Top 5 Restaurants in Hapjeong Recommended by the Michelin Guide

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Hello everyone,
Today, I’m sharing my Top 5 Restaurant Picks in Hapjeong, based on places I’ve personally visited and enjoyed.
Interestingly, all five restaurants I selected happen to be featured in the Michelin Guide Seoul’s Bib Gourmand list—a testament to their quality and taste.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the Top 5 Michelin-Recommended Restaurants in Hapjeong, Personally Approved by a True Foodie.

1. Jin Jin (진진)

 

First on the list is Jin Jin, a highly acclaimed Chinese restaurant.
It's run by Chef Wang Yuk-sung, who is famously known as the mentor of celebrity chef Lee Yeon-bok.

Jin Jin operates with a special membership system and offers elevated Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting.
It's recognized by the Michelin Guide year after year for its consistency and excellence.

One standout dish I had was the Stir-Fried King Crab Meat.
Somewhere between a soup and a porridge, this dish has an incredibly unique texture.

The aromatic chili oil blends perfectly with the umami-rich crab meat for a truly unforgettable flavor.

Another memorable dish was the Steamed Rockfish with Soy Sauce.
The firm, springy texture of the fish pairs beautifully with the savory soy-based sauce.
If you enjoy herbs, try it with green onions, ginger, and coriander for an added depth of flavor.
The dish is not overly spicy, but delivers a rich, layered taste that’s deeply satisfying.

2. Damtaek (담택)

 

Next up is Damtaek, a ramen shop that stands out even in Hapjeong — a neighborhood packed with ramen joints.
Their signature Shio Ramen is just 9,000 KRW, and you can customize it by adding chashu or a seasoned egg.

The broth, made from chicken stock and seasoned with salt, is rich and flavorful.
The noodles are perfectly thick, and the broth clings to them beautifully for a satisfying bite every time.

Best of all? Free refills on noodles or rice.
Here’s my pro tip: Add rice at the end and enjoy it soaked in the broth — this might be the best way to enjoy their shio ramen. I still stand by this as the ultimate comfort meal.

 

3. Oreno Ramen (오레노라멘)

Third on the list is Oreno Ramen, another Michelin-listed ramen joint but with a completely different flavor profile.
This was the first place that made me fall in love with non-franchise ramen.

They specialize in Tori Paitan Ramen, a rich, milky-white chicken broth that’s been simmered for hours.
Unlike Damtaek’s light and clean broth, Oreno offers a deeply intense flavor with a creamy texture.

Which one is better? It’s hard to say.
Go to Damtaek when you crave something clean and light. Go to Oreno when you want something rich and hearty.

4. Okdongsik (옥동식)

Fourth on the list is Okdongsik, famous for its Pork Bone Soup (Dwaeji Gomtang) — so popular it's even made waves in New York.

As someone from Busan, I grew up on the bold flavors of traditional pork soup, but this place opened my eyes to something new.
Okdongsik’s gomtang is the epitome of subtle and refined flavor — think of it as the “Pyongyang Cold Noodles” of pork soups.

Even though I’m not usually drawn to such mild flavors, I found myself craving it again and again.
Don’t skip the well-fermented kimchi here — it’s the perfect complement to the light broth.
A must-visit, especially in the cold winter months.
 

5. Hapjeongok (합정옥)

Last but not least is Hapjeongok, another gomtang restaurant — but this time, specializing in beef bone soup.

If you enjoy offal, go for the traditional Gomtang, which includes tripe and intestines.
If you prefer just meat, opt for the Yangji Gomtang, which is made only with brisket.

This is the most classic, no-frills beef soup you can find — perfectly clear, clean-tasting broth with no gamey smell and beautifully tender beef.
It’s as authentic and comforting as it gets.

 

Final Thoughts

That wraps up my Top 5 Michelin-Approved Restaurants in Hapjeong!
From the bold, refined Chinese flavors of Jin Jin, to the two ramen spots that best capture the essence of Japanese ramen, to the clean and delicate flavors of Korean pork and beef bone soups — each one was chosen based on personal experience.

These are places I’ve personally tried, loved, and would confidently recommend.
I’ll keep exploring and sharing more culinary gems with you soon.

Thanks for reading!
— Mukja’s Top 5 in Hapjeong