Mapo-gu — home to Hongdae, Sinchon, and Hapjeong — is Seoul's youth and arts district, defined by its university population, live music venues, and creative energy. The food scene is diverse, affordable, and experimental: trendy cafés, late-night pojangmacha, global street food, and boundary-pushing restaurants all compete for attention in this perpetually buzzing neighbourhood.
I've loved "Kamakatsu" in Yeonnam-dong since I first discovered it earlier this year. Their tenderloin, in particular, is truly exceptional! You can order with confidence! The salads, the side dishes, the soup, and even the rice in a pot! It's truly a full meal! #FunkyWineRestaurant
The pork cutlet Tonjiru served with the pot rice is also excellent. The tenderloin was moist and soft, while the loin had a pleasant, fatty flavor. There were various sauces available, making it easy to dip according to your preference, and the Tonjiru served with the pot rice seems to be what sets this place apart. The taste was such that you could easily finish a whole bowl with just the rice and soup. You can pour Tonjiru over the leftover rice in the pot to make porridge, but I preferred mixing it with barley tea. Refills are even available, but I gave up on them as it seemed like it would take a long time due to the nature of pot rice. Likewise, it does take a little time once you order.
I had a set lunch of fillet and loin cutlet. It was an absurd combination of Jeju black pork, maldon salt, and secret dressing, salad, and stone pot rice, and the price was 15,000 won. It is a restaurant that truly embodies the saying, "a bargain." It is a restaurant that people line up to eat at even in Yeonam-dong, a hot place. I recommend it as the number one restaurant for a date in Hongdae.
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