Birdsong valley pub in Wangsimni: cheese potato jeon, Ari Gyegok

What kind of pub is Ari Gyegok Hanyang University Branch?

Ari Gyegok (아리계곡) Hanyang University Branch is a traditional Korean food-and-drink pub near Wangsimni Station, already the talk of Hanyang University students. Today I'm bringing you the Wangsimni spot I'm completely hooked on, Ari Gyegok 💚

Valley-theme interior, with birdsong and frog sounds

From the moment you open the door, you'll go "Oh? This is different!" The interior is done in natural stone and wood, the lighting is understated, and right in front of you there's a valley, ta-da!

A valley right in the middle of the city! You can hear birds and frogs too, hahaha, it's honestly so healing 😌 The space is bursting with social media vibes, so it's great for photos. Even the name says traditional pub!!!

That's why even early on a weekday the place was bubbling with people. A Hanyang student-approved spot, right?

What should you order at Ari Gyegok?

The menu here is really varied~ Personally I'm working my way through the whole thing, haha, and every single one has been delicious, so no need to worry.

🍲 Original chicken hot pot (signature No. 1)

The original chicken hot pot (원조닭전골, wondjo dakjeongol) is Ari Gyegok's signature hot pot, made with chicken thigh and tenderloin. This is really why I came here!! The broth is rich yet soothes your stomach. It's neither dakhanmari (whole chicken stew) nor baeksuk (chicken soup), but somewhere right in between... Drinking with it even feels like curing a hangover, haha

Add vegetables and the health-boosting effect goes up a level! I liked that you can eat it healthily 🥬

Enjoy the tenderloin shabu-shabu style, and simmer the thick pieces of meat for a long time for that restorative feel!!

Adding nurungji to the chicken hot pot: yes or no?

Add nurungji (scorched rice) to the chicken hot pot (+₩3,000) and it works as a full meal! The nurungji is tasty even on its own, so you might not feel you're missing out without it, but once you try it you'll wonder why you didn't earlier 😅 I absolutely recommend adding it!

🌶️ Shishito chicken neck stir-fry

The shishito chicken neck stir-fry (꽈리고추 닭목살볶음) is, ugh... seriously mouth-watering. Anyone who loves neck meat? Come on in 🙌

The more you chew, the deeper the flavor gets, and the spicy-sweet balance with the shishito peppers is crazy good. It's my number one pick to order again next time, and if you go with a group, I strongly recommend one plate per person. You might end up fighting over it 😂

🧀 Bubbling cheese potato jeon (new menu challenge!)

I boldly went for the bubbling cheese potato jeon (뽀글치즈감자전, potato pancake), since it's Ari Gyegok's new menu item, and potato jeon is always a safe choice ✅ The way it comes out is really a show!

There's fluffy potato too, and with the cheese sauce I was already full but my hand kept going back for more.

The shredded potato jeon, fried crispy and served as if grilled, is a kick too!!!!

I was too full to finish it all, but looking at this photo now I want to run right back... 🥹

What did we like about Ari Gyegok Hanyang University Branch?

• Good value, and the prices are reasonable.
• They keep developing new dishes instead of serving the usual bar snacks. Every new menu gives you a reason to visit again, haha
• The staff are really kind. They answered everything I asked, and I had no trouble at all 💛

Among the Ari Gyegok menu, the basil item is one I like, but it was sold out that day ㅜㅜ so I couldn't have it. Looking at the photos, I want it again.

Ari Gyegok Hanyang University Branch: hours, parking, atmosphere

• Location: around Wangsimni, Seoul, a walk from Wangsimni Station (searching on Naver Map is recommended for the exact spot!)
• Hours: Sun–Thu 16:30–02:00 / Fri–Sat 16:30–03:30 (last order 30 minutes before closing; check before visiting ✅)
• Atmosphere: valley concept with natural stone and wood interior. Traditional and hip vibes coexist. There may be a wait in the evening, so coming early is recommended!
• Drinks: a wide range including traditional liquors, fruit wines, makgeolli, cheongju and ginseng liquor
• Parking: no dedicated parking; public transport (Wangsimni Station) recommended