Jokbal & bossam · Seochon & Bukchon
Halmaejip
할매집
Korea time, from recent reviews. Hours may differ on holidays.
"Grandma's place", a 1975 alley restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace that serves just two things: jokbal (braised pig's trotters) with a spicy chili-oil kick, and gamjatang, a hearty stew of pork backbones. A Michelin Bib Gourmand pick that still feels like an old neighborhood eatery.
서울특별시 종로구 사직로12길 1-5
How it works here
🥢 How Korean restaurants usually workWaiting
There is no waiting app or list: you queue at the door. Weekend evenings get long lines, and some nights the line is closed early. Come at opening time or on a weekday; waits of 20 to 30 minutes are common.· 4 reviews
What to order
- Jokbal (braised pig's trotters)족발
The signature: tender and sticky, with a spicy chili-oil seasoning unlike any other jokbal.
- Gamjatang (pork-bone stew)감자탕
Spicy, hearty stew with meaty pork backbones.
How much to order
- 👤 2A two-person jokbal. Order a gamjatang too if you are hungry.
- 👤 3You must order one serving per person, so for jokbal and gamjatang together, order four servings in total.
- 👤 4A jokbal and a gamjatang, four servings in total.
Insider tips
- The rule here is one serving per person. Count heads before you order.· 2 reviews
Why it's famous
Opened in 1975 and has kept to the same short menu of jokbal and gamjatang ever since.· 2 reviews
- Michelin GuideA Michelin Bib Gourmand pick ten years in a row.· 3 reviews
Good to know
- Tuesday 17:00 to 21:00; Wednesday to Sunday 11:50 to 21:00, with a break from 14:00 to 17:00. Closed on Mondays.· 2 reviews
- In an alley near Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and Gwanghwamun.· 2 reviews
Where this comes from (14 reviews)
Summarized in our own words from Korean diners' blog reviews; each fact is backed by at least two reviews. Last checked 2026-10-23.
- 2026-10-21 blog.naver.com/treasures_phodo/224448831523
- 2026-10-18 blog.naver.com/ga0eee-/224445457476
- 2026-10-01 blog.naver.com/bebravelady/224428785471
- 2026-09-07 blog.naver.com/tnwl6906/224403958029
- 2026-08-18 blog.naver.com/foodking_769/224377974274
- 2026-08-11 blog.naver.com/97_10/224374618537
- 2026-07-16 blog.naver.com/moonjapdori/224348743558
- 2026-07-11 blog.naver.com/taeotevil/224343269062
- 2026-07-06 blog.naver.com/patriotism10/224338387027
- 2026-06-07 blog.naver.com/summmniiy/224308158894
- 2026-04-13 blog.naver.com/strul/224246596558
- 2025-12-22 blog.naver.com/hyojin_/224117429949
- 2025-12-15 blog.naver.com/rkdbf0923/224110390326
- 2025-07-13 blog.naver.com/totot0614/224345101911