Hapjeong Korean BBQ with my parents: 65,000-won pork cuts, Jeongyukdo

On the last day of my summer vacation, I wanted to wrap up a well-spent break on a high note. After getting my hair done near Hapjeong Station, I headed out for a nice dinner with my parents.

Nothing finishes a vacation like a hearty pork dinner to recharge the protein, right? Past Hapjeong Station and into an alley, a pretty outdoor garden opened up in front of us, so lovely you'd never guess you were in the middle of the city.

The atmosphere felt upscale, and my expectations shot up the moment we stepped through the entrance.

Inside, the space was very wide and comfortable.

One wall was covered in signatures from well-known celebrities, and it made me think, "Yes, coming here was definitely the right call."

Jeongyukdo location and opening hours near Hapjeong Station

Jeongyukdo (정육도) is at 14 Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, 2nd floor, Mapo-gu, Seoul, a 5-minute walk from Hapjeong Station Exit 5. Come out of Exit 5 on Line 6, turn right right away, and head into the narrow alley between the Compose Coffee shops. You'll find Jeongyukdo there.

• Hours: Mon–Sat 11:30–23:00 (last order 21:30)
• Sunday 11:30–22:00 (last order 20:30)

Jeongyukdo menu: why we picked the pork special-cut set

Jeongyukdo offers a wide range, from aged 1++ hanwoo (top-grade Korean beef) to carefully selected domestic handon pork. We ordered the handon special-cut set, which is popular because you get several special cuts in one go.

What we ordered at Jeongyukdo

• Handon special-cut set (₩65,000): pork jowl + gabrisal + galmaegisal + hanwoo doenjang stew (choose earthenware pot or myeoljeot, salted fermented anchovy sauce)
• Nurungji-tang (₩5,000, scorched rice soup)

Not long after we ordered, neat side dishes were set out on the table.

There was fresh, tangy scallion salad, pickled onions, and other basic sides to bring out the flavor of the meat.

The table also had fresh wasabi, salt and wholegrain mustard, which go wonderfully with meat, so it was easy to eat it however you like.

How do Jeongyukdo's pork jowl, gabrisal and galmaegisal taste?

🥩 Handon special-cut set. Soon after, our pork arrived! Beautifully rosy pork jowl (hangjeongsal), gabrisal (pork ribeye cap) and galmaegisal (pork skirt) came out prettily arranged with fresh mushrooms.

We put the special cuts one by one on the hot grill. With the sizzle came a savory aroma that really stirred up our appetite, and since this is aged handon, I could see the juices beading on the surface.

First up was the golden-brown galmaegisal, which I dipped lightly in salt.

The clean, rich pork flavor filling my mouth and the chewy texture were so appealing. Next I tried the well-cooked jowl and gabrisal with wasabi and scallion salad, and the signature crisp, crunchy bite combined with the richness made for the best taste.

Hanwoo doenjang stew in the set and nurungji-tang

The hanwoo doenjang stew (soybean paste stew) that comes with the set arrived bubbling in an earthenware pot, giving off a deep, savory smell. It had tofu and meat inside, so the broth was really rich and deep. It was a perfect combination that reset my palate.

The nurungji-tang we added was also just right for a clean break in the middle of the meal. Soft scorched rice in a savory broth, and my parents were happy with it and found it easy on the stomach.

Is Jeongyukdo good for family gatherings and team dinners?

The staff were friendly too, so we felt well looked after throughout the meal. With its large space, terrace and outdoor garden vibe, I thought it would work well not only for family gatherings but also for company dinners or dates around Hapjeong.

If you want to enjoy high-quality handon special cuts and premium aged hanwoo in a nice atmosphere near Hapjeong Station, I strongly recommend visiting Jeongyukdo!