Hongdae kimchi stew set meal at Bap Jangin, a Seoul Korean restaurant

A kimchi stew Korean restaurant near Hongik University Station

It’s close to Exit 8 of Hongik University Station. It’s tucked into an alley, but very easy to find.

The neat orange exterior of Bap Jangin Hongdae Branch (밥장인 홍대점) really caught my eye from a distance.

The address is 16 Yanghwa-ro 18an-gil, 1st floor, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Parking isn’t available, so I recommend public transportation. Hours are 10:00–22:00, with last orders at 21:20.

A comfortable, spacious dining room

Once inside, it felt incredibly comfortable. I loved how generously spaced the tables were, haha. Orange is the brand color, and I wondered if it had something to do with kimchi stew!! Haha.

It has just the right atmosphere for coming with friends or your partner. It feels cozy yet full of energy! It would make a perfectly good date stop, too.

Waiting and ordering by kiosk

Because it’s so popular, there may be a wait. A kiosk system is perfectly set up so you can order comfortably from your table! A few taps let you pick your menu in no time. That convenient system puts you in a good mood before you even order.

Stews, stir-fries, and set meals

The menu is wonderfully full and neatly organized. With signature stews, stir-fries, and set meals, this is a Hongdae kimchi stew spot where choosing is part of the fun. The prices are approachable, too, with excellent value!

A two-person meal of kimchi stew and stir-fried squid

At last, our two-person set meal arrived! We ordered the spicy kimchi stew and stir-fried squid (for an extra charge).

The look of that spicy kimchi stew alone, so generously piled up, was amazing.

I was so surprised after one spoonful of the rich broth. I fell for the spicy yet deeply flavored kimchi stew.

It was packed with tender pork and Spam, and the combination with the kimchi was just insane!!!! The portion was so generous that it hardly seemed to shrink no matter how much I ate, haha.

The stir-fried squid was sweet and spicy with lots of smoky wok flavor, too—it had that dangerously addictive taste that wouldn’t let me put down my spoon, haha.

Putting it over rice and mixing it all up with sesame oil made every side part of a perfect meal—Bap Jangin Hongdae Branch really delivers 🥹👍👍👍

It truly was a perfect meal. Both the taste and portions easily passed the test. With a pleasant setting to enjoy it in, it’s one of those great-value Hongdae kimchi stew places! It’s guaranteed to hit the spot when you have no appetite. The staff were also so, so kind and kept checking whether we needed anything.

A Korean meal for friends and dates

On a day when you’re really craving delicious Korean food, it’s perfect for meeting friends or going on a date.

It’s Bap Jangin Hongdae Branch, a place I want to recommend without hesitation because it’s a flavor everyone can enjoy! I’ll be back whenever I miss that spicy broth! It’s a true favorite I want to visit again and again, haha.