Baby-friendly Japanese rice bowl lunch near Konkuk Univ.: Hekbap

A Japanese restaurant in Konkuk Univ. that works for lunch with a baby: Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch

Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch (핵밥 건대본점) is a Japanese rice bowl and set meal restaurant on the 2nd floor near Konkuk Univ. Station, and I went there for lunch with my baby. We had decided to eat in Konkuk, and somehow that day I was craving a hearty Japanese rice bowl. When you go out with a baby you look for a roomy, comfortable place, and this one was really satisfying.

Location and hours of Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch

Hekbap is at 127 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd floor, 188 m from Exit 3 of Konkuk Univ. Station (Lines 2 and 7). It is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00, with a break from 15:00 to 16:30.

• Address: 127 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 2nd floor
• 188 m from Exit 3 of Konkuk Univ. Station, Lines 2 and 7
• Hours: daily 11:00–21:00
• Break time: 15:00–16:30

Is Hekbap easy to visit with a child?

Yes. The hall is large, the tables are nicely spaced, and there is a restroom inside the restaurant, so it was easy with a child. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was how much bigger it is than I expected. The spacing between tables is relaxed, so visiting with a kid felt stress-free. The in-store restroom especially made it easy to step away with the baby mid-meal, and that turned out to be a surprisingly big plus.

What we ordered: cube steak rice bowl set and zaru soba tonkatsu set

We ordered the cube steak rice bowl set and the zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles) and tonkatsu (pork cutlet) set. Being set meals, they come well stocked, and the prices weren't heavy, so I thought the value was really good.

How does the cube steak rice bowl set taste?

The cube steak rice bowl set was piled high with bite-sized cubes of steak, and the meat was tender. The cube steak bowl came out first, and the meat was really soft and juicy, so I was satisfied from the very first bite.

The salty-sweet sauce goes so well with the rice that my spoon kept going back for more. It really has a Japanese home-cooking feel, so it's easy to enjoy without any fuss.

Zaru soba tonkatsu set: the baby ate the pork cutlet well too

In the zaru soba tonkatsu set, the springy buckwheat noodles, clean-tasting broth and freshly fried pork cutlet made a good combination. The zaru soba tonkatsu set we ordered alongside was really satisfying too. It was a hot day, so I was especially craving cold zaru soba, and the noodles were nice and springy and the broth clean, which woke up my appetite.

The tonkatsu came out freshly fried with a great crunch. Crispy outside and moist inside, it paired really well with the soba. My baby ate the tonkatsu so well! The coating isn't overly thick and the meat is tender, so the little one did great, and with rice alongside it made a hearty meal.

Is Hekbap a good choice for a family meal in Konkuk?

The food is clean and not too intense, in a Japanese home-cooking style, so it worked well as a family meal spot. If you're looking for a place for a family meal, I think it's a really good option with a child. The adults were satisfied, and it was easy to eat with a little one.

Hekbap as a good-value spot near Konkuk Univ.

The food quality for the price was good, so I was happy with the value too. When you look for a place to eat near Konkuk Univ., taste matters, but so does value, right? Hekbap's quality for the price is really good, and I could see why so many people come. Given restaurant prices these days, this much food at this price made for a very satisfying meal.

Naver coupons at Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch

Hekbap was running a variety of coupon events on Naver (Korea's main search portal). There's a birthday mini pork cutlet coupon, a Hwayang-dong resident coupon, coupons for Sejong University and Konkuk University students, and one for soldiers, police and firefighters, so anyone who qualifies can save a bit. I recommend checking Naver for coupons before you visit.

• Birthday mini pork cutlet coupon
• Hwayang-dong resident coupon
• Sejong University and Konkuk University student coupon
• Soldier, police and firefighter coupon

Overall verdict on Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch

The atmosphere is clean and the staff were friendly, so we had a pleasant time throughout the meal. It's good for eating solo, with friends, on a date or as a family meal, a place where anyone can feel comfortable.

What I liked most was being able to eat comfortably with my baby. The spacious hall, comfortable seats and tasty food all satisfied me, so I'd like to go again next time I'm in Konkuk. If you're craving a hearty Japanese rice bowl or tonkatsu, I'd recommend Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch near Konkuk Univ. Station. Taste, value and atmosphere were all good, so it's a great pick for anyone who wants a filling meal.