Hongdae solo-dining gukbap spot: beef gukbap set with jeon, Yukjeon

I'm posting quite a lot today, aren't I? hahaha I've been to so many places that I just can't help wanting to share them all,, haha Today I'll give you a quick, honest review of my visit to Yukjeon Gukbap Seogyo Branch (육전국밥 서교점), a well-known eatery in Seogyo-dong near Hongik Univ. 💨

Where is Yukjeon Gukbap Seogyo Branch, and is there parking?

Yukjeon Gukbap Seogyo Branch is a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Hongik Univ. Station (Line 2), and there are 4 free parking spaces in front of the restaurant. It's so close to the station that it's perfect for lunch. Since there's parking space out front, if you're coming by car I'd recommend calling before you visit! haha

• Address: 1F, 9-1 Woldeukeopbuk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Hours: 00:00–24:00 (open 24 hours)
• Parking: free parking available (4 free spaces in front of the restaurant)
• Just in case, I'd recommend calling the restaurant before you visit

Is Yukjeon Gukbap Seogyo Branch good for eating alone?

The inside was bigger than I expected, and since lots of people come to eat alone, there's a separate area just for solo diners, which I loved~ I think it's also just the right size for friends, couples, families, group gatherings, or a solo meal.

What I ordered: the beef gukbap set for ₩17,000

What I ordered at Yukjeon Gukbap Seogyo Branch was the beef gukbap set (soup with rice) for ₩17,000. Take note if you're visiting!! Honestly, I had errands in Hongdae and came to eat alone, so I just ordered one set haha. I was already happy just thinking about eating.

If you join the review event at Yukjeon Gukbap Seogyo Branch, they give you a free drink, so that's worth knowing if you're visiting~

Side dishes and the self-serve bar

Once you order, the staff bring you 3 basic side dishes: kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), pickled onions and kimchi. (Personally, the kkakdugi was so good 👍🏻) If you want more, you can easily call a staff member, or just help yourself at the self-bar, which was so convenient!!

How big is the beef gukbap set, and what comes with it?

The beef gukbap set at Yukjeon Gukbap Seogyo Branch comes with one portion of yukjeon (thin beef slices coated in egg and pan-fried) alongside the beef gukbap, and even as a single serving the gukbap was quite big, with loads and loads of beef in it. The yukjeon was so good too, I really loved it haha

I don't usually eat alone, but after a long time I fell for the charm of it, maybe that's why the meal tasted even better hahahaha (It felt kind of atmospheric, and I liked not having to match anyone else's pace)

The spicy broth of the beef gukbap

When you crave something steaming hot, beef gukbap is the first thing that comes to mind 🤎 The beef gukbap at Yukjeon Gukbap Seogyo Branch has a little savory oil floating on top of the spicy, boiling broth, and my mouth watered just looking at it. One spoonful and the tender beef, crunchy bean sprouts and cool cabbage come together into a deep, rich flavor. The broth is spicy but not overwhelming, so you keep going back for more. Mix in the rice and the broth's savory depth soaks in, making it perfectly filling ✨

The beef jeon served with the gukbap

The yukjeon that came with the beef gukbap set was crispy outside and moist inside, so it paired really well with the gukbap. Put a piece of kimchi on it now and then and you can enjoy it to the end without it feeling greasy. I'd recommend this beef gukbap as an easy meal on a cold day or when you want to settle your stomach.

Is Yukjeon Gukbap worth a return visit for solo dining in Hongdae?

Yukjeon Gukbap Seogyo Branch is a place I'd want to come back to the next time I'm in Hongdae on my own. I was so happy eating alone that I even took a commemorative solo-meal photo hahahaha The staff were friendly too, which I loved! ☺️