Hugup Naengsamgyeop

About

Cozy retro spot in Jangwi-dong serving thick-cut flash-frozen pork belly with generous fresh side dishes and outdoor seating.

Tucked along Jangwi-ro between local apartment complexes near Dolgoji Station, Hu Geumnaengsamgyeop captures the unvarnished charm of an old-school neighborhood hangout. The character *hu* (厚) in the restaurant's name hints at its signature cut: unlike paper-thin standard frozen pork belly, the domestic *geumnaeng-samgyeop* here arrives sliced with noticeable thickness, retaining a satisfying chew as it sizzles on tabletop butane burners. When weather permits, diners gravitate to the prized outdoor *yajang* tables, soaking in the retro streetscape beneath mature trees while 1980s and 90s tunes hum in the background. The setup feels less like a polished commercial eatery and more like an impromptu barbecue at a hospitable neighbor’s house. Operating hours can be idiosyncratic—doors sometimes remain shut if the owner takes a spontaneous break—but a lit storefront signals a rewarding feast. The pork belly is accompanied by an unusually generous array of sides. House-made baechu kimchi and pungent green onion kimchi (*pa-kimchi*) are set directly onto the grill to fry in the rendered pork fat alongside fresh water celery (*minari*) and enoki mushrooms. Rounding out the spread are pickled vegetables like stemmed lettuce (*gungchae*) and onion, alongside expansive baskets of leafy wraps. A side of 된장찌개 (*doenjang-jjigae*) is a vital addition to the table. Loaded with vegetables, it packs a spicy kick and often features fragrant seasonal greens like wild chives (*naengi*). Note that card payments are not accepted; transactions are handled via cash or bank transfer, a quirk offset by complimentary steamed rice and wallet-friendly pours of beer and soju. For an unpretentious evening of thick-cut pork belly and sidewalk nostalgia in Seongbuk, this quiet gem proves worth the hunt.