hongdae Branch.