Seoul Yangjae Station, Weekday lunch at Yeongdong Jokbal (Main Branch)

I was looking for something a little different for lunch with a friend, and we realized something surprising—we had never actually had jokbal together before.

We both do eat jokbal, but it’s usually a dinner menu paired with drinks, and most of the time we just order it for delivery. So the idea of going out for jokbal at lunchtime felt a bit unusual. Then we found out that there are places open for lunch, and decided to give it a try. That’s how we ended up heading to Yangjae.

We visited Yeongdong Jokbal (Main Branch), which is about a 3–4 minute walk (288 meters) from Yangjae Station Exit 5.

It’s open from Monday to Friday, 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and closed on Sundays. One important thing to note: reservations are not available during lunchtime. Parking is available in front of the 4th branch, with valet service costing 3,000 KRW.

The moment we arrived, I understood why people call this area the “Yeongdong Jokbal Alley.” The original restaurant, along with its 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th branches, are all clustered in the same street. Each branch has slightly different hours, so that’s something worth checking in advance.

This place has been featured on several well-known Korean TV programs like Wednesday Food Talk, Today’s Dinner, and Baek Jong-won’s Top 3 Chefs, so expectations were already high. Even before the food arrived, you could feel that this place had earned its reputation as one of Korea’s “top three jokbal spots.”

One surprising detail: the restaurant is quite small. There are only about five or six tables for four people. When we arrived, there were just two tables left—and right after we sat down, the place filled up completely. Before 12 PM, it was already packed.

The menu is relatively simple compared to other jokbal places:

Jokbal (Large / Medium)

Makguksu (regular / large platter)

Seafood pancake

Kimchi pancake

Steamed eggs

Soft tofu stew

The side dishes and pancakes seem more like items people would order with drinks. I did find it slightly surprising that the steamed eggs cost 7,000 KRW, but I assume the portion must be generous.

The kitchen looked incredibly busy, and there was only one staff member serving in the dining area. Service was a bit slow, but everything eventually arrived, so no real complaints.

Finally, the main dish arrived. We ordered the medium-sized jokbal.

At first glance, I immediately thought, “We should have ordered the large.” It looked smaller than expected, and since the price difference between medium and large is only a few thousand won, the larger size would have been a better choice.

As for the taste—it completely exceeded expectations.

I usually prefer lean meat, and this place had a great balance with a generous amount of it. The texture was where it really stood out. The outer skin had that perfect elasticity—soft, slightly sticky, and pleasantly chewy—while the inside remained incredibly moist and tender.

Each bite released a deep, savory richness that gradually built as you chewed. The meat itself had a firm, bouncy texture, almost springy, which made it feel fresh and well-prepared.

What surprised me the most was the fatty portion. I normally don’t enjoy it much, but here it was different—light, clean, and almost silky in texture. Instead of feeling greasy, it melted gently in the mouth, adding a subtle richness without overwhelming the palate.

There was also a very delicate aroma unique to this place—mild, not overpowering, but enough to enhance the natural flavor of the pork. It didn’t mask the meat; it elevated it.

After a few bites, we both started craving makguksu. The large platter looked tempting, but since we were only two people, we ordered the regular portion instead.

I really appreciated that they offer both sizes. At most places, you’re forced to order the large platter, which can be too much for two people. This way, we could still enjoy it without over-ordering.

And honestly, jokbal with makguksu is non-negotiable. The slightly tangy, refreshing noodles cut through the richness of the meat perfectly, balancing the entire meal.

By around 12 PM, there was already a line forming outside. It was surprising to see so many people coming for jokbal during lunchtime on a weekday.

After trying it myself, I can confidently say that jokbal works perfectly well as a lunch menu too.

Next time I’m craving jokbal, this place will definitely come to mind first.