Hapjeongok in Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, recognized by Michelin Guide's 'Bib Gourmand'

While many Koreans used to call it "Michelin" (which is the French pronunciation), the Korean branchhas been using and continues to use the well-known name 'Michelin'. So, people now use the latter.

Michelin, the world's leading tire company, started sharing lists of recommended restaurants called the 'Michelin Guide,' anticipating that it would boost tire sales. There are star ratings from 1 to 3 stars, as well as "Bib Gourmand." They are categorized as follows:

• Bib Gourmand : Restaurants offering good value for money, considering the local price range (in Korea, under 45,000 won).
• One Star (★): Restaurants worth a stop during a trip to the area.
• Two Stars (★★): Restaurants worth a detour to visit.
• Three Stars (★★★): Restaurants worth a special journey.

2- or 3-star restaurants are at a master craftsman level globally, and price is not a factor in the rating, so they are quite expensive. Those who are familiar with this might already know it, but I just wanted to elaborate a little as this is my first post about food haha.

So, let me introduce you to Hapjeongok, a restaurant in Hapjeong that has consistently been selected for the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide from 2019 to 2024.

Hapjeongok

• Address: 2F, 392-3 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 2nd floor
• Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Last Order: 08:30 PM
• Closed: Closed every Sunday
• Phone Number: 02-322-4822

Click on '[View Larger Map]' above to be redirected to Google Maps and see the location more clearly.

It's on the 2nd floor. When I first arrived in the area, I couldn't see it at first, which surprised me a bit, but then I realized it was on the 2nd floor. It's a quick walk from exit 8 of Hapjeong Station.

As you walk up to the 2nd floor, you'll see that it's been selected for the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand from 2019 to 2024. I was worried about a queue, but considering it's a good-value restaurant, or perhaps because I avoided the weekday lunch rush (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM), there wasn't a line.

The menu is displayed on the wall. There are tables right below the menu, so it's a bit tricky to take photos if people are seated. I had to wait until some diners left before I could take a picture, which was quite challenging haha.

• Yangji Gomtang: 12,000 won
• Gomtang: 12,000 won
• Special Gomtang: 14,000 won
• Man Yukcheon Special: 16,000 won (Seems like a special-sized Gomtang for 16,000 won...)
• Sokdaeguk: 10,000 won
• Special Sokdaeguk: 12,000 won
• Suyuk Muchim: 27,000 won
• Suyuk
  • Medium: 40,000 won
  • Large: 55,000 won
• Gungjung Jeon: 22,000 won
• Gopchang Jeonghol
  • Medium: 35,000 won
  • Large: 43,000 won
• Udon Noodles: 2,000 won
• Draft Beer: 5,000 won

Interestingly, they serve a pot with both kimchi and kkakdugi (radish kimchi). There's a mini ladle, so you can scoop some into a bowl and eat it that way. I went with a friend, but they don't eat kimchi, so I only took a small amount.

Fresh scallions are served with the Gomtang, and you can add them as you like. They also give you a dipping sauce for the meat.

I ordered the Yangji Gomtang. The rice is already mixed into the soup. Since it's Gomtang and not Seolleongtang (ox bone soup), there are no noodles, of course. It's already seasoned. You can add scallions at this point! You can also add more pepper or salt to your liking, but it was well-seasoned for me, so I didn't add anything else.

It was delicious! If I lived far away, I might not travel there just for it, but who knows about other menu items. Since it's near me, I plan to visit again and try their signature dish, Sokdaeguk.