Hapjeong's Hidden Gem: Discovering Homac, Where Hotteok is Always in Season

Who says hotteok is just a winter treat? Today, I'm taking you to a place that completely shatters that notion: Homac Hapjeong Branch. If you, like me, have fond memories of Busan's seed hotteok from years ago, you're in for a delightful surprise. Homac is a fantastic pub that pairs the classic Korean sweet pancake with a refreshing glass of beer. Hotteok and beer? It's an unexpected combination that absolutely works.

To be honest, I've had a bit of a complicated relationship with hotteok. The messy, sticky honey dripping onto my hands and the occasional tongue-burning incident made me wary. But Homac has completely changed my perspective. They've elevated this humble street food into a culinary experience.

A Snack with a Story

The name "Homac" itself is interesting. "Ho" (호) refers to the Jurchen people of Manchuria, and it's said that hotteok is a cake they brought with them. So, Homac is a place where the "Hoin's rice cake meets the Westerner's beer"—a true fusion of cultures.

Nestled on a corner of Hapjeong-daero, Homac always seems to be buzzing with people. Its prime location and charming exterior make it a place you can't help but notice.

What You Need to Know

• Google Rating: 4.3
• Business Hours:
  • Mon-Thu: 4:00 PM - 1:30 AM
  • Fri: 4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
  • Sat: 2:00 PM - 3:00 AM
  • Sun: 2:00 PM - 1:30 AM (Last order 1 hour before closing)
• Location: 1F, Daewoong Building, 5 Dokmak-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Inquiry: 0507-1338-7466

Based on Google Maps reviews, people love the combination of sweet hotteok with ice cream and fruit, paired with a wide selection of craft beers. The log cabin exterior and antique wood interior create a cozy and unique atmosphere. It's a popular spot, so be prepared for a potential wait in the evenings.

A Cool Respite from the Summer Heat

The interior has a charming, antique vibe that reminded me of my travels in Vietnam. Even with the sweltering 37-degree heat outside, it was refreshingly cool inside. This is where I became a true believer: hotteok is a year-round delight.

The ambiance feels a bit like something out of Hogwarts, making it the perfect spot for a date. Trust me, bring someone here and you'll get major compliments.

The Main Event: Hotteok and Beer

The menu features a variety of carefully crafted hotteok options. After much debate, we decided to stick with the classic: brown sugar hotteok. We also ordered some bratwurst and fries to go with our beers.

One of the great things about Homac is that you can order draft beer in different sizes. A 440ml order comes in a cool oak-like glass, while the 330ml comes in a standard glass. It's fun to have options! They also have a great selection of international liquors, including cask and stout.

When the hotteok arrived, served with cold pasta and nachos, I knew we were in for a treat. It even came with a small pizza cutter for easy slicing. My first bite was a revelation. The honey didn't drip, and the crispiness was divine. Paired with a cold beer, it was perfection.

The beer itself was excellent. My friend, a self-proclaimed beer connoisseur, was impressed, even remarking, "I never knew Cass could taste this good!"

The bratwurst was another great addition, with an authentic German flavor. The combination of hotteok, sausage, fries, and beer is simply irresistible.

Whether it's winter or summer, hotteok is always a good idea. And at Homac, you can enjoy it with a delicious beer anytime.

A Local's Guide to Exploring Hapjeong

After your visit to Homac, why not explore the neighborhood? Here are a few of my favorite courses:

1. The Emotional Cafe and Alley Walk

• Start at Homac Hapjeong for a craft beer.
• Head to Shio Hapjeong for some fresh Japanese home-style food.
• Finish at the Literary Salon Chocho, a quiet cafe where you can read and relax. This route takes about 2-3 hours and is all within a 10-minute walk.

2. The Gourmet and Dessert Healing Tour

• Enjoy Italian food and wine at Zula (42, Dokmak-ro 9-gil).
• Indulge in soft cakes and coffee at Beni Cake.
• Browse the beautiful handmade chocolates at the small shop, Decoa Balim. This tour takes about 2 hours on foot with a short taxi ride.

3. The Hidden Gems and Park Walk

• Have lunch at Orenoramen Hapjeong Honten for a rich soup.
• Experience Mapo's specialty, Pyongyang noodles, at Okdong Sik.
• Take a stroll in Mangwon Hangang Park, near Hapjeong Station. This course involves a 15-minute walk to the park after your meal and can take 2-3 hours.

I hope you enjoy exploring Hapjeong as much as I do!