Hongdae Korean restaurant for smoky pork tail dinner: Anok

Since we ate lunch at home on a day my husband was working from home, we decided to eat dinner out and headed out in the peaceful autumn weather.

Anok, a Pyongyang naengmyeon spot found in Hongdae

I’d been singing, “Pyongyang naengmyeon, Pyongyang naengmyeon, when will I have it again?” and then found Anok, a new Pyongyang naengmyeon favorite in Hongdae! It was nice and close to home too. About a three-minute walk from right in front of Hongik University?

I think the name means something like “a comfortable home, a comfortable space!”

The menu is clearly displayed before you go in. There were so many dishes that I thought foreign friends would absolutely enjoy!

The atmosphere was tranquil and pretty, like Ikseon-dong, so it felt like somewhere I’d want to tell visitors about..🥺

This is the main entrance, so we came in through here.

Such a pretty hanok-style space. Who knew a place like this was right in the middle of Hongdae?

We visited at the slightly awkward time of around 5 p.m., and there were all kinds of diners eating—groups, dates, and solo guests.

A broth simmered for 48 hours—so much care went into it. Broth is everything with Pyongyang naengmyeon, so I was really looking forward to it!

Water and cups were already set out.

Salt and pepper were there to season things however you like. You could tell everything was kept incredibly clean. The seasoning was perfect for us, so we never needed them..!

It seemed like it had only just opened..? Everything was so, so new. There were wet wipes and tissues too.

They have draft beer too~ With so many dishes to snack on, this would be such a great place for drinks as well!

Salted hairtail innards, kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), pickled gungchae stems, and napa cabbage kimchi. Everything was crisp and tasty without being overly salty.

Waiting for our food..!

Gomtang loaded with meat

The gomtang came out first. Look at how generously packed with meat it was. My husband said the value was amazing 👍🏻

Can you see how much meat there is..? The gomtang had little hits of pepper throughout. Looking at reviews, people said the gomtang was the best dish, and it really was delicious—clean-tasting and refreshing. This is a Hongdae gomtang gem~~!!

Pyongyang naengmyeon topped with chilled pork

Next came the Pyongyang naengmyeon. It arrived topped with chilled pork, and..! This had an incredible amount of meat too!

The noodles were wonderfully firm and delicious. To me, the flavor was similar to Eulmildae, but there was so much more meat that I might even say this place was better. 👍🏻 A true Pyongyang naengmyeon gem..💚

My first braised pork tails

Last came the braised pork tails. My very first time trying braised pork tails in my life! Maybe it’s not a common menu item, because as soon as I posted this, friends said they had eaten it in Jeju and missed it—asking whether Seoul sold it too.. Yes, you can get braised pork tails in Seoul at Anok in Hongdae!

They gave everyone at the table their own tongs to use for the pork tails. Thanks to that, they were more comfortable to eat than with chopsticks or disposable gloves.

The glossiness was unreal,,, It had just the right smoky char and the bones slipped right out—kind of like jokbal (braised pig’s trotters)? I’ve only just discovered the charm of braised pork tails..❤️

I seriously, truly recommend this dish.. If you like fiery jokbal and things like that, order it without question!!

The combination: Pyongyang naengmyeon first

Looking at the photos again is making my mouth water.. I need to go back when I have no appetite.. We finished the Pyongyang naengmyeon first, then had the gomtang and pork tails. Pyongyang naengmyeon tastes best before you eat anything else..!!

Try this combination..🤦🏻♀️❤️

Tender yet chewy, with bones that slip right out, smoky flavor, and spice.. Ahh.

The Pyongyang naengmyeon had chewy, nutty noodles. The broth had a subtle meaty aroma while staying refreshing, and I completely polished it off. You could come for lunch and eat just this, I think? Anok is a great Hongdae lunch spot!

Having the gomtang with salted hairtail innards like this made it pleasantly spicy yet clean-tasting. Writing this review a few days later is such torture.. Ah, I want to eat it.. It was so good, I’m telling you..

Yep,,, we came out absolutely stuffed. We digested it on the walk home. Next time, I should have some drinks with it. The Pyongyang naengmyeon and the soup were both so good that I can’t not come back..