Mangwon-dong 'HongDeng' Open Run Review! Authentic Anju Restaurant Where I Met Comedians Hong Yoon-hwa & Kim Min-ki (Including Waiting Tips)
"The reason I came all the way to Mangwon-dong today is because of this place!"
I finally visited 'HongDeng', the pub reportedly run by comedian couple Hong Yoon-hwa and Kim Min-ki, who are also Mangwon-dong residents. Since it's a celebrity-owned pub, I expected a huge wait, so I meticulously planned an open run aiming for their 5 PM opening.
From my review of meeting the delightful owner couple in person to open run waiting tips, and the menu items that made me truly feel, 'This is a genuine anju (food served with alcohol) hot spot', I'll break it all down for you.
HongDeng Waiting Tips: Is an Open Run the Answer?
Key takeaway: Waiting board registration starts at 4 PM, entry at exactly 5 PM. (Currently, registration is possible from 2 PM - check Instagram for confirmation.)
Considering it's a celebrity hot spot, I thought waiting was essential and arrived 10 minutes before the 5 PM opening. The waiting sheet next to the door already had about 6 teams listed, and with 4 of us, I was worried we wouldn't get in during the first round.
- Waiting Method: Remote queuing systems like CatchTable are not available. You must physically write your name and number of people on the waiting sheet. (Recently, they put out the waiting board from 2 PM, so be sure to check their Instagram announcement before visiting!)
- Open Run Result: Exactly at 5 PM, Kim Min-ki personally called out the waiting list and shyly greeted us. Fortunately, we successfully entered in the first round! (There was one 4-person table left.)
Restaurant Atmosphere and Seating Information
Key takeaway: A cozy and comfortable atmosphere with approximately 6 counter seats, 3 two-person tables, and 2 four-person tables.
The interior of the restaurant is not large but cozy, with a charming atmosphere where you can comfortably have a drink in the neighborhood.
- Seating Arrangement: It consists of about 6 counter seats directly facing the kitchen, 3 two-person tables, 2 four-person tables, and 1 more two-person table. If you're a party of two, the turnover seems quick, so you might not have to wait long.
- Owner Couple: Hong Yoon-hwa was diligently working behind the counter, while Kim Min-ki walked around the dining area, interacting with customers and taking orders. Thanks to them, the entire atmosphere of the place was cheerful and filled with happy energy.
This Place is a 'True Anju Hot Spot'! (Menu Recommendations)
Key takeaway: 'Oden Hanjubsi' (plate of oden) is a must-order! No soju, but the quality of the various anju dishes is excellent.
HongDeng has a few rules for use. They do not sell regular soju, require one drink (alcoholic) per person, and the 'Oden Hanjubsi' is a mandatory basic menu item per table.
- Oden Hanjubsi (23,000 KRW): True to its main dish status, a plate full of various kinds of oden. While it's a plate-oden style with less broth, broth refills are available, and the unique oden selection, such as corn fish cake and mochikin chaku (fried tofu pouch with mochi), was excellent.
- Bacon Pote Salad (estimated 9,000 KRW): A salad mixed with bacon and potatoes, served in a pretty cup, which delivered on both visuals and taste.
- Kelp Marinated Salmon (no price info): Salmon sashimi marinated in kelp, served with cucumber, onion slices, ginger, and rakkyo.
- Suji (no price info): Braised beef tendons topped with bonito flakes. It was truly delicious with broth and a hint of mustard. Personally, this is a dish I would definitely order again.
- Motsuni (9,000 KRW): Japanese-style offal (pork/beef) stew. It had a salty, soy-sauce braised taste that made me crave rice, and adding an egg (separate charge) is essential.
- Tako Karaage (14,000 KRW): Ordered instead of sold-out Motsuni, the batter was crispy, and the octopus inside was soft, not tough, making it perfect for a drink snack.
- Basic Side Dish (Pickled Radish Salad): The complimentary pickled radish salad was so delicious that we refilled it three times. It also paired well with the oden.
Although I visited out of curiosity for a celebrity-owned restaurant, 'HongDeng' completely captivated me with its delicious anju, cheerful atmosphere, and the kindness of the owner couple.
When there's a wait, usage time is limited to 2 hours, but it was enough time to have a thoroughly enjoyable experience. If you're looking for a pleasant pub in Mangwon-dong, I highly recommend visiting HongDeng.
Do you have any celebrity-owned restaurants you'd recommend?
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