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Halmae Jip

Halmae Jip

할매집

Hangover

About

A long-running Jongno old-school spot near Gyeongbokgung Palace, known for its pork trotters and distinctive garlic-and-bean-sprout gamjatang.

In a tucked-away Jongno alley near Gyeongbokgung Station, 할매집 feels less like a polished throwback than a place that has simply kept going. Inside, diners take off their shoes and settle into a homely, timeworn room. It is not especially spacious; when tables fill, the conversation rises with them. Come for the old-school setting, but leave room for the two dishes that define the meal: jokbal and gamjatang. The jokbal is notably soft and yielding, tender enough to give way as you lift a piece. It stays free of any pronounced porky smell as it cools, according to one diner’s account, while a gentle heat builds as you eat. The slices close to the bone, especially the skin, carry more of that spice, so they may be a challenge if you are sensitive to heat. For two, a two-person order was described as a reasonable portion. The gamjatang is a less familiar take on the name. One account describes it as loaded with garlic and bean sprouts, with a spicy character that makes it especially suited to drinking alongside. That is a different emphasis from a straightforward bowl of pork-and-potato comfort: here, the blogger found something distinctive and lively, though the meal’s appeal is still best judged by trying it yourself. There is a practical catch to this alley-side institution: diners report waiting, and the restaurant does not take reservations. The whole party must be present before entry, so coordinating arrival matters. A line can form as the evening progresses, and one visitor found the restaurant had closed after selling out by early evening. Arriving early is the safer plan. At 할매집, the mood is close-set, noisy, and comfortably unvarnished. Order jokbal for its plush texture and creeping warmth; add the garlic-and-bean-sprout gamjatang for a sharper, spicier counterpoint.

Menu

  • Pork trotters족발₩39,000
  • Gamjatang (pork bone stew)감자탕₩39,000

Local tips

  • No reservations; the whole party must arrive before entry.
  • Expect a standing queue, especially around dinner; arrive early as ingredients may sell out.
  • Shoes are removed inside.
  • Parking is unavailable on-site; use public transit or a nearby paid lot.

Details

Nearest station
Gyeongbokgung Station
Phone
02-735-2608

Opening hours

Sunday
11:45–21:00
Monday
11:45–21:00
Tuesday
11:45–21:00
Wednesday
11:45–21:00
Thursday
11:45–21:00
Friday
11:45–21:00
Saturday
11:45–21:00

Typically 11:45–21:00, with a 14:00–17:00 break; closed Mondays. Hours may vary, and it can close early when ingredients sell out.

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