The Pork Belly Kimchi Stew is a Real Hit at Hongdae Bar Mongjubang - The Restaurant Featured on the Popular Show!

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

I finally visited Mongjubang, which I kept seeing on Instagram and was curious about! My friend kept suggesting we go, and after postponing it several times, we finally visited on a Saturday evening. As expected from a place featured on a popular show, there was a waiting line. Fortunately, we got a seat after waiting for about 30 minutes.

It's about a 7-minute walk from Exit 1 of Sangsu Station, and it was easier to find than I thought. As soon as you enter Dongmak-ro 7-gil, you can see it right away. The exterior was simpler than I expected, so I almost passed by it, but I quickly found it thanks to the sign that says Mongjubang.

A Place with a Hip Atmosphere

The interior is really pretty! It has a modern feel with dim lighting, creating a perfect atmosphere for drinking. There are terrace seats and booth seats, making it great for setting the mood. We sat at a table inside, and it was just the right level of noise for people to have conversations comfortably.

The staff were friendly and gave great menu recommendations. Especially since it was our first time, they recommended the signature dishes.

The Signature Pork Belly Kimchi Stew is Truly Amazing!

We ordered the signature dish, Pork Belly Kimchi Stew (26,000 won). The price is 26,000 won, and considering the portion, it's really cost-effective! The whole pork belly is in it, and there's a lot of kimchi too.

The taste... was really to my liking! The kimchi was perfectly sour, and the pork belly was tender, making it really delicious when eaten together. The broth was clean and savory, making me want to keep sipping it. It was almost too much for just the two of us.

Mongdoritang was Also Really Interesting

We also tried the Mongdoritang (26,000 won), and it was really interesting as it came in a pressure cooker! Watching the steam rise every time the lid was opened was fun, and the taste was really good. The broth was richer than regular Dakdoritang, and the chicken was tender.

The potatoes and carrots were perfectly cooked, adding a nice texture, and the broth was refreshing and spicy, making it perfect with soju. It was so delicious that I thought I must have it again next time.

Every Dish is Delicious

We also ordered Yukhoe (32,000 won), and the quality of the meat was really good. It was fresh and tender, melting in the mouth. The aroma of sesame oil and sesame seeds was nice, and the accompanying vegetables were fresh, making it delicious.

A Bar in Hongdae with Great Value for Money

Overall, the portion size and taste were satisfying compared to the price. Although Hongdae is generally expensive, I think Mongjubang offers great value for money. Each dish feels meticulously prepared, and the taste is distinctly different from other places.

I especially want to recommend the Pork Belly Kimchi Stew. It seems like a dish hard to find elsewhere, and the portion is really large, making it very filling.

There are Many Places to Explore Nearby

Mongjubang is located slightly away from the center of Hongdae, so it's relatively quiet. However, just a 5-minute walk takes you to Hongdae Playground or the commercial area in front of Hongik University, making it great for a second round, and there are many pretty cafes nearby, so a cafe tour during the day followed by a visit to Mongjubang in the evening seems like a good plan.

It's conveniently located between Sangsu Station and Hapjeong Station, making it easily accessible from anywhere.

Honest Overall Impression

I've wanted to visit for months, and it exceeded my expectations! I understand why it's featured on the popular show. The taste is great, the atmosphere is nice, and the prices are reasonable, making it a place I want to visit again.

Next time, I want to go with a group of friends and try more dishes. I'm especially curious about the Karaage and Rice Balls. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good bar in Hongdae!