Hongdae Korean restaurant for refillable pork gomtang: Anok

A hanok atmosphere found in a Hongdae alley

Did you know there is a great gomtang spot in Hongdae with a hanok-like atmosphere, tucked into the alley between Hongdae Fashion Street and Performance Street? It is a newly opened Hongdae restaurant, and I was surprised too. As you walk up this alley, a beautiful hanok suddenly appears.

I was surprised that somewhere like this exists in Hongdae~ It feels like the entrance to a grand nobleman’s home. Hahaha.

Anok

The hanok atmosphere is lovely, so it would be great for treating visiting friends from abroad to a meal, and you can enjoy rich gomtang and clean-tasting Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). The weather was seriously so nice today, and I wanted to nourish myself with some Korean food. Hahaha.

I loved it from the entrance~~ So pretty, so pretty. A hanok really needs a courtyard—that is what makes it so beautiful.

You can check the menu outside before going in. It is perfect for a meal, and in the evening it is great for dinner with a drink. Just seeing those soft lights on made me happy.

I think it would be even nicer to eat outside in the courtyard when the weather is good. I want to come when it rains too, and when the weather turns cool.

The lighting was pretty, and the hanok itself was just gorgeous. A hanok really is something special. But I never expected to find a place like this in the middle of Hongdae~

Because it had just opened, it was beautiful, and the interior had such a calm hanok atmosphere. The beautiful pattern of the hanok window lattice looked even prettier from inside.

It was cozy and perfect for eating. It would be nice for two people, or for a larger group having a company dinner. Above all, I loved that I could have everyday Korean gomtang with rice. Hahaha.

Since it had just opened, there were so many people. We made a reservation beforehand. I suppose it cannot be helped when a newly opened hot spot has lots of people. Haha.

We had such wholesome Korean food in Hongdae. The broth was deep, and it was even better because the ingredients used Korean pork and wholesome Korean produce. Hahaha.

Fast, friendly service starting with the side dishes

Service as soon as we sat down, haha. I liked how quick it was. Everyone was so kind, and everything was so delicious that we actually refilled both the side dishes and mains many times, yet the service stayed wonderful.

Anok, the Hongdae gomtang spot, was also a side-dish spot. Everything was neat and refined, but the kimchi was incredible! It was exactly right for a Korean palate~ I was also so happy they had gungchae, a crunchy pickled vegetable stem that I love. With the food, it never felt greasy and the balance was excellent. Hahaha.

Ordering gomtang, Pyongyang naengmyeon, and braised pork tail

The menu was divided into meals and dishes. There were lots of choices that both women and men would enjoy.

We ordered Anok’s signature gomtang and Pyongyang naengmyeon.

We ordered braised pork tail. It is a main dish. So many people were eating this menu item. I was curious about the flavor. Hahaha.

There were lots of dishes that would go well with a drink too. It made me want to come with a group and try all kinds of food.

Our dinner spread arrived. I was surprised at how huge the bowls were. It really shows the Korean love of a hearty bowl of rice. Hahaha.

Pyongyang naengmyeon ₩14,000

It had no unnecessary fuss, and I really loved the way it looked. It was Pyongyang naengmyeon that was pretty too. Hahaha.

It was pure clarity—just as Pyongyang naengmyeon should be. The noodles were on the chewier side compared with other Pyongyang naengmyeon.

The Korean pork topping was enormous, so Anok, this Hongdae gomtang spot, was filling even if you only ate the meat. They were so generous. Hahaha.

Clear pork gomtang ₩13,000

The presentation was amazing—definitely the signature dish. It was sooooo deep, clean, and delicious. It had such a deep flavor that once you try it, you cannot help refilling the broth. It was clear, yet deeply flavored. Amazing, hahaha.

It was a flavor any Korean would love. Hahaha.

I had another bowl of rice and refilled the broth too. This Anok gomtang felt like a restorative tonic. Hahaha.

You absolutely have to order the gomtang.

Braised pork tail ₩29,000

Just looking at it makes me happy. Hahaha. Adding rice. Hahaha. The bowl is pretty too.

It is a perfect match with steamed white rice. The harmony of smoky flavor and sauce is so good~~~

Welcome, first-time braised pork-tail eaters. Hahaha. There is lots of meat on it. It is just right when you want Korean food in Hongdae or want to go somewhere with a lovely atmosphere. 🌟 ✴️ 🌟 ✴️