Hoegi Station Pajeon Alley is a popular neighborhood food area near Kyung Hee University in northeastern Seoul. The alley is known for large Korean pancakes, seafood-filled pajeon, kimchi pancakes, and traditional Korean rice wine.
Unlike a formal tourist attraction, this is a collection of independent restaurants where students, local residents, and visitors gather for a casual meal. It is especially appealing on rainy evenings, when hot, crispy pancakes are a comforting Korean food choice.
What to Eat
Seafood Pajeon (Haemul Pajeon)
Seafood pajeon is one of the area’s signature dishes. It combines green onions, batter, and seafood such as squid and shrimp, fried until the outside is golden and crisp.
Approximate price: ₩12,000–18,000 per pancake.
Kimchi Pancake (Kimchi Jeon)
Kimchi pancake is made with fermented kimchi and batter. It has a savory, slightly sour flavor and a crisp surface. Some restaurants add seafood or other ingredients.
Approximate price: ₩10,000–16,000 per pancake.
Potato Pancake (Gamja Jeon)
Potato pancake is a good option for visitors who prefer a simpler flavor. It is usually soft inside with a lightly crisp exterior.
Approximate price: ₩10,000–16,000 per serving.
Korean Rice Wine (Makgeolli)
Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine with a cloudy appearance and a mildly sweet, tangy taste. It is a classic accompaniment to Korean pancakes.
Prices vary by restaurant and bottle size. Alcohol is optional, and visitors can enjoy the pancakes with tea or other non-alcoholic drinks where available.
How to Eat Pajeon
Pajeon is usually served as a large pancake for sharing.
- Cut the pancake into bite-sized pieces with the serving utensils provided.
- Dip each piece into soy-based dipping sauce, if served.
- Eat it while warm to enjoy the crisp edges and soft center.
- Add kimchi, pickled vegetables, or other side dishes between bites.
For two people, one large pancake with an additional dish is a practical starting point. If you are very hungry, order another pancake or a rice dish if available.
Minimum Order and Group Size
There is no single minimum order rule for the entire alley. Many restaurants sell pancakes by the whole plate rather than by individual serving.
For two people, one seafood pancake is often a reasonable first order to share. Groups of three or four can add kimchi pancake, dumplings, spicy noodles, or another menu item depending on the restaurant.
Always check the menu and portion size before ordering.
A Short History and Local Character
Hoegi’s pajeon alley developed alongside the university neighborhood around Kyung Hee University. Local accounts commonly trace its growth to the 1970s, when small eateries began serving students and nearby residents.
Over time, restaurants specializing in large pancakes and Korean rice wine became a recognizable part of the area. Today, the alley retains a casual university-town atmosphere, with traditional eateries and informal group dining.
Its appeal comes from the combination of generous pancakes, affordable shared dishes, and an easygoing local atmosphere.
How to Get There
The easiest access point is Hoegi Station (회기역), served by Seoul Subway Line 1 and the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. The pajeon restaurants are clustered in the streets near the station and around Hoegi-ro 28-gil.
By Subway: Hoegi Station (회기역)
Line 1 — Exit 1
- Take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Hoegi Station.
- Follow the station signs for Exit 1.
- Leave the station and head toward the main intersection and the university-side restaurant streets.
- Look for the entrance to Hoegi Pajeon Alley and continue toward Hoegi-ro 28-gil.
- The first restaurants are within a few minutes’ walk. Allow approximately 3–5 minutes for the general alley area, depending on your walking route and destination.
For a specific restaurant, use its address rather than relying only on the name of the alley. For example, Nocheon Pajeon is listed at 3 Hoegi-ro 28-gil, while Imone Wangpajeon is listed at 12-3 Hoegi-ro 28-gil. Both are in the same general restaurant area.
Gyeongui–Jungang Line
- Take the Gyeongui–Jungang Line to Hoegi Station.
- Follow the station signs toward the main exit area and Exit 1.
- At street level, follow the signs or navigation directions toward Hoegi-ro 28-gil.
- Walk to the exact restaurant address, allowing a few extra minutes if you need to navigate the station interchange.
If you are transferring from another subway line, follow the station’s transfer signs and allow additional time for the walk through the station.
By Bus
Hoegi Station is served by local and connecting buses, with stops around the station and nearby streets. The best stop depends on where you are starting and which direction the bus is traveling.
To find the most convenient route:
- Search for “회기역 파전골목” or your chosen restaurant in a Korean navigation app.
- Select public transportation and enter your departure point.
- Check the suggested bus stop. Stops around Hoegi Station or Hoegi Market (회기시장) may be useful, depending on the route.
- After getting off, follow the walking directions toward Hoegi-ro 28-gil and the pajeon restaurants.
Bus routes and stop locations can differ by direction, so check live route information rather than relying on one fixed bus number.
Navigation tip: Search for the Korean name of the restaurant or the street address. “서울 동대문구 회기로28길” is a useful starting point for locating restaurants in the alley.
Walking from Hoegi Station
The area is close enough to explore on foot. Once you reach the restaurant streets, look for signs advertising pajeon, seafood pancakes, and makgeolli. Several restaurants are located along nearby side streets, so the exact distance depends on your chosen destination.
Parking can be limited in the narrow restaurant streets. Public transportation is generally the more convenient option.
Practical Tips
- Check whether pancakes are sold as whole plates or smaller portions.
- One large pancake may be enough to share between two people.
- Seafood pajeon is a good first choice for visitors trying the area for the first time.
- Restaurants may be busier on rainy evenings and during university-area peak hours.
- Check current prices, opening hours, and transport information before visiting.
Hoegi Station Pajeon Alley is an easy place to experience a familiar part of Korean dining culture: freshly fried pancakes, shared plates, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere near one of Seoul’s university districts.