Gangseo Japanese diner, free takoyaki with pork jowl don: Hekbap

Where Hekbap Kkachisan Branch is and what the room feels like

Hekbap Kkachisan Branch is on the 2nd floor of a building at 35 Gangseo-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, about a 2-minute walk from Exit 1 of Kkachisan Station on Line 5. We wanted a solid meal around Kkachisan, so we stopped by Hekbap — it's on the 2nd floor above a Lotteria, so it's easy to spot.

The place was bigger than I expected and felt clean overall. The tables were spaced comfortably enough that it didn't feel cramped, and ordering was easy through the tablet at the table.

What we ordered at Hekbap Kkachisan Branch and what it cost

That day we ordered the pork jowl rice bowl set for 14,900 won and the tonkotsu ramen tonkatsu set for 16,000 won. You order directly through the tablet. There's also a separate spicy lineup — spicy buta-don and spicy Western-style pork cutlet — introduced on the menu, so if you like spicy food, that section is worth checking out too.

Hekbap also offers takeout and group takeout orders. If you're pressed for time before closing or can't get away from your seat, ordering ahead via Naver or by phone is convenient, and for group orders they'll even deliver in time for an event, which is handy to remember if you're planning food for a gathering.

Dining room layout and the bar seats for solo diners

Walking in, the first thing you notice is the wide, bright dining hall. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in great light, and one wall is lined with photos of signature dishes — cold soba, spicy buta-don, zaru soba, Western-style pork cutlet, bukkake udon — which was handy for figuring out what to order.

The tables had plenty of space between them, and there were several high chairs for kids available, so it looked like it would be comfortable to visit with children too.

Every table had labeled pepper and salt shakers, and the tissue box came with a note asking guests to take only as much as they need. It's a small detail, but it showed a certain thoughtfulness.

Spoons, chopsticks, and wet wipes were neatly organized inside a drawer, and the chopsticks were even wrapped in paper — it made the place feel really clean. You just take out what you need from the utensil drawer.

Pork jowl rice bowl set, 14,900 won, with udon and karaage

✨️ Hekbap Pork Jowl Rice Bowl Set ✨️ ₩14,900

My husband's pork jowl rice bowl came piled generously with meat on top of the rice, making it a satisfying meal on its own. The set includes udon, karaage, and the rice bowl together! The karaage that came with it was especially good — crispy outside, juicy inside, and great to alternate with bites of the pork jowl.

The main dish is pork jowl and scallions stir-fried in a spicy-sweet soy-based sauce, topped generously with cherry tomatoes and shishito peppers. A bowl of udon and crispy karaage came alongside it, making for a really hearty spread. Sides like pickled radish, yellow radish pickles, and fish cake were also set out!! Up close, the pork jowl was cut into thick pieces with a glossy sheen that looked delicious at a glance. Following the instructions on the card and eating it spoonful by spoonful instead of mixing it into the rice, the sauce's seasoning wasn't overpowering — just right.

How was the tonkotsu ramen with tonkatsu set at 16,000 won?

✨️ Hekbap Tonkotsu Ramen Tonkatsu Set ✨️ ₩16,000. The ramen's broth and noodles were solid, but the tonkatsu that came with it was especially good. It was crispy and nutty, pairing really well with the ramen. A bowl of ramen alone is already pretty filling, but having a side-like dish to go with it made the meal even more satisfying. I think choosing tonkatsu as the side for the ramen set was the right call.

The broth is milky and thick, so the first sip can feel pretty rich, but you keep going back for more as you eat. The crunch of black pepper here and there is a nice touch too.

Here's a two-shot of the pork jowl rice bowl set and the ramen set. Living up to its reputation near Kkachisan, the neat presentation and full side dish lineup were satisfying 🤩 It really is a full-table spread! Great for families or couples.

5 free takoyaki for a Naver receipt review

Both the ramen set and the pork jowl rice bowl set came with substantial sides, so the value felt satisfying, and I liked the thoughtfulness of including 'how to eat this best' notes for each dish. The origin labeling was transparent too, which made it even more trustworthy. This Kkachisan spot is currently running a Naver receipt review event, so if you visit, it might be worth joining — free takoyaki!

A lovely evening at Hekbap near Kkachisan 😍😍