Bonhwa-ro
본화로
About
Lively charcoal-grill pork house near Sillim Station serving 14-day wet-aged cuts skillfully grilled by staff.
Tucked down an alleyway mere paces from Sillim Station’s Exit 4, Bonhwaro is a standout specialist in charcoal-grilled, wet-aged Korean pork. Operating well past midnight, this spacious Gwanak hall quickly fills with hungry diners drawn to its wet-aged Grade 1+ pork and white charcoal braziers. The kitchen subjects its prime cuts to a meticulous 14-day wet-aging process, resulting in exceptional tenderness. Thickly sliced cuts of pork neck (*moksal*) take center stage, developing a deep, charred crust over the high-heat white charcoal while remaining remarkably supple and packed with juice. The thick-cut pork belly (*teuk-samgyeopsal*) and firm, rich pork skirt (*gabrisal*) are equally compelling, all accompanied by whole king oyster mushrooms that sizzle alongside the meat. One of the restaurant's biggest draws is its full-service grilling: staff manage the braziers entirely, turning and searing each piece to ensure diners never have to lift the tongs themselves. The spread surrounding the iron grate is constructed with equal intention. A platter of seasonings offers diverse flavor combinations: Andes lake salt, freshly grated wasabi, and a textured ssamjang studded with roe, alongside pungent Jeju *meljeot* (anchovy sauce) and savory scallop-and-herring roe preserves (*garibi-cheong-eo-aljeot*). Traditional accompaniments round out the meal, including house-made kimchi varieties, seasoned shredded scallions, perky fresh lettuce salad, and roasted *gopchang* seaweed. Side dishes like spicy tofu stew (*sundubu-jjigae*) or deep earthy soybean paste stews round out the heavy charcoal flavor profile. Given the dense dinner rushes and the long waiting line outside, scoring a spot via Naver reservation is wise, though the restaurant holds back half of its seating for walk-ins. With late-night hours stretching until 2:00 AM, Bonhwaro remains one of Sillim's most dependable destinations for expertly handled, charcoal-fired Korean barbecue.
Menu
- 14-day Aged Juicy Pork Shoulder₩16,000
- 14-day Aged Premium Pork Belly₩16,000
- 14-day Aged Pork Cheeks (Pork Jowl/Ghabri)₩16,000
- 14일 숙성 본항정살₩16,000
- 14일 숙성 투뿔한우채끝등심₩38,000
- Beef Tartare₩20,000
- Cold Noodles₩6,000
- 시골토장찌개₩6,000
- 칼큰된장술밥₩8,000
- 대게해장라면₩7,000
Local tips
- Book ahead via Naver Reservation to skip evening peak wait times.
- Staff expertly grill all meats at the table over white charcoal.
- Dip the aged pork into scallop-herring roe jeotgal and wasabi.
- Free corkage is available for bringing your own wine.
Details
- Sillim Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 13:00–02:00
- Monday
- 13:00–02:00
- Tuesday
- 13:00–02:00
- Wednesday
- 13:00–02:00
- Thursday
- 13:00–02:00
- Friday
- 13:00–02:00
- Saturday
- 13:00–02:00