Discover Seoul’s Best Kept Secret: Onggi Jokbal in Gangnam – A Local Favorite!

Are you ready to uncover a hidden gem in Seoul? Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Onggi Jokbal (옹기 족발이), a restaurant nestled in the heart of Gangnam-gu that I consider my personal secret 맛집 (matjib – delicious restaurant). This place isn’t just good; it’s consistently wowed everyone I’ve brought here – and I mean everyone! From its humble beginnings around 2012, Onggi Jokbal has grown from a local favorite to a sensation, even expanding with branches. Even when I filmed this review around 6 PM, the restaurant was already bustling, with a short waiting line forming. Let’s dive into why Onggi Jokbal is a must-visit!

A Menu to Delight: From Jokbal to Jjolmyeon

Onggi Jokbal’s menu is centered around, you guessed it, Jokbal (족발), Korean braised pig’s trotters. They offer a variety including classic Jokbal, Yangnyeom (spicy seasoned) Jokbal, and Bossam (boiled pork belly). For those wanting a bit of everything, they even have a ‘Banban’ (half and half) option to enjoy both classic and Yangnyeom Jokbal. Beyond the main dishes, their side menu is equally enticing. You’ll find dishes like Jangkalguksu (spicy 칼국수 noodle soup), Jjolmyeon (spicy chewy noodles), and Jumeokbap (rice balls). While many opt for the classic Jokbal and Bossam combination, I highly recommend exploring their side dishes – they are truly exceptional.

Complimentary Delights and Refreshing Drinks

Before your main dish even arrives, you’re treated to a complimentary pot of Sundubu Jogaetang (순두부 조개탕), a soft tofu and clam soup. This isn’t your average bland soup; it’s subtly spicy and perfectly seasoned, making it a delightful palate cleanser and even a great accompaniment to drinks. Speaking of drinks, the owner brought us a cute gourd-shaped bottle, suggesting we pour soju into it, mimicking the way sake is served. We took it a step further and mixed soju and beer (Somaek)! The owner chuckled, amused but not disapproving of our creative drinking method.

The Star of the Show: Onggi Jokbal

Finally, the Jokbal arrived, and I opted for the classic, non-spicy version as I’m not a huge fan of overly spicy food. The price difference between the medium (38,000 KRW) and large (42,000 KRW) sizes is minimal, so naturally, we went for the large. What sets Onggi Jokbal apart is the flavor and texture. Unlike some Jokbal places that rely heavily on caramel coloring and artificial sweetness, Onggi Jokbal boasts a natural sweetness derived from the meat itself. This allows the true flavor of the pork to shine through, without any unpleasant gamey taste. My mother, who is quite discerning about meat quality, even commented on how fresh and clean-tasting the Jokbal was.

Perfect Pairings: Side Dishes That Shine

The beauty of Onggi Jokbal lies not just in the main dish, but also in the incredible side dishes. The Baekkimchi (백김치), white kimchi, is an absolute standout. I guarantee you’ll be asking for refills! It’s perfectly crisp and refreshing, providing a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the Jokbal. The Yangbaechu Muchim (양배추 무침), seasoned cabbage salad, is another winner. The light soy sauce-based dressing complements the Jokbal perfectly, adding a delightful crunch and freshness. And let’s not forget the Jjolmyeon (쫄면)! At Onggi Jokbal, the Jjolmyeon surprisingly takes on the role of Makguksu (buckwheat noodles) – it’s that good! This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a signature menu item. Toss the vibrant, vegetable-packed Jjolmyeon and wrap it around a piece of Jokbal for an explosion of flavors and textures. The chewy noodles and tender Jokbal are a match made in culinary heaven.

More Than Just Jokbal

Beyond Jokbal and Jjolmyeon, Onggi Jokbal also offers popular dishes like Ongsimi (옹심이), potato dumpling soup, perfect for a comforting and warm addition to your meal, and Jumeokbap (주먹밥), rice balls. Whether you’re dining in, ordering delivery, or opting for takeout, Onggi Jokbal maintains its quality. I’ve even enjoyed leftovers straight from the fridge the next day, and it was still delicious! This review is based on about three visits, but I’ve been a frequent customer for much longer. Onggi Jokbal is truly one of my ultimate favorite restaurants in Seoul. If you’re in Gangnam, make sure to give it a try!

Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Rating: 4.5 / 5