Hapjeong bossam for a light dinner, dried radish wraps: Pyeongidambaek

Why I chose bossam for an easy-on-the-stomach dinner in Hapjeong

For dinner with a friend in Hapjeong, we picked the bossam (boiled pork wraps) at Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch (평이담백 뼈칼국수 본점). Maybe it's because we're both getting older, but lately we skip anything that's hard on the stomach. So bossam it was! The grease drains right out, and you get lots of crunchy vegetables as a bonus. And protein, absolutely! We've reached the age where we have to make sure we eat our protein.

Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch hours and location

• Name: Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch (평이담백 뼈칼국수 본점)
• Location: 84 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Closed: Open every day
• Hours: 11:00–22:00 (break time 15:00–17:00)

Walking from Hapjeong Station to Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch

The restaurant is right about halfway between Mangwon Station and Hapjeong Station. I walked from Hapjeong Station and got there quickly, in about 7–8 minutes I think. Coming out of the station, cutting through Mecenatpolis is the fastest way.

10% off for firefighters, military and police

Firefighters, military personnel and police officers get 10% off here! What a heartwarming, kind restaurant. The owner must be a really good person.

Inside the restaurant: fine for solo diners and groups?

The inside of Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch was very spacious and clean. There are lots of tables, so it looks good for groups too. Beyond what you can see in the photo, there were many more seats further inside. Eating alone is totally doable too!!

It turns out it has also appeared on 'Delicious Guys' (맛있는 녀석들), a show I love! That means you can trust it, right? A human seal of approval, you could say.

Why I ordered bossam at a bone kalguksu restaurant

The menu hangs big on the wall. I had been to another branch before for the bone kalguksu (bone broth noodle soup) and it was delicious. But this time I saw bossam on the menu and thought I'd give it a try. The one written in the biggest font seemed like it'd be the tastiest, haha. It felt special.

If you write a Naver receipt review, you get 3 dumplings or a drink. Total bargain! You have to do it, right?

What side dishes come with the bossam?

When you order bossam at Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch, the table is set with kimchi, kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), cabbage, dried radish strips, salted shrimp, ssamjang (wrap sauce), garlic and chili peppers. The kimchi's color passes the test right away. It looks so good it makes your mouth water! Personally, I loved how big the cabbage leaves were.

Market-style chunky bossam, medium size

Ta-da!! This is the medium bossam at Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch. It's been ages since I saw bossam cut into such big chunks. It felt like the kind you buy at a market!! I used to buy it from places that sold it like this when I was little, so it was nice to see again, haha. Big chunky cuts have a richer texture and are more filling, right? Personally, I love it!

First I went classic and dipped it in the salted shrimp. The suyuk (boiled pork) was so thick and tender that you could enjoy it even without teeth. The meat was really good.

Cabbage wraps with kimchi

You know the police will come get you if you don't eat bossam in cabbage wraps, right? Pile your favorite toppings on a cabbage leaf and wrap it up for one big bite, and you're on the express train to heaven. The kimchi, fermented just right with a great texture, is so tasty that even eating it with just kimchi is pure bliss.

My personal number one: the dried radish strips

Of the side dishes I had with the bossam, my personal pick is the dried radish strips!! The crunchy texture makes it a real treat. Maybe because the meat is so good, it's delicious however you eat it. The ssamjang was so good I wanted to learn how to make it.

Even just dipping the pork lightly in ssamjang is great!! Everything was harmonious and delicious.

A mint candy on the way out

On your way out of Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch, grab a mint candy at the counter to freshen your mouth, and it's perfect!! It's such a considerate place. Thanks to it, I had a really hearty dinner. If you're looking for a good restaurant in Mangwon or Hapjeong, definitely visit Pyeongidambaek Ppyeo Kalguksu Main Branch!