Hapjeong Michelin Restaurant Okdongsik - The Essence of Clear Pork Soup Selected for 6 Consecutive Years

The Place I Kept Seeing on Instagram, I Finally Visited!

I finally visited Okdongsik, which I was curious about because I saw it so often on social media these days! A friend kept recommending it, saying, "It's a Michelin restaurant and it's really delicious," so I ended up going, and it was a decision I didn't regret at all, haha.

On a chilly Saturday afternoon when I was craving warm soup, I met my friend at Hapjeong Station and walked there. It was in a residential area, more than I expected!

There's a Reason Michelin Chose It for 6 Consecutive Years

When we arrived, there were already waiting customers sitting on the stairs. As expected from a famous restaurant, waiting is a given. Fortunately, we had made a reservation through Catch Table, so we didn't have to wait too long.

Inside the store, it was a cozier space than I thought. It felt like a ramen shop? The counter seats were predominant, and the overall interior was clean and modern.

The Menu is Simple and Clear! It's All About Pork Soup

Looking at the menu, it was really simple. Just regular pork soup (11,000 won), special (16,000 won), and kimchi dumplings (8,000 won). Somehow, this feels more trustworthy. It feels like they're focusing on one thing?

I ordered the regular pork soup and kimchi dumplings. My friend ordered the special, and later on, I noticed that the amount of meat was definitely different!

I Was Amazed from the First Spoonful

The pork soup finally came out! It was served in a Bangjja Yugi bowl, and you could really feel the care put into it. The broth was so clear and transparent that I was surprised. It's a completely different visual from the usual pork soup.

When I took the first spoonful and tasted it... Wow, is this really pork broth? It was so clean and had a deep flavor. There was no pork smell at all, and it felt really clear and refreshing. At first, I wondered if it was a bit bland, but as I kept drinking, it became addictive.

The Meat is Incredibly Tender

The meat was cooked so tenderly that it would fall apart with just a touch of the chopsticks. It was nice to chew, and it tasted even better when dipped in the sauce. The provided sauce had a slightly sweet and sour taste that went really well with the meat.

The kimchi dumplings were really delicious too! The kimchi flavor was strong, and it harmonized well with the pork. The dumpling skin was chewy, and the filling was packed, so it was satisfying.

Waiting Tips and Visit Information

On weekends, the wait can be over an hour, so make sure to reserve! We went around 2 PM on a Saturday, and if we hadn't reserved, we would have waited for a long time.

Places to Visit Near Hapjeong Station

After visiting Okdongsik, we also explored around Hapjeong Station. It's about a 10-minute walk to Hongdae, and Mangwon Market is nearby, so it's nice to look around. Especially, there are many pretty cafes in Mangwon-dong Cafe Street, making it great for dessert after a meal!

And I found out that this Okdongsik has also expanded to New York and is popular there as well. It was even selected as a best dish by the New York Times... It's really amazing!

Honest Overall Review

Honestly, at first, I thought 11,000 won was a bit expensive, but after trying it, I understood. It's a completely different level of food compared to regular pork soup. Considering the depth of the broth, the quality of the meat, and the overall completeness, the price is worth it.

However, the portion might be a bit lacking. I usually eat a lot, and the regular size was slightly insufficient. Next time, I'll order the special!

Will I visit again? Of course! Next time, I want to go with friends and try the special size. I really understand why Michelin selected it for 6 consecutive years. If you go to Hapjeong, make sure to stop by!