Jangchung-dong Jokbal Alley is a well-known food area in central Seoul, where several restaurants serve jokbal, Korean braised pig’s trotters. It is a good stop for travelers who want to try a traditional Korean shared meal near Dongguk University and Jangchung Gymnasium.
What to Eat
Jokbal (braised pig’s trotters) is the signature dish. Pork legs are simmered for hours with soy sauce, garlic, and aromatic ingredients until the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Restaurants usually serve the meat sliced, with dipping sauces and side dishes.
Other popular choices include:
- Bossam: sliced boiled pork served with vegetables and wraps
- Makguksu: cold buckwheat noodles, often served as a refreshing side
- Pajeon or bindaetteok: Korean green-onion or mung-bean pancakes, depending on the restaurant
Price Range and Minimum Order
Jokbal is generally served as a sharing dish rather than an individual portion.
- Typical price estimate: around ₩30,000–₩45,000 for a small or regular plate; larger plates may cost more.
- Minimum order: many restaurants expect at least one plate of jokbal, often enough for two people to share. Some places may offer smaller portions or set menus.
- For one person: check the menu before ordering. A full plate may be more than one person needs.
Prices, portion sizes, and minimum orders vary by restaurant. Treat these figures as a planning estimate and check the menu at the restaurant you choose.
How to Eat Jokbal
- Pick up a slice with chopsticks.
- Dip it lightly in saeujeot (salted shrimp) or the restaurant’s sauce.
- For a fuller bite, wrap the pork in a lettuce or perilla leaf with garlic, chili, and ssamjang.
- Eat it with a side of noodles or other accompaniments to balance the rich, savory meat.
Jokbal is commonly shared around the table. If you are dining with a group, order a plate to share and add side dishes according to your appetite.
The Story Behind Jangchung-dong Jokbal
Jangchung-dong became associated with jokbal as restaurants in the area grew popular with visitors to Jangchung Gymnasium. People often went to nearby restaurants after sporting events and performances, helping the neighborhood’s pork-trotter restaurants become a familiar gathering place.
The alley’s identity comes from this local dining culture: hearty food, shared plates, and a convenient stop after an event. Today, the area is known for its cluster of jokbal restaurants rather than just one shop.
Getting There: Subway and Bus
The easiest approach for most visitors is Dongguk University Station (동대입구역) on Seoul Subway Line 3.
By subway
- Station: Dongguk University Station (동대입구역)
- Line: Seoul Subway Line 3
- Exit: Exit 3
- Walk: approximately 150 meters to the Jangchung-dong jokbal area
- Walking time: roughly 2–4 minutes, depending on the restaurant
From Exit 3, head toward Jangchungdan-ro (장충단로) and follow the main street toward the cluster of jokbal restaurants. The food area is close to the station, so you do not need to take another bus or subway after exiting.
By bus
A useful nearby stop is Jangchung-dong · Dongguk University (장충동·동국대입구), stop number 02203. Routes reported at this stop include:
- 144
- 301
- 420
- 7212
- N13 (late-night route)
Bus routes and stop locations can change. Before boarding, check the route and direction in a live Seoul transit app or map. After getting off at the Jangchung-dong · Dongguk University stop, walk toward Jangchungdan-ro and the nearby jokbal restaurants; the exact walking distance depends on the stop and restaurant.
Travel tip: If you are unfamiliar with Seoul’s bus system, the subway is the simpler option. Dongguk University Station Exit 3 is a short, direct walk to the food area.
Check current restaurant opening hours, prices, and minimum orders before visiting.