Best Jokbal in Seoul: where to eat it and how
족발
Pork trotters braised in soy and spices, sliced and wrapped in lettuce.
- Price
- About ₩40,000–50,000 for a medium plate for two or three
- When
- All year; an evening dish
- Spice
- Not spicy
What is Jokbal?
Jokbal is pig's trotters slow-braised in soy sauce, garlic, ginger and spices, then deboned and sliced. It is a late-night sharing dish, usually eaten with soju, lettuce wraps and salted shrimp. Jangchung-dong near Dongdaemun has been Seoul's jokbal street since the 1960s.
What does Jokbal taste like?
Glossy, gelatinous skin and soft, savoury meat. Not spicy unless you order bul-jokbal (fire jokbal). Ohyang jokbal, a Chinese-influenced style, is flavoured with five-spice.
How do you eat Jokbal?
Wrap a slice in lettuce with garlic, a green chilli and a little saeujeot (salted shrimp) or ssamjang. The cold buckwheat noodles (makguksu) many shops sell make a good side.
Where can I eat Jokbal in Seoul?
Jangchung-dong jokbal street (Dongguk University Station), City Hall and neighbourhood pubs everywhere. It is also one of the most popular delivery foods.
Good to know
- Sizes are 소/중/대 (small/medium/large); a medium feeds two to three.
- The skin is the point — it is rich in collagen and not fatty in texture.
- Bossam (boiled pork belly with kimchi) is often sold alongside; half-and-half sets exist.
Chains you'll find everywhere
The everyday version: same menu at every branch, and there is probably one near your hotel.
원할머니보쌈족발
Wonhalmeoni Bossam Jokbal
One of Korea's best-known bossam and jokbal chains — boiled pork with kimchi, and braised trotters.
What to order
- Bossam보쌈Boiled pork belly with spicy radish kimchi, wrapped in cabbage.
- Jokbal족발Braised pork trotters.
How to spot it
Sit-down restaurants and lots of delivery; sets for two or more.
가장맛있는족발
Gajang Matitneun Jokbal
A big jokbal chain — the name literally means “the most delicious jokbal”.
What to order
- Jokbal족발Braised trotters, sliced; medium serves two or three.
- Spicy jokbal불족발Fiery version; properly hot.
How to spot it
Pub-style restaurants, busy in the evening; many branches do take-out.
Local favourites
3 places
Jokbal · Dongdaemun & Sindang
Pyeongando Jokbal
The grandmother of Jangchung-dong's jokbal street.
