Jokbal restaurant near Hongik Univ. Station popular with tourists

While trying to decide on dinner in Hongdae, I ended up at Manjok Ohyang Jokbal, a place that's been loved by many people for a long time. I love jokbal (braised pork trotter) and have tried a lot of spots, and this one near Hongik University Station kept coming up as delicious, so I decided to check it out.

How far is it from Hongik University Station?

It's only a short walk from Hongik University Station, so accessibility was really good. It's also close to the main Hongdae street, making it an easy stop after shopping or a date.

What's the customer atmosphere like?

The first thing I noticed walking in was just how many customers there were. A pretty large share were foreign visitors — lots of Japanese and Chinese tourists. Since Hongdae is such a popular area for tourists, it seemed like many people were coming specifically to try Korean jokbal. The staff handled everything smoothly, so I could eat comfortably despite the crowd.

Another thing that stood out was just how many delivery and takeout orders there were. Delivery riders kept coming in throughout my meal, and customers picking up takeout orders showed up steadily too. Seeing how many people wanted to enjoy it at home, not just eat in, I could really feel why this place has stayed popular for so long.

The menu lineup

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal sells a variety of dishes centered on its signature ohyang jokbal. The most popular order is the soft, moist ohyang jokbal, and you can choose between front leg and back leg depending on your preference. If you like spicy food, the fire jokbal is also popular, and there are plenty of sides that go well with jokbal — jaengban guksu (tray noodles), jjol naengmyeon, steamed egg, and rice balls. If you're visiting with a group, ordering jokbal alongside the sides makes for an even more filling meal.

How was the ohyang jokbal?

When the jokbal finally arrived, the glossy look caught my eye first. The signature five-spice aroma wasn't overpowering — just a subtle note that made it easy to eat without feeling heavy, and the meat had a moist, tender texture. The skin was chewy without being tough, and the meat was moist enough to enjoy bite after bite. Best of all, there was barely any gamey smell, so I could enjoy it all the way through.

Sides and accompaniments

Pairing the jokbal with the salted shrimp, ssamjang (dipping paste), garlic, and chili peppers that came with it made the flavor even richer. Wrapping a piece of jokbal with garlic and chili in lettuce or perilla leaf gave a clean yet full-bodied bite, and the side dishes overall were clean and satisfying. Adding makguksu (buckwheat noodles) on the side would balance the jokbal's mild flavor nicely with a tangy-sweet contrast, I imagine.

The interior and the wait

The interior was kept clean, and the tables were spaced comfortably for dining. Even with the crowd, the staff moved fast, so I didn't wait long for the food, and the overall atmosphere was lively and enjoyable.

In summary

Hongdae has no shortage of great restaurants, but visiting Manjok Ohyang Jokbal in person made it clear why it's stayed so popular for so long. It's easy to get to, the food is consistently good, and seeing both foreign tourists and local regulars filling the tables gave me even more confidence in the place. With delivery and takeout available too, it's great for enjoying at home, and it also works well for gatherings with friends or family meals.

If jokbal comes to mind near Hongik University Station, Manjok Ohyang Jokbal is worth a visit. The tender ohyang jokbal, the variety of sides, and the convenient location all added up to a satisfying meal. If you're looking for a filling meal in Hongdae, I'd recommend it.

There was also a receipt event, so I got to enjoy a free drink.