Korean BBQ before a weekend shift in Bukchang-dong: pork set

Geumseong Hoegwan on the Bukchang-dong food alley: first impressions

Geumseong Hoegwan Seoul City Hall Direct Branch (금성회관 서울시청직영점) is a Korean BBQ restaurant with a classic, old-fashioned facade, right in the middle of the Bukchang-dong food street near City Hall Station. I'd spent my weekend studying hard for a certification at a café, and before heading to work I wanted a hearty meal, so I walked over to the Bukchang-dong food street. Halfway down the alley, a stylish, old-school-looking restaurant caught my eye from far away.

And this was today's destination, the City Hall Station favorite Geumseong Hoegwan Seoul City Hall Direct Branch. There were already people waiting out front, but luckily I had booked a table for 12:30, so I got in right on time with no waiting.

Inside, a golden crown logo, said to symbolize prosperity, shone on the wall in the middle of the hall and added a real touch of luxury. The restaurant is neatly divided into two areas, and my seat was ready by the window, where warm sunlight came through the big glass panes. What a great start!

Where is Geumseong Hoegwan near City Hall Station, and where to park?

Geumseong Hoegwan Seoul City Hall Direct Branch is at 30 Namdaemun-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 1st floor. It's a very short walk from City Hall Station on Subway Lines 1 and 2, so it's easy to reach by public transport.

It's also a perfect spot for a company dinner or a date. The restaurant has no parking of its own, but you can use the paid lot at the Sogong-dong Post Office right beside the building, or search for nearby paid lots with the "Modu-ui Jucha-jang" app.

Another big plus: you can open up the chairs and store your bags inside.

What to order at Geumseong Hoegwan: the pork han-geun set

That day at Geumseong Hoegwan Seoul City Hall Direct Branch I ordered the pork set and two bowls of rice. On the menu, the newly launched items caught my eye: juicy "nunkkotsal" (snowflake beef), "galbi bonsamgyeop" (pork belly, chill-aged to bring out the meaty flavor), and "marinated giant beef short rib," lightly sweetened with Naju pear syrup. Lots of tempting beef dishes! On one side of the hall, five middle-aged men were already grilling beef and enjoying daytime drinks.

I debated what to pick, but I wanted the classic charcoal-grill experience, so I went with the pork set and two bowls of rice to go with it.

Geumseong Hoegwan side dishes and sauces

As soon as I ordered, neat side dishes were quickly set out on the table.

The kimchi was tangy, the kind that makes you want to tell a foreigner, "This is Korean kimchi."

They also brought a sauce that seems to exist only at Geumseong Hoegwan. From the color I assumed it would be spicy, but it wasn't. It had a slight sweetness, and I happily dipped my meat in it.

How do the pork han-geun set and free sundubu stew taste?

The pork set at Geumseong Hoegwan Seoul City Hall Direct Branch comes with big, wide bones attached, and even at a glance the quality of the raw meat was excellent. The charcoal was already glowing at the table, so I started grilling right away.

While the meat sizzled on the grill, the complimentary sundubu stew (soft tofu stew) arrived, and it was the real hidden star. In the rich red broth sat soft, silky tofu and a whole tender egg, and when I took a big spoonful, a deep, spicy savoriness filled my mouth. I fell for the stew before I'd even grilled the meat properly, and I nearly finished a whole bowl of rice with it.

Over the well-heated charcoal, the pork turned crisp outside and moist inside. I cut it into bite-size pieces and started tasting in earnest. For the first piece I dipped it in just a little salt to taste the meat itself, and the savory juices burst out the moment I bit down.

It also went wonderfully with the sharp wasabi and salty ssamjang (seasoned dipping paste) that came as standard sauces. Wrapped in fresh lettuce with crunchy kimchi and green vegetables, there wasn't a single side dish I'd skip. The chewy texture of the meat and the subtle charcoal aroma gave it real depth of flavor.

From Geumseong Hoegwan to Seoul Library: final verdict

After lunch at Geumseong Hoegwan Seoul City Hall Direct Branch, comfortably full, I stopped by the Seoul Library right next to City Hall Station. Strolling across the green Seoul Plaza, with sunny weather and a perfect lunch behind me, happiness filled my whole body.

It's quite different from southern Seoul, where I mostly spend my time. The calm, refined atmosphere unique to Jung-gu made the day feel like a short trip. Recharged and in a great mood, I headed to Geumcheon-gu and got through my afternoon shift without getting tired. Great meat, friendly service and a cozy space all came together perfectly at Geumseong Hoegwan Seoul City Hall Direct Branch. If you want proper grilled meat near City Hall Station, I strongly recommend it as a place you'll definitely want to revisit.