Gongdeok Jokbal Alley is a traditional food area inside Gongdeok Market in Mapo-gu, Seoul. It is known for Korean-style braised pork trotters, sundae (Korean blood sausage), and hearty market meals.
The alley is a convenient stop for visitors exploring western central Seoul, with several pork trotters restaurants clustered near Gongdeok Station.
What to Eat
Jokbal (Braised Pork Trotters)
The signature dish is pork trotters slowly braised with seasonings until the meat is tender and the skin becomes glossy. It is usually sliced and served with dipping sauces and side dishes.
Sundae and Sundaeguk (Korean Blood Sausage and Soup)
Many restaurants in the area also serve sundae and sundae-guk, a warm soup with Korean blood sausage and other ingredients. These are good choices if you want a simpler individual meal.
Price and How to Order
Prices and serving sizes differ by restaurant. Check the menu at the entrance or ask staff before ordering.
- Jokbal: Usually sold as a shareable plate, with portion sizes and prices set by each restaurant.
- Sundaeguk: Often available as an individual bowl, making it a practical option for solo visitors.
- Minimum order: There is no confirmed alley-wide minimum. Some restaurants may require a certain jokbal plate size or a minimum order for group dining, so ask before sitting down.
- How to eat jokbal: Wrap a slice in lettuce or perilla leaf with garlic, a little ssamjang, and other side dishes. You can also dip the meat in salted shrimp sauce or the restaurant’s dipping sauce.
- Tip: If you are visiting with a group, jokbal with sundae or a soup dish can make a varied meal. Confirm whether the restaurant allows a small plate or individual orders.
A Short History
The alley grew from a small restaurant in Gongdeok Market about 30 years ago. The early business served market workers with sundae-guk and jokbal as filling meals and drinking snacks. As customers increased, nearby shops began selling similar foods, and the area developed into a jokbal alley.
Today, several long-running family restaurants remain in the market, giving the alley a lively mix of local diners, office workers, and visitors.
How to Get There
By Subway — Recommended
Gongdeok Station (공덕역)
Lines 5 and 6, Gyeongui–Jungang Line, and Airport Railroad
- Exit 5: The most direct exit for Gongdeok Jokbal Alley.
- Walking distance: Approximately 130 m to the alley area inside Gongdeok Market.
- Walking time: Around 2–3 minutes from Exit 5 to the market entrance, depending on your pace and the exact restaurant.
From Exit 5, walk toward Gongdeok Market and follow the signs or map directions to 공덕시장 족발골목. The alley is within the market area, so a restaurant deeper inside may require a few additional minutes of walking.
By Bus
Bus stops and route numbers can change, and I could not confirm a current route list specifically serving the jokbal alley entrance. To avoid giving you an incorrect bus number:
- Search “공덕시장” or the exact restaurant name in a live Seoul transit app.
- Choose a bus stop near Gongdeok Market or Gongdeok Station.
- Check the walking directions from the bus stop to the market entrance before boarding.
For most first-time visitors, the subway is the simplest option because Gongdeok Station has several lines and Exit 5 is close to the market.
Practical Tips
- Restaurant opening hours and closing days vary by shop.
- The market and alley can be busy around lunch and dinner.
- Check the menu and portion size before ordering, especially if you are dining alone.
- Some restaurants have entrances inside the market rather than directly on the main road.
Check current opening hours, closing days, menu prices, and transport information before visiting.