Makgeolli bar in Hapjeong: chestnut makgeolli and tofu kimchi at Sujak

What kind of bar is Sujak Hapjeong?

Sujak Hapjeong (수작 합정점) is a makgeolli (Korean rice wine) bar on Dongmak-ro 7-gil, near Hapjeong Station. Today I went to Sujak in Hapjeong. I've already been on my own dime... like 3-4 times, so it's a place I know. The food is good, the value is decent, and it's spacious with a nice enough atmosphere, so it's an easy place to go.

I went right at opening. My plans that day, haha, started really early... so I got there at 4 pm. The weather was cool, so they had all the windows open, like an outdoor street-tent drinking spot.

What flavors does the icy makgeolli at Sujak Hapjeong come in?

The icy slush makgeolli at Sujak Hapjeong comes in a big portion and tastes great... Last time I tried the matcha and strawberry ones and both were delicious. They're sweet and barely taste of alcohol. But you do feel the alcohol. One wrong move and you're gone, but it was so good I ordered it again this time, haha. Next time I want to try the misutgaru (roasted grain powder) makgeolli.

Naver review event

Sujak in Hapjeong also runs a Naver review event. Write 3 reviews and you even get bingsu (shaved ice dessert)... Only one review per person, though. Still, the service is great.

What free side dishes come at Sujak Hapjeong?

The sides at Sujak Hapjeong are green peas, soft tofu, chicken crackers and corn. I love Sujak's sides... you could drink on these alone.

Ordering a kiwi Saero soju~~ Did you know they've also got an omija (five-flavor berry) Saero soju lately? That one's good too (TMI).

Food picks at Sujak Hapjeong: yukhoe bibim noodles and suyuk tofu kimchi

This time at Sujak Hapjeong I ordered yukhoe bibim noodles (beef tartare with spicy mixed noodles) for ₩19,900 and suyuk tofu kimchi (boiled pork with tofu and stir-fried kimchi) for ₩24,900. I had the noodles last time and loved them, so I ordered them again. Honestly, this place is a food paradise. The soups are good too, but they seem way better at dishes like these than at soup. Next time I'd like to try the chicken feet.

Yukhoe bibim noodles (₩19,900)

The yukhoe bibim noodles... this is my second time ordering them and they're still delicious. The yukhoe is in a red sauce that goes so well with the noodles... and the egg yolk is plump, so it all mixes together nicely.

Suyuk tofu kimchi (₩24,900)

The suyuk tofu kimchi at Sujak Hapjeong has a smoky char on the meat... and the pork is a bit thick, so honestly I suspected it'd be tough, but one bite and I was like, why is this so good?! haha. The kimchi too... the seasoned umami is amazing. The three-way combo (samhap) is insane. You don't even need rice. This place also used to have great aged-kimchi tuna gimbap (seaweed rice roll).

The yukhoe + noodles combo... works surprisingly well... they made the sauce really chewy and good.

How is the chestnut makgeolli at Sujak Hapjeong different from the others?

The chestnut makgeolli at Sujak Hapjeong was less sweet and cleaner than the matcha and strawberry ones. Chestnut makgeolli... why is this so good?? The matcha and strawberry are tasty too, but they were a bit sweet, while the chestnut one was just sweet enough, just clean enough, with just enough alcohol taste, so it was so good.

My companion said, "Let's just get two, right?" and I stopped them firmly, haha. The portion is seriously huge, haha. We drank it all day long...

With makgeolli, the cup matters too, you know. It's all about the mood.

What are the seats and atmosphere like at Sujak Hapjeong?

The window seats at Sujak Hapjeong give off outdoor street-tent vibes once the windows are open. So good. When it gets really hot you won't be able to sit here, but right now it was perfect.

Ice cups and Ice Blast Sprite

At Sujak Hapjeong, if you ask for an ice cup, they bring you a nice cold one like this. And they have Ice Blast Sprite! I've never seen it sold anywhere else... The great thing about Sujak in Hapjeong is definitely that it has variety in drinks, food, even soft drinks. Drink it alongside your alcohol and you can't taste the booze at all.

When I go to Sujak in Hapjeong next time... I'm ordering this again. The smoky flavor on the meat is the real deal.

Is Sujak Hapjeong worth going back to?

Sujak Hapjeong has tasty food... a great atmosphere... and I was so happy and excited that I knocked back chestnut makgeolli plus 4 bottles of soju.

When I'm having fun, I come down with the disease of not being able to hold back on drinking.

People kept coming in. By the way, that day... was right before a work day... yes... I've learned I should drink in moderation. Anyway, Sujak in Hapjeong!! If you go, definitely try the makgeolli, and order a tofu kimchi to go with it.