When you’re in Hongdae and need a hearty, Korean-style meal at any hour, Boseong Hoegwan is the place to go. This well-known franchise has a direct branch in a prime Hongdae location, serving up a satisfying bowl of gukbap (rice soup) 24 hours a day. It’s a perfect spot after a long night out or for a late dinner. I went there with a couple of friends to check it out and get a feel for what it’s like.
A Modern Take on a Classic Meal at Boseong Hoegwan
Boseong Hoegwan is located in the heart of Hongdae. Its clean, modern exterior stands out on the street. This design choice shows they want to appeal to a younger crowd while still serving a traditional dish.
Inside, the restaurant is clean and busy. The air smells of rich broth, and the seating is set up for everyone. There are bar tables for people eating alone and larger tables for groups. The bathrooms were also spotless, which is a good sign of their focus on cleanliness.
Our Diverse Gukbap Feast at Boseong Hoegwan
While Boseong Hoegwan is a sundae-gukbap (Korean blood sausage rice soup) spot, the menu offers more than just soup. To get a good variety, my friends and I ordered three different bowls: the Eolkeuni Sundae-Gukbap, a classic Suyuk-Gukbap, and a Ppyeo-haejang-guk.
Eolkeuni Sundae-Gukbap (Spicy Blood Sausage Soup)
This was my main dish. The soup arrived bubbling in a dark stone pot, a deep crimson red that promised a kick. At 12,000 KRW, it’s a great deal for a bowl this size. A generous amount of chopped green onions and perilla powder were piled on top, releasing a nutty, herbal aroma as the steam rose. The first spoonful hit me with a rich, clean flavor from the bone broth, followed by a powerful yet refreshing spice that made me sweat in the best way. There was no hint of a gamey smell, a detail I really appreciated—it’s a sign of a high-quality broth that has been simmered for a long time.
The pot was filled with different kinds of sundae—some were soft and filled with a savory mix of vegetables and glass noodles, while others were chewier and denser—along with tender pieces of pork. The combination of textures was fantastic, and mixing my rice into the hearty broth made for a truly comforting and satisfying meal. This bowl felt like a full-body reset, a perfect antidote to a long day.
Suyuk-Gukbap (Boiled Pork Rice Soup)
My friend who prefers milder flavors got this one, priced at 11,000 KRW. The broth was a milky white, almost like a silky porridge, and had a deep, comforting flavor that was savory without being overpowering. The aroma was rich and subtle, a pure taste of simmered pork bones.
The pork inside was thinly sliced, incredibly tender, and melted in your mouth. Unlike the spicy soup, this one’s appeal was its pure, clean taste. You could really taste the quality of the broth and the lean, juicy pork, which paired perfectly with the fresh, crunchy kaktugi on the side. It’s the kind of soup that instantly soothes you and leaves you feeling genuinely nourished.
Ppyeo-haejang-guk (Pork Bone Hangover Soup)
Our other friend ordered this dish, a real classic for hangover relief at 11,000 KRW. It’s a rich, savory soup made by simmering pork bones for hours, giving it a deep, complex flavor. The bowl came with a large, chunky piece of pork on the bone, and the meat was so tender it fell right off with a gentle poke from your chopsticks.
The soup also had a generous amount of ujaegeoji (dried Napa cabbage) and vegetables, which had absorbed the broth’s flavor and added a soft, refreshing texture to the hearty stew. The soup’s rich, slightly spicy taste was impressive, and the tender meat and vegetables made it a truly perfectly balanced, deeply satisfying meal.
More Menu Options to Explore at Boseong Hoegwan
The menu at Boseong Hoegwan is quite extensive. In addition to the items we tried, you can also find other hearty bowls like Naejang-gukbap (Offal Soup) for 11,500 KRW. For a filling set meal, they have the 1-in Special Set at 16,000 KRW, which includes your choice of gukbap plus some boiled pork. If you’re with a group, you might want to try one of their bigger dishes like the Sundae-gopchang-jeongol (Hot Pot), starting from 32,000 KRW, or Ppyeo-gamjatang (Pork Bone Stew) also starting at 32,000 KRW. They also have smaller side dishes like Jeopsi-sundae (Sliced Blood Sausage) for 7,000 KRW that are great with a drink.
Tips for Your Visit
This Boseong Hoegwan location, and the franchise in general, shows a long-standing commitment to quality since its start in 1999. Here are a few tips to help you out:
- 24/7 Service: The restaurant is open all day, every day, so you can eat whenever you want.
- Solo-Friendly: The bar-style seating makes it comfortable to eat alone.
- Watch Out for Peak Hours: It gets busy during lunch and dinner. Visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
- Friendly Staff: The staff was friendly and efficient.
- Free Refills: You can get free refills on side dishes like the kaktugi.
My Verdict: A Must-Try in Hongdae
Boseong Hoegwan serves a fantastic meal. The deep, flavorful broth, fresh ingredients, and well-made dishes were impressive. The clean, modern interior and 24-hour service make it a great fit for Hongdae.
It’s a great place to experience traditional Korean food in a modern setting. If you’re in Hongdae and want a good, authentic meal, I recommend stopping by Boseong Hoegwan. I’m already planning my next visit to try other dishes.
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