A Feast of Spring: Clam Well Bossam in Hapjeong [봄동을 품은 조개우물보쌈, 가브리살 보쌈 그리고 조개 칼국수 맛있는거 [마포 / 홍대]]

Bossam (boiled pork wraps) is a dish that should be enjoyed seasonally. This is because its loyal companion—Kimchi—changes its role and flavor profile depending on the time of year. Right now, it's spring in Seoul, and that means one thing: Bom-dong (spring cabbage).

At Clam Well Bossam (Jogae-umul Bossam) in Hapjeong, they have a dedicated 'Spring Cabbage Bossam Set' that perfectly captures the essence of the season. There’s something undeniably romantic about having Bossam on a rainy spring day, and I can confidently say this is now the number one Bossam spot in the Hapjeong area.

The Secret Ingredient: Gabrisal (Pork Cheek Meat)

What makes this place stand out is their use of Gabrisal. This is a premium "special cut" of pork (technically the loin layer) that only yields about 200g per pig. It possesses the golden ratio of fat to lean meat. At Clam Well Bossam, they slice it as thinly as sashimi to maximize its melt-in-your-mouth texture. My first impression? It literally vanished on my tongue.

And then there’s the Bom-dong. These tough, sturdy spring cabbages are my absolute favorite for fresh kimchi (Geot-jeori). They are richer in Vitamin C and amino acids than regular cabbage, with a nutty, sweet profile that creates a perfect "Sweet & Salty" harmony when paired with the savory pork.

A Brand Story Tied to History

The name Hapjeong actually comes from two Chinese characters: Hap (蛤: Clam) and Jeong (井: Well). Historically, this area was known for a well that was filled with clam shells. During the colonial era, the meaning was distorted to "combined wells," but Clam Well Bossam was created with the intent to restore and celebrate the original story of the neighborhood. You aren't just eating a meal; you're tasting the history of the town.

Essential Information

• Hours: 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM Daily (Break time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
• Location: 1st Floor, 396-46 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Near Hapjeong Station Exit 3)
• Contact: 0507-1459-0477

Local Insights (3 Key Strengths)

1. Restoring Hapjeong’s Heritage: The menu and name are a thoughtful nod to the neighborhood’s roots, making it a favorite for locals who appreciate storytelling.
2. The Sashimi-style Bossam: By choosing Gabrisal over the usually dry loin meat and slicing it thin, they’ve elevated Bossam to a fine-dining level of tenderness.
3. A Complete Korean Line-up: From Barley Shrimp Jeon (pancakes) to Buckwheat Makguksu, every menu item focuses on bringing out the natural flavors of fresh ingredients.

Gone are the days when only old, run-down shacks had the best food. Modern, clean, and beautifully designed restaurants like this often have the most refined tastes.

The Spring Cabbage Bossam Set is clearly the crowd favorite. Looking around, almost every table had this vibrant platter of greens and meat.

The Multi-Course Joy: Bibimbap to Kalguksu

The value here is incredible. It’s not just meat; it’s a full-on culinary experience. We started with the Spring Cabbage Bibimbap.

Black rice topped with two large, perfectly soft-boiled eggs. You mix in the fresh spring cabbage and just dive in.

It was so good I could have stopped there, but the main event was still to come.

The platter arrived with several types of Kimchi and that beautifully sliced Gabrisal. They even serve it with soft tofu ssam-jang, which adds a creamy, savory layer to the wrap.

Each bite was a symphony of textures—the crunch of the cabbage, the chew of the pork, and the spicy kick of the Kimchi.

And since it was raining, my mind naturally wandered toward something hot and liquid. Thankfully, the set includes Clam Kalguksu (noodle soup).

The broth was clear, deep, and filled with the briny goodness of fresh clams. It’s the perfect "Anju" (drinking snack) for Soju.

Looking back at this feast—the Gabrisal, the spring cabbage, multiple types of Kimchi, clam soup, and Bibimbap—I felt like I was the one who came out ahead. It’s a rare win for the customer!

March is a strange and beautiful month in Seoul—snow on the ground but a hot sun in the afternoon. It’s a time to be careful with your health. The best way to build up your stamina for the changing seasons? A hearty platter at Clam Well Bossam.

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🗺 Seoul Travel Guide Recommendation by Local

Hapjeong is where modern Seoul meets its deep historical roots. Here are a few spots to visit near Clam Well Bossam:

1. Yanghwa Bridge & Han River: Just a 10-minute walk. The bridge offers one of the best pedestrian walking paths over the Han River, especially beautiful at sunset.
2. Mangwon Market: A short subway stop or bus ride away. It’s one of the most vibrant traditional markets in Seoul, famous for its street food.
3. Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine: A peaceful historical site with a museum and a beautiful view of the river, perfect for a quiet walk after a heavy meal.

Clam Well Bossam is the perfect fuel for a day spent exploring the hidden history and riverside beauty of Seoul!