Today I want to tell you about Halmaejip, a popular spot close to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Renowned for its Jokbal (Pig's trotter) and Gamjatang (pork back-bone stew), this restaurant has been included in the Michelin Guide for 8 years since 2017.

Halmaejip is about a two-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station's Exit 7. Located at the end of an alley, it could be difficult to find. However, if you enter the alley where there is a 7-Eleven convenience store, you will be able to see it.

Please order one meal per person and you can't enter unless your whole group is there. I visited on a weekend evening, and I had to wait in line for like 40 minutes. Takeaway is an option if you'd rather not wait, however, you'll have to pay an extra 1,000 won for each side dish if you wish to get takeaway.

The restroom in the restaurant has a bit of a retro vibe.

As you step into the restaurant, you'll notice Jokbal being dried with a fan.

It could be difficult to recommend this spot to someone seeking a spotless eatery with a pleasant ambiance, but I personally didn't care, so it was fine with me.

Please take off your shoes before entering.

Many TV shows have included Halmaejip with awesome reviews, including "Delicious Guys," "Korean Table," and "Baek Jong-won's Top 3 Kings."

The Jokbal meat comes from local sources, while the meat for Gamjatang comes from both local and American.

Every table at Halmaejip is set up for 4 people. If there are more than 4 people, you can't push the tables together, so you'll have to sit apart.

 

Menu

Gamjatang and Jokbal are the only dishes available here.

I saw a bunch of reviews raving about the Gamjatang, but I was really in the mood for Jokbal that day, so that's what I ordered.

Those golden flooring that I remember seeing often as a child.

Although this place is a bit run-down and not the cleanest, the interior and atmosphere still show traces of the times and give off a cozy feeling.

 

Side dish

Garlic, Jalapenos, Radish salad, Salted shrimp, Pickled onions, Yeoulmu kimchi, and lettuce.

The side dishes are different when you order Gamjatang. In my understanding, gamjatang is typically served with ssamjang, garlic, cabbage kimchi, and mustard sauce.

Additional side dishes are available at the self-service bar and outside food is not allowed.

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Jokbal (for 2)  37,000 won

I went with a friend, and there was more than enough food for two grown ladies (underneath, there is a big bone). The meat was so tender that it just melted in my mouth, while the skin of the pig's trotter was incredibly chewy and tasty.

They've got a bunch of side dishes that pair perfectly with the pig's trotters, making the flavors even better. Sweet and sour radish salad, ssamjang, lettuce, garlic, and peppers all taste amazing together.

I could enjoy Jokbal with all sorts of flavors, thanks to those awesome side dishes.

Halmaejip is a spot where you can truly feel Korea's old vibes and unique atmosphere. Stop into Halmaejip for some mouthwatering Jokbal (pig's trotters) after a stroll around the nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace.

 

 

Address : 1-5 Sajik-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-735-2608

Operation Hours : Tue - Sun : 11:50 - 21:00 (Break : 14:00-17:00, Monday closed)

Instagram : Click for images

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/roblinxx/223597253053

Writer : roblinxx

Special thanks to roblinxx

 

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