Hongdae Korean restaurant for gomtang with kkakdugi: Anok

A hanok find in a Hongdae alley: Anok (안옥)

Today, I’m introducing this totally unexpected hanok spot I found in Hongdae! I was walking up the stairs in an alley and honestly got such a surprise... A tiled roof suddenly appeared, so much so that I wondered, “Is this really Hongdae?” I fell for it from that moment 🏮 This is Anok, known for its Pyongyang naengmyeon (Pyongyang-style cold noodles) and gomtang (clear beef soup)!!!

I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good Hongdae lunch spot, too. Gomtang makes such a satisfying lunch‼️‼️

Could you imagine a place like this in Hongdae? Haha, climb the alley stairs right in central Hongdae and—there’s a hanok~~

The hanok’s original structure has been preserved, so when you open the main gate, there’s a gravel path. It feels like you’ve gone away on a trip. I really, really recommend it to anyone who wants to properly soak up hanok vibes!

Inside Anok and its group seating

The interior has all the atmosphere, too... Group seating is available for up to 12 people, and since seats are limited, they said they can arrange things if you call ahead 🤗

Anok’s menu and our order

• Clear gomtang ₩13,000 / special ₩17,000
• Pyongyang naengmyeon: mul (broth) ₩14,000 / bibim (spicy mixed) ₩15,000
• Yukhoe bibimbap ₩18,000
• Braised pork tail ₩29,000
• Cold sliced pork: full plate ₩24,000 / half plate ₩13,000
• Yukhoe ₩26,000
• Pork bokjengban ₩45,000 / Korean beef bulgogi hot pot ₩64,000

We made a nice full order of gomtang + Pyongyang naengmyeon + braised tail!

Side dishes that pass the test from the kkakdugi

Side-dish lineup

The dadegi (seasoned chili paste), napa cabbage kimchi, gungchae (pickled stem lettuce), and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) had my mouth watering just from the look of them 🤤 You know kkakdugi is what makes or breaks a place like this, right?

Passed 👍👍👍👍 A kkakdugi gem, haha

Pyongyang naengmyeon loaded with meat

Pyongyang naengmyeon

Pyongyang naengmyeon packed with me~at

It had been a while since I’d enjoyed it this much ㅜ Pyongyang naengmyeon is famous as a dish people either love or hate, but I don’t think this one would divide people. They’ll bring mustard and vinegar separately if you want them, but we skipped them and enjoyed its original flavor 👍

Two flavors of gomtang with dadegi

Gomtang

This one was loaded with meat, too~~~

A bite with delicious kkakdugi...

The kkakdugi was seriously delicious, so having it with the gomtang was absolute heaven 👍👍 ⭐️My recommendation: enjoy the soup as it is first, then add a little dadegi later for a spicy kick. You get to experience two different charms in one bowl.

The generously portioned braised pork tail

Braised tail

The braised pork tail portion was seriously enormous... I was shocked when I saw it 😳🫢🫢 Look at that crazy amount, haha

Such an addictive flavor, haha. The braised tail was sweet and spicy with just the right level of heat—not overpowering at all, and so easy to keep eating! When we finished, it felt like we’d really had a restorative meal 💪💪💪💪

I highly recommend Anok to anyone who wants a relaxed meal in a space full of hanok charm, or anyone looking for somewhere special in Hongdae!