Japanese pub in Jongno, Seoul: yakitori and oden at Hanamato

While looking for somewhere to have dinner and a drink in Hyehwa, I visited Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa (하나마토 대학로혜화). In a Japanese pub-like atmosphere, I had charcoal yakitori and warm oden together.

Is it easy to walk there from Hyehwa Station?

Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa is at 10 Changgyeonggung-ro 34-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It was easy to reach on foot from Hyehwa Station, and once I entered the alley, the Japanese pub-style exterior made it easy to find even on my first visit. I felt public transportation would be more convenient than driving.

The pub-like atmosphere was apparent even from outside. I thought it would also suit stopping by for a drink in the evening after a date in Daehangno.

What is it like for two people or a group of friends?

When I stepped inside, the interior was more spacious than I expected. At the time of my visit, the space was divided between the first and second floors, with a variety of seating.

The first floor had both bar and table seating, which was nice for two people having a drink. From the bar, I could also watch the yakitori being grilled over charcoal up close. The soft lighting and wood tones made it feel cozy.

The second floor had space where people could sit a little more comfortably. It looked suitable for visiting with a larger group of friends as well.

What can you order if you want yakitori and oden together?

Besides yakitori and oden, the menu included nabe (Japanese hot pot), karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and yakisoba (stir-fried noodles). To try several things together, I ordered the five-piece charcoal yakitori and five-piece oden set, along with a Peachtree highball.

Did the Peachtree highball go well with the skewers?

The Peachtree highball that arrived first had a lightly sweet peach aroma. Its first taste was not overwhelming, and alternating it with the charcoal-scented skewers felt refreshing. It was also good with the oden.

Did the oden stay warm until the end?

With the yakitori and oden set served all at once, the table felt full. It was a set that let me try a variety of items evenly.

The oden came with several varieties in warm broth. Each had a different shape and texture, so I picked them one by one. The broth was clean-tasting, and it stayed warm at the table, so I could eat it warm until the end.

When I dipped the fish cake into the broth, it had a springy, chewy texture and a mild savory flavor. It was also nice to spoon up the broth from time to time while drinking.

What were the aroma and texture of the charcoal yakitori like?

The five kinds of yakitori included several cuts of chicken. Each cut had a different texture and flavor, with a subtle charcoal aroma rising from the skewers.

They were lightly seared on the outside and moist inside. The more I chewed, the more nutty they tasted, and the sweet-salty sauce and charcoal aroma went well together as a highball snack.

During the meal, I added a beer and more of the skewer I had enjoyed.

What stayed with me from this visit was the Japanese pub-like interior, the charcoal aroma of the skewers, and the warm oden broth. I was satisfied with it for dinner and a drink.