Seoul's Most Legendary
    Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi

    Korea's Must-Visit Traditional Restaurant for Nearly 30 Years

    Experience the perfect harmony of spicy dakgalbi and rich, melted cheese in the heart of Hongdae

    N
    4.48/5

    Naver (2,471 reviews, 1,864 blogs)

    G
    4.5/5

    Google (1,461 reviews)

    T
    4.6/5

    TripAdvisor (#59/28,613)

    Open Daily

    11:00 AM - 10:40 PM (LO 21:50)

    8-9 Min from Exit 9

    Hongik University Station

    +82-2-2245-5222

    Reservations Recommended

    Heritage information
    Stretchy melted cheese pull

    Stretchy Melted Cheese

    Snow cheese fried rice

    Snowflake Cheese Fried Rice

    Beet wrap dakgalbi

    Beet Wrap Dakgalbi

    Traditional grilling on cast iron

    Cast Iron Grill

    Dakgalbi with flames

    High-Heat Flame Cooking

    Restaurant exterior

    Restaurant Exterior

    The Origin of Hongdae

    The Living History of
    Hongdae Dakgalbi

    Since 1996, Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi has become a symbol of Hongdae culture. Fresh domestic chicken, secret sauce, and masterfully crafted cast iron plates deliver the ultimate depth of flavor.

    Craftsmanship

    Craftsmanship

    The Only
    Taste That Endures

    Trends change, but sincerity remains. Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi has focused on this one dish for 30 years.

    Fresh ingredients and a craftsman's insistence on cast iron cooking are our irreplaceable assets.

    Remembering our roots as the pioneer of cheese fondue dakgalbi, we prepare the best meal for you today.

    🔥

    Cast Iron & Fire Flavor

    Deep Taste of 86kg Cast Iron

    • • Powerful flame and fire flavor from mega cast iron griddle
    • • High-temperature grilling preserves juicy tenderness
    • • Choose from 4 customizable spice levels
    • • Authentic dakgalbi using traditional grilling method
    Card icon

    Original Double Cheese Fondue

    Mozzarella & Cheddar, a Fantasy Duo

    • • Original cheese fondue flavor from two cheese varieties
    • • Perfect harmony of spicy dakgalbi and rich cheese
    • • Legendary cheese pull that delights eyes and palate
    • • Original recipe unchanged for 30 years
    🌍

    Global K-Food

    Taste and Service Recognized Worldwide

    • • Smart website and menu in 9 languages across 8 countries
    • • Multilingual staff always available
    • • Hongdae's representative restaurant loved across borders
    • • Sought after by diners from Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, and China
    🛡️

    30 Years of Integrity

    Hongdae's Legend Since 1996

    • • The only restaurant with 'Hongdae Dakgalbi (Shin Mi-kyung)' trademark and trade name rights
    • • 100% premium refrigerated chicken drumsticks only
    • • Honest taste that never changes for 30 years
    • • Trust proven by time as a traditional restaurant

    We are afraid. We worry that those encountering dakgalbi for the first time may be misled by flashy marketing and price tricks, remembering it as the entirety of 'Korean traditional dakgalbi.' There are several traditional dakgalbi restaurants in Hongdae that have quietly persevered for over 10 years. Please choose those traditional restaurants whose taste has been proven by time. And we sincerely hope that you will experience at least once the traditional dakgalbi cooked on cast iron grills.

    Eventually, Your
    Most Perfect Choice!

    That's why Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi is the name that people looking for the best dakgalbi restaurants in Hongdae mention first. Experience the legend, now.

    30-Year Original, Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi

    About Us

    Why We're Loved as a Must-Visit Destination in Hongdae

    For nearly 30 years since 1996, Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi has been the cornerstone of Korea's dakgalbi scene, perfecting the art of cheese fondue dakgalbi in the vibrant heart of Hongdae.

    Recently relocated to a more accessible first-floor location, our restaurant continues to serve the signature dish that made us famous: tender domestic chicken stir-fried in our secret gochujang sauce, paired with a generous amount of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

    What sets us apart is not just our food, but our complete dining experience – from complimentary chive pancakes while you wait, to the interactive self-service side dish station, and the legendary Snowflake Cheese Stir-Fried Rice finale that guests rave about.

    🛡️ You can imitate us, but you cannot claim our name. Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi / Hongdae Dakgalbi is the official flagship location holding registered trademark (Patent No. 41-0299005-0000) and trade name rights.

    Website in 8 Languages
    English & Chinese Speaking Staff
    4 Spice Level Options
    Solo Dining Available*
    Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi vibrant night view with orange signage and outdoor seating
    Modern interior dining area with yellow columns, menu boards, and spacious seating
    Restaurant exterior in winter with snow and festive atmosphere
    Interior dining area with garden view and traditional Korean grill tables
    Spacious interior with multiple dining tables and modern Korean restaurant design

    30

    Years Since 1996

    Why Choose Us

    Hongdae's Essential Gourmet Spot – 30 Years of Authentic Cheese Dakgalbi

    Seoul Hongdae's Most Famous K-Food Traditional Dakgalbi Restaurant

    Original Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi

    Generously topped with mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a rich, chewy taste. The cheese perfectly balances the spicy dakgalbi, creating an irresistible harmony.

    30 Years of Tradition

    Operating since 1996, we're one of Hongdae's oldest dakgalbi specialists. Our dakgalbi, cooked on cast iron plates, offers deep flavor with tender, crispy, and savory perfection.

    International Media Coverage

    Featured on Hong Kong TV, Japanese variety shows, Korean broadcasts (Saengsaeng Info, Small Business TV), and French, Japanese, and Chinese media as Korea's representative dakgalbi restaurant.

    Recommended Menu & Tips

    Must-try: Cheese Fondue Vegetable Dakgalbi (slightly spicy recommended) and Stir-Fried Rice (stir-fried in dakgalbi oil for extra flavor). We have spacious seating, but expect longer waits during peak hours.

    The Secret to Our Special Taste

    Traditional Flavors Crafted from Fire, Time, Fresh Ingredients, and the Breath of Cast Iron

    Distinctive Cooking Method

    A unique grilled dakgalbi cooking style where chicken is fully grilled first before vegetables are added later

    Overwhelming Cast Iron Griddle

    An 86kg mega cast iron griddle crafted with specialized cast iron artisans. Superior heat retention for juicy moisture and deep preservation of ingredients' natural aroma and flavor.

    Custom-Built High-Temperature Burner

    A custom-built high-temperature burner capable of heating the massive cast iron griddle. Maillard reactions at instant high heat create 1,000 layers of umami.

    The Aesthetics of Healthy Slow Food

    The seasoned chef's mastery of stir-frying ingredients like a dance on the heavy griddle while patiently waiting for the perfect cooking time.

    Signature Dishes

    What Makes Us Legendary

    Two iconic dishes that have made us a Korean institution for nearly three decades

    Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi - Our Signature Masterpiece: Tender domestic chicken...

    Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi

    치즈퐁듀 야채닭갈비

    ₩16,000

    Our Signature Masterpiece: Tender domestic chicken, crisp fresh cabbage, green onions, chewy rice cakes, sweet potatoes, and nutrient-rich chives, stir‑fried in our secret spicy‑sweet gochujang sauce, and served with a generous portion of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

    Perfect balance of spicy and cheesy
    Arrives pre-cooked and sizzling hot
    Choose from 4 customizable spice levels
    Snowflake Cheese Stir-Fried Rice - The legendary finale to your dakgalbi experience: ...

    Snowflake Cheese Stir-Fried Rice

    눈꽃치즈볶음밥

    ₩3,000

    The legendary finale to your dakgalbi experience: rice stir‑fried in the lingering sauce, crowned with an amount of shredded cheese like fresh‑fallen snow. Every bite is creamy, savoury perfection with irresistible crispy edges.

    Made with leftover dakgalbi sauce
    Generous amount of melting cheese
    Crispy bottom, soft cheese center
    Customer Reviews

    What Our Guests Say

    Consistently rated as one of Seoul's top dakgalbi restaurants across multiple platforms

    N
    4.48/5

    Naver

    2,471 reviews · 1,864 blog posts

    G
    4.5/5

    Google Reviews

    1,461 reviews

    T
    4.6/5

    TripAdvisor

    Ranked #59 of 28,613 in Seoul

    Google

    "¡Increíble experiencia! El dakgalbi con fondue de queso es delicioso. El personal habla inglés y es muy amable. ¡Muy recomendado!"

    - Carlos O.

    TripAdvisor

    "¡El mejor restaurante de Hongdae! El queso fundido es espectacular y el arroz frito final es obligatorio. Ambiente genial y servicio excelente."

    - María G.

    Google

    "Excellente découverte à Hongdae! Le dakgalbi au fromage fondu est absolument délicieux. Le service est très accueillant et le rapport qualité-prix est excellent. Je recommande vivement!"

    - Sophie M.

    Google

    "We were craving for dakgalbi and this place was perfect! The tender chicken with cabbage and rice cake balance out the cheese perfectly. Staff very accommodating with excellent service at affordable price."

    - Jeanne O.

    TripAdvisor

    "Definitely recommend coming here for a nice dinner and drinks after shopping in Hongdae. So reasonably priced and delicious!"

    - Vicky O.

    Google

    "Famous dakgalbi restaurant at Hongdae. The cheese pull is amazing and the fried rice at the end is a must-try!"

    - James O.

    Naver

    "치즈가 진짜 맛있어요! 볶음밥도 꼭 드세요. 한국에서 제일 좋아하는 닭갈비집입니다."

    - 김민O

    Naver

    "홍대에서 먹은 닭갈비 중 제일 맛있었어요. 직원들도 너무 친절하고 분위기도 좋았습니다!"

    - 박서O

    Google

    "チーズフォンデュタッカルビが最高でした!スタッフも親切で、英語も話せます。弘大で必ず行くべきレストランです!"

    - Yuki O.

    TripAdvisor

    "弘大で一番美味しいタッカルビです。チーズとチキンの組み合わせが完璧でした!チャーハンも絶品です。"

    - Takeshi O.

    Google

    "芝士火锅炒鸡排太好吃了!分量很足,价格实惠。员工会说英语,很方便。强烈推荐!"

    - Li O.

    TripAdvisor

    "在弘大最好的炒鸡排!员工很友好,服务很好。芝士拉丝太棒了,炒饭也必点!"

    - Wang O.

    Video Gallery

    See The Dakgalbi Experience

    Watch our famous cheese pull and cooking techniques

    How It Works

    Your Dakgalbi Journey

    From arrival to the legendary cheese stir-fried rice finale

    1

    Arrive & Order

    Find us 8-9 minutes from Hongdae Station Exit 9. Order the (Vegetable / Cheese Fondue) Dakgalbi and choose your spice level. English/Multilingual menu available!

    2

    Complimentary Chive Pancakes

    While you wait, enjoy cooking and customizing free chive pancakes to your taste at our self-service side dish station. Browse the unlimited salad bar!

    3

    Main Event

    Your dakgalbi arrives pre-cooked and sizzling with melted cheese on the side. Dip the spicy chicken in creamy cheese for the perfect bite!

    4

    Cheese Finale

    Order the legendary Snowflake Cheese Stir-Fried Rice. Watch as an amount of cheese melts into the rice made with leftover dakgalbi sauce!

    Please! Please! We ask you!

    While adjusting the heat with the gas stove dial
    1

    While adjusting the heat with the gas stove dial

    Please flip frequently with the spatula for the best taste! Keep stir-frying well and enjoy it warm and delicious until the end!
    2

    Please flip frequently with the spatula for the best taste! Keep stir-frying well and enjoy it warm and delicious until the end!

    💡

    Pro Tip

    The complete experience costs approximately ₩19,000 per person (₩16,000 cheese dakgalbi + ₩3,000 snowflake stir-fried rice). Add udon/ramen noodles (₩2,000) for extra heartiness. Perfect value for one of Seoul's most memorable meals!

    🤫

    Shh!! Value Secret Tip

    For 3+ people, you can order (number of people - 1) servings.

    (e.g., 3 people can order 2 servings, 4 people can order 3 servings, 5 people can order 4 servings)

    Insider Tips

    Make the Most of Your Visit

    Expert recommendations from seasoned visitors and locals

    Best Times to Visit

    Weekday Lunch (11 AM - 2 PM)

    Least crowded, easier communication with staff

    Early Dinner (5 PM - 6 PM)

    Beat the dinner rush, calm atmosphere

    Weekend Evenings (7 PM - 9 PM)

    Expect 30+ min wait, make reservations!

    Late Night (9 PM - 10 PM)

    Less crowded, perfect after Hongdae nightlife

    📋

    What to Order

    Must-Order: Vegetable Dakgalbi (₩14,000) or Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi (₩16,000)

    Must-Add: Snowflake Cheese Stir-Fried Rice (₩3,000)

    Recommended Add-on: Udon noodles (₩2,000) or Ramen noodles (₩2,000)

    Optional: Extra cheese topping (₩4,000)

    Portion Size: 1 serving is suitable for 1 adult

    🍺

    Perfect Pairings

    🍺

    Beer: Korean lager cuts through the spice perfectly

    🍶

    Soju: Classic pairing, enhances dakgalbi flavors

    🍷

    Makgeolli: Sweet rice wine balances heat beautifully

    💧

    Cold Water: Free unlimited refills at the salad bar

    Pro Tip: The cheese helps cool the spice, so save some for your spiciest bites!

    Additional Insider Tips

    Solo Orders Available*

    Single-person orders possible, but may not be available during busy hours (please understand)

    Multilingual Menu

    Multilingual menus available. Staff speaks English and Chinese.

    Getting There

    Search for Su Karaoke Hongdae Main Branch (수노래연습장 홍대 본점) - we're in the back alley behind it

    🥢🔥

    Dining Tips

    Control the heat and flip the chive pancake and dakgalbi yourself while cooking.

    Press the call button located on the wooden drawer cabinet at the side of the table if you need to order more or need staff assistance.

    Please ask staff to order drinks and alcohol - don't take them directly from the fridge.

    Salad and side dishes are self-service with free refills.

    Please pay at the counter when finished.

    Please keep your voice down so everyone can enjoy their meal.

    🔔 Here's Where the Call Bell Is!

    Many customers have trouble finding the call bell. Please refer to this photo!

    Call bell located on the side of the table - below the wooden drawer

    The call bell is located at the bottom of the wooden drawer on the side of the table. Please feel free to press it anytime you need additional orders or assistance! 😊

    Special Benefits

    Discount Policy

    No Duplicate Discounts

    1

    Soldiers, Military Families

    (ID/Leave Pass Required)

    10% Discount

    2

    Middle/High School Students

    (Student ID Required)

    10% Discount

    3

    Police, Firefighters, National Merit

    (Certificate/ID Required)

    10% Discount

    ⚠️ No Duplicate Discounts

    Date Recommendation

    Hongdae Date Spot

    Share a special Cheese Dakgalbi experience with your partner

    💑

    Couple Set A

    Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi (2p) + Flying Fish Roe Fried Rice + 2 Cans of Soda

    37,000 KRW

    BEST
    💝

    Couple Set B

    Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi (2p) + Snowflake Cheese Fried Rice + 2 Cans of Soda

    37,000 KRW

    Cozy Seating

    Atmospheric Lighting

    Must-Visit Date Course

    Group Reservation

    Recommended for Hongdae Company Dinners

    Reservations available for 6+ people — Perfect for company dinners, reunions, and birthday parties

    👥

    Spacious Group Seating

    Semi-private seating for 6~12 people

    🎁

    Group Benefits

    Special discounts for groups of 8 or more

    📞

    Advance Reservation Required

    Please call in advance for smooth seating arrangements for group visits

    CAST IRON STORY

    The Record of Cast Iron Seasoned by 30 Years

    Why We Insist Only on Cast Iron Plates

    From the moment we first opened our doors in 1996 until now, cast iron plates have always been at the heart of our kitchen.

    Cast iron is not just a cooking tool. It's like a living, breathing being. The flavor that deepens the more you season it cannot be imitated by any modern grill.

    The heavy weight of 86kg maintains a constant temperature, locking in the juices of the chicken and preserving the crispness of the vegetables.

    Beyond simple cooking, the cast iron plate is our stubbornness and pride.

    Even today, on this heated iron plate, the most Korean flavor is completed.

    Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi will protect the weight of tradition handed down from generation to generation.

    🔥 The weight of tradition passed down through generations, Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi protects it.

    30 years of cast iron griddle research and development
    Find Us

    Location & Contact

    Easy to find near Hongdae Mural Street, Hongik Culture Park, and the heart of Hongdae

    ℹ️
    Restaurant Information

    Address

    31-10 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04041

    서울 마포구 와우산로21길 31-10, 1층

    Phone

    +82-2-2245-5222

    Reservations recommended on weekends

    Hours

    Open Daily: 11:00 AM - 10:40 PM (Last Order 21:50 PM)

    🧭
    How to Get Here

    From Hongdae Station (Exit 9)

    1. Exit through Exit 9
    2. Walk straight for about 2-3 minutes
    3. Turn left towards Hongik University main gate
    4. Turn right at the intersection just before KB Youth Plaza
    5. Walk for about 4 minutes - you'll see Su Karaoke Hongdae Main Branch (수노래연습장 홍대 본점) on the 2nd & 3rd floors
    6. The restaurant is in the small alley directly behind that building
    7. Now on the first floor - easy to find!

    📍 GPS Tip: Search for "Su Karaoke Hongdae Main Branch (수노래연습장 홍대 본점)" - we're in the back alley directly behind it

    From Hongdae Station

    10-minute walk through Hongdae streets.

    (No parking available, public transport or walking recommended)

    🗺️

    Interactive Map

    Located in Hongdae, 8-9 minutes from Hongdae Station Exit 9

    Latitude: 37.55206

    Longitude: 126.921814

    No Alcohol Sales to Minors

    No Alcohol Sales Without ID

    • If any person in the group does not have a valid ID, alcohol cannot be served to the entire table.
    • Accepted: National ID / Driver's License / Passport / Mobile ID
    • Not Accepted: Resident Register copy or Photos of ID

    Ordering alcohol for minors under 19 is strictly prohibited. Individuals are responsible for all civil and criminal liabilities arising from violations.

    Under no circumstances can anyone under 19 purchase or consume alcohol.

    WARNING!!!!

    - Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi -

    Underage Drinking Prevention Policy

    🏠 Enjoy at Home!

    Shin Mi-kyung Dakgalbi Meal Kit - Delivered Nationwide

    Authentic 30+ year tradition taste
    100% Korean fresh chicken thigh
    Made fresh at the restaurant
    Nationwide delivery (ships within 2 days)
    Journey Together

    A Young Person from Seongnae: 7-Year Journey of Growth Together

    From One Person's Dream to Another's Beginning

    In 2017, a young person knocked on the door of Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi. The 7-year journey we walked together became the most precious time of growth for both of us.

    2017

    The Beginning

    Started as an enthusiastic part-timer

    2019

    Growth

    Grew into a manager leading the team

    2021

    Trust

    Demonstrated responsible leadership as assistant manager

    2023

    Mastery

    Learned and mastered everything as head manager

    2024

    Independence

    Opened Hongdae Dakgalbi Seongnae Branch

    Hongdae Dakgalbi Seongnae Branch

    Hongdae Dakgalbi Seongnae Branch

    Near Olympic Park, Dunchon Station, Seongnae-dong

    This is the value that Shin Mi-kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi pursues. (From Employees to Owners! Yangpyeong, Bundang, Guri, Bangbae-dong, Doksan-dong, Hongdae 2nd Branch, Seongnae-dong, etc.)

    Support this new chapter of the journey

    Careers

    Not just an employee,
    But the protagonist of Hongdae Dakgalbi's future success story,
    We're looking for talent who will become a direct branch owner in a few years

    🌱Turn your dreams into reality, we will plant the DNA of success together

    (An unchanging principle since 1996, grab this opportunity now)

    Nearby Landmarks

    각 카드를 클릭하면 구글 지도에서 볼 수 있습니다

    🎨

    Hongdae Street

    Located right near Shin Mi-kyung Dakgalbi, it is the heart of Hongdae. Busking performances, street food, fashion stores, and unique shops are gathered, allowing you to feel the energy of Hongdae culture.

    🏫

    Hongik University

    The origin of the name 'Hongdae'. Especially famous for its College of Fine Arts, the streets around the campus are full of the vitality of young artists.

    🌳

    Gyeongui Line Forest Trail (Book Street)

    Known as 'Yeontral Park', this park was created along an old railway line. Charming cafes, restaurants, and independent shops make it popular for leisurely strolls and brunch.

    🧸

    Kakao Friends Hongdae Flagship Store

    A large store with Korea's national character 'Kakao Friends' products. Many photo zones make it a must-visit for foreign tourists.

    943 King's Cross (Harry Potter Cafe)

    A unique cafe with the theme of the 'Harry Potter' movie series. The interior recreates the atmosphere of Hogwarts, providing a magical experience.

    🎭

    Trick Eye Museum

    An experiential museum where you can take fun pictures with 3D optical illusion art. Great to visit with friends or family.

    🥁

    NANTA Theater

    A non-verbal comedy show inspired by traditional Korean rhythms. With no language barrier, it's highly popular with tourists.

    🏢

    Sangsangmadang

    A complex cultural space for exhibitions, screenings, and performances, focusing on independent art and trend culture.

    🎨

    Hongdae Mural Street

    Located in the alley to the left of Hongik University's main gate, it's an outdoor museum full of free-spirited street art and graffiti.

    🎤

    Su Karaoke

    A unique design where you can watch people singing through the glass, it's a relaxed way to experience Korean 'noraebang' culture. Su Karaoke's Hongdae main branch is a landmark of Hongdae.

    Hongdae Date Spot – Perfect Cheese & Cast Iron Dakgalbi Combo

    Join thousands of satisfied customers who've experienced the legendary cheese pull

    English-Speaking Staff
    Open Daily 11 AM - 10:40 PM (Last Order 21:50)
    8~9 minutes from Exit 9