Hana Myeonok
하나면옥
About
Historic Jongno alley restaurant operating since 1994, famous for Seoul-style simmering pork water-ribs (jjolgalbi) and handmade Hamheung naengmyeon.
Tucked deep inside the back alleys of Jangsa-dong near Jongno 3-ga Station, Hana Myeonok has operated since 1994, bridging two generations of hospitality. Starting out as an unpretentious noodle house catering to the merchants and machinists of the Sewun Sangga electronics corridor, this seasoned *nopo* (legacy eatery) has evolved into a haven for daylight drinkers and retro-loving night crowds alike. While its name still signals a cold noodle specialty, the undisputed draw across every table is the Seoul-style *jjol-galbi* (pork water ribs). Unlike common dry-grilled galbi, unadulterated cuts of bone-in pork arrive submerged in a savory-sweet, soy-based braising broth inside a shallow metal pan. Diners keep the flame high, letting the meat slowly simmer down and caramelize alongside snipped Cheongyang chili peppers, whole garlic cloves, spicy radish salad, and chives. As the pan reduces, servers replenish the broth to keep the liquid rich rather than burnt. Sharp, pungent *pa-kimchi* (green onion kimchi) cuts through the dense pork fat, especially when bundled into fresh perilla leaf wraps. When the pan is down to its final third, adding pre-soaked glass noodles (*dangmyeon sari*) is practically mandatory; the translucent noodles instantly drink up the concentrated, glossy sauce. Finishing the meal calls for one of two house rituals. One path leads to fried rice tossed directly into the sticky remains of the pan. The other leans into the kitchen's roots: cold Hamheung naengmyeon pressed in-house from sweet potato starch upon order. Wrapping piping-hot, braised pork around a tangle of icy, springy noodles—either submerged in tart dongchimi-and-beef broth or slicked with aged, fermented chili sauce—creates a seamless loop of temperatures and textures. With no afternoon break and tin kettles of milky bone broth welcoming you at the door, Hana Myeonok remains a comforting Jongno classic.
Menu
- Braised Pork Ribs (Jjolgalbi)₩16,000
- Glass Noodles Add-on₩3,000
- Fresh Pork Belly₩16,000
- Fresh Duck Slices₩15,000
- Fresh Duck Jumulleok₩15,000
- Short Rib Soup₩13,000
- Yukgaejang₩9,000
- Ox Bone Soup₩10,000
- Spicy Pork Ssambap₩10,000
- 참치, 김치찌개₩8,000
- 순두부, 된장찌개₩8,000
Local tips
- Order glass noodles (당면사리) when the ribs are about two-thirds eaten.
- Add sliced Cheongyang peppers and garlic into the broth while braising for extra kick.
- Order naengmyeon to wrap cold noodles around hot, caramelized pork ribs.
- Arrive early in the evening as ribs can sell out and prompt early closing.
- There is no break time, making it convenient for late lunch or afternoon drinks.
Details
- Jongno 3-ga Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- —
- Monday
- 11:00–21:30
- Tuesday
- 11:00–21:30
- Wednesday
- 11:00–21:30
- Thursday
- 11:00–21:30
- Friday
- 11:00–21:30
- Saturday
- 11:00–21:30