Myth Jokbal Hongdae Review – 30 Years of Garlic Jokbal Mastery

Garlic jokbal with sesame served on golden plate

On this particular night, I craved something chewy yet tender—specifically, jokbal. I looked for a meal that was a little more special and hearty than a regular dinner. For Koreans, jokbal is more than just a dish; it’s a source of comfort after a long day and a staple for cherished get-togethers. The unique texture, rich with collagen, and the savory flavor always call my name. My search for the perfect meal led me to the famous Myth Jokbal Hongdae.

Exterior of Myth Jokbal Hongdae restaurant with pig mural

After some thought, I walked to the original Myth Jokbal location in Hongdae. I had heard so much about it—it’s always at the top of the list when you search for jokbal spots in Hongdae, especially for its unique Garlic Jokbal. With such a strong reputation, I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype. I was curious to find out how a traditional dish like jokbal could be reinvented and loved in a trendy, dynamic neighborhood like Hongdae.

First Impressions of Myth Jokbal Hongdae Main Branch

The Eye-Catching Entrance

Entrance of Myth Jokbal Hongdae with pig mascot

Walking down the street, a cute pig-shaped sign caught my eye from a distance, making me smile. “Ah, so this is Myth Jokbal!” I thought. Even among Hongdae’s many quirky signs, this one stood out. This fun and unique design isn’t just a marker; it’s a strong part of Myth Jokbal’s identity. It makes the restaurant easy to find and definitely piques your curiosity. The clean exterior also raised my expectations for the food.

A Cozy Vibe Amidst the Buzz

Cozy table setting inside Myth Jokbal Hongdae with gas burners

When I stepped inside, lively chatter filled the place, but it had a surprisingly cozy feel. It was a comfortable kind of noise, not overwhelming. While I’d heard the place wasn’t huge, I was lucky to find a decent amount of space even on a weekend, which made for a very pleasant dining experience. The tables weren’t crammed together, and the clean restrooms were a nice touch.

Table seating area with garlic jokbal poster

I saw many foreigners dining there and thought, “It’s true! This place is a global hit!” I’d heard that many Chinese tourists visit, and it was true—I saw people of various nationalities enjoying the jokbal. This popularity shows that Myth Jokbal is more than just a local favorite; it plays a role in introducing Korean food culture to the world. Their attention to hygiene and service clearly satisfies a wide range of customers.

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The Star of the Show: Garlic Jokbal, a Feast for the Senses

Visual Shock: The Overwhelming Presence of Garlic Sauce

Garlic jokbal with sesame seeds on brass plate

The moment our Garlic Jokbal arrived, I couldn’t believe my eyes. White garlic sauce literally buried the jokbal under a mountain. It looked like snow had fallen on the glistening brown meat, and the visual was simply stunning. Instead of a sharp, raw garlic smell, a soft, sweet aroma wafted up. The restaurant doesn’t use raw garlic; it’s specially prepared to reduce its strong smell. This makes it enjoyable for everyone, even if you’re not a huge fan of raw garlic. Just based on the look of it, I was already sold.

Tender and Flavorful, No Gamey Taste

Close-up of glistening jokbal skin piece held with chopsticks

The second I took my first bite, I knew I had found something special. The meat was incredibly tender and melted in my mouth, with absolutely no gamey taste. The quality was top-notch, likely from the pork foreleg. The skin was perfectly chewy yet soft, adding a great texture. Myth Jokbal uses a secret broth it has maintained for over 30 years, and you could taste it. This special broth perfectly eliminates the pork smell and makes the meat so soft and chewy. You could tell this was a dish made with a lot of time and care. It’s no wonder they have a 30-year legacy.

A Magical Harmony: Sweet and Tangy Garlic Sauce

Tender jokbal slice with garlic held at Myth Jokbal Hongdae

The garlic sauce was surprisingly sweet with a subtle tang. The savory jokbal and the sweet-and-sour sauce created a fantastic harmony. There was so much sauce that I didn’t need any other dipping sauce. The sauce perfectly cut through the richness of the jokbal, making each bite feel light and refreshing. Some reviews call the sweetness a “kid’s palate,” but I think it enhances the jokbal. This flavor is genuinely addictive! Myth Jokbal’s Garlic Jokbal isn’t just jokbal with garlic sauce; it’s a signature dish that perfectly balances a bold garlic aroma, tender meat, and a crowd-pleasing flavor.

Fresh salad and side dishes served with jokbal

Honestly, at first, the sweetness took me aback, but with every bite, I fell in love with the combination. It was absolutely perfect with a glass of soju. The Garlic Jokbal (medium) is 43,000 KRW, which is a great value considering the generous sides you get. Some people say the “large” size is more like a “medium” at other places, but with the generous salad and kalguksu, it was plenty for two people. My only regret was the lack of lettuce wraps, but the amazing taste and service more than made up for it. The quality of the jokbal itself—tender, soft, and not gamey—was so good that it overshadowed any small downsides.

The Perfect Supporting Cast

Hot pot setup for kalguksu at a table in Myth Jokbal

As much as I loved the jokbal, the side dishes were equally impressive. A generous portion of fresh, crisp salad served instead of wraps really complemented the main dish. And the spicy kimchi kalguksu (kimchi noodle soup) was so good it could be a standalone dish.

Spicy kimchi kalguksu served at Myth Jokbal Hongdae

After filling up on jokbal, the spicy soup was the perfect way to cleanse the palate and was so tasty it practically called for a soju shot. It’s a fantastic, comforting dish, especially on a chilly day. While I did miss having lettuce wraps, the salad and kalguksu were more than enough. The restaurant even provides plastic gloves for when you want to get messy and chew on the bones, which is a thoughtful touch. You can also ask for fresh chili and garlic if you prefer.

Beyond Garlic Jokbal: Other Must-Try Dishes at Myth Jokbal

While I was captivated by the Garlic Jokbal, Myth Jokbal also offers a variety of other dishes. Their expertise, honed over 30 years, guarantees soft, chewy jokbal without a gamey taste, which is the foundation of all their jokbal dishes.

Garlic Jokbal (마늘족발): The signature dish, featuring tender jokbal buried in a sweet and tangy garlic sauce. (Medium 43,000 KRW / Large 48,000 KRW)
Original Jokbal (오리지널족발): The classic jokbal, boiled in a secret 30-year-old broth for a soft, chewy texture. (Medium 41,000 KRW / Large 46,000 KRW)
Spicy Jokbal (불족발): A deliciously spicy dish with an addictive kick. You can choose between Perilla Leaf Spicy Jokbal or Fondue Spicy Jokbal. (Perilla Leaf 46,000 KRW / Fondue 51,000 KRW)
Gaburi Bossam (가브리보쌈): Tender steamed pork made from the pork shoulder cut. (Medium 41,000 KRW / Large 46,000 KRW)
Cold Jokbal (냉채족발): A refreshing dish of thinly sliced jokbal and vegetables with a tangy mustard sauce. (49,000 KRW)
Buckwheat Tray Noodles (메밀쟁반국수): A cool noodle dish that pairs wonderfully with jokbal. (10,000 KRW)

Flying fish roe rice bowl with seaweed topping

While one review mentioned the Original Jokbal was a bit bland, I believe their efforts to maintain consistency through their special broth and training system mean you can generally trust the quality. I’m already looking forward to trying some of these other dishes on my next visit!

Tips for Your Visit to Myth Jokbal Hongdae

Location & Directions

Myth Jokbal Hongdae Main Branch is located at 123-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It’s an easy 5- to 10-minute walk straight from Hongdae Station, Exit 9. You can’t miss the cute pig sign! The location is very accessible from the subway.

Hours

The restaurant is open daily from 12:30 PM to midnight (11:00 PM last call). It’s a great spot for lunch or a late-night meal in Hongdae.

Other Helpful Info

You might think the price of a medium Garlic Jokbal is a bit high for Hongdae. However, considering the generous portions, the service, and the amazing taste, it’s a very reasonable price. When you factor in the large salad and delicious kimchi kalguksu that come with it, the overall value is great. The estimated cost per person is around 20,500 KRW, which is well worth it for the satisfying meal you get.

Tender pork slice lifted from garlic jokbal platter

Weekends can get busy, so try to go a bit earlier or during off-peak hours to avoid a wait. Myth Jokbal is a great place to meet up with friends for dinner or a drink in a lively atmosphere. The spicy kimchi kalguksu even makes it a good spot for a late-night meal after a few drinks.

My visit to Myth Jokbal in Hongdae was a special culinary experience. The tender jokbal paired with the sweet and tangy garlic sauce was pure happiness, and the generous side dishes and delicious kimchi kalguksu only made it better.

Garlic jokbal plate at Myth Jokbal Hongdae topped with sesame seeds

If you’re in Hongdae and looking for a great meal with friends, I highly recommend Myth Jokbal. The Garlic Jokbal is an amazing dish that could even win over someone who isn’t usually a fan of jokbal. I hope you all have a wonderful dining experience at Myth Jokbal Hongdae, and I’ll be back with another delicious story soon.