Honest Review of 'Five Spice Pork Hocks' in Seoul

If you're in Seoul and craving a unique take on pork hocks, 'Five Spice Pork Hocks' (also known locally as 'Oh Hyang Jokbal') is worth checking out. Here's a breakdown of my experience across different locations.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

• Gongdeok Market Location Nestled within the bustling Gongdeok Market, this spot exudes a homey, welcoming vibe. Perfect for browsing the market while enjoying chewy pork hocks, mixed platters, chilled pork hocks, and traditional Korean soups. Parking might be tricky, though.

• Original Garak-dong Location Close to Garak Market Station, this location is popular for takeouts. Reservations by phone are recommended, as you might face waits over 30 minutes on weekdays and up to an hour on weekends. Sometimes, they throw in a free soda with your order.

• City Hall 'Manjok Five Spice Jokbal' Located near City Hall Station, this place is praised for its warm and tender pork hocks. They offer complimentary dumpling soup to dine-in guests, making it a great spot for a post-work meal. Takeout is also available.

Taste & Menu Variety

• Classic Pork Hocks Generally described as tender and chewy, with a mild flavor that fills you up nicely.

• Combo Sets & Side Dishes Popular for their combos that include pork hocks, bossam (boiled pork), and buckwheat noodles. The portion is generous, ensuring a satisfying meal.

• Service & Presentation At the Garak-dong location, expect generous side dishes like shredded cabbage, pickled radish, sauce, garlic, and lettuce. The glossy pork hock skin is particularly noteworthy.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The pork hocks are soft and mildly flavored, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
• The combo set with bossam and noodles is ample and well-balanced.
• Dining in a market setting adds charm and enhances the experience.

Cons

• Long Wait Times Especially at the original Garak-dong location, you may wait extensively for both dining in and takeouts.

• Limited Space Some locations are small and can get loud, which might make conversations difficult.

Real-Life Example

On a weekend evening, I headed to the Garak-dong location for a takeout. Even with a phone order, I was met with a one-hour wait. Once I got my meal, the glossy pork hocks paired with fresh cabbage and garlic were delightful, and I appreciated the complimentary soda.

Recommendations

• Great for Family or Solo Meals Its warm and tender flavor profile is sure to please anyone.

• If You're Hungry The pork hocks, bossam, and noodles combo is especially recommended.

• Prefer a Market Atmosphere? Go to Gongdeok, Need quick pickup? Call ahead at Garak-dong, Want a casual post-work meal? Try City Hall.

• Be Prepared for a Wait Time.

Final Thoughts

'Five Spice Pork Hocks' in Seoul beautifully captures the essence of comforting pork dishes, complete with hearty portions and unique market vibes. While wait times can be a downside, they are a small price for such quality and enjoyment. Excited to see what other combos or new events they might introduce on my next visit!

Thank you for reading, and enjoy your savory pork hock experience!