When you're craving good drinks and comfort food to satisfy your taste buds, few combinations can beat makgeolli and jeon - Korea's beloved milky, fizzy rice wine paired with savory Korean pancakes. This dynamic duo represents one of the most satisfying culinary experiences Korean cuisine has to offer.
For those looking to experience this perfect pairing, a short 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station on Seoul Subway Line 6 leads to Mangwon Market in Mapo-gu, western Seoul. Following your nose to the market's edge will reveal a hidden culinary gem: Halmeoni Mung Bean Pancake, a restaurant that specializes in authentic Korean pancakes.
The restaurant's signature dish, haemul pajeon (seafood and green onion pancake), is an absolute must-try experience. This savory pancake features an abundance of fresh green onions and seafood, all coated in a soft, delicate batter and topped with beaten egg. The result is a dish that's perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and soft inside, creating a harmonious blend of fragrant green onions and flavorful seafood. Diners should start by enjoying a bite of the pancake on its own to appreciate its pure, authentic flavor, then dip subsequent bites into the tangy soy-based dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor. This premium dish is priced at 18,000 won ($12.96).
Another standout option is baechujeon, or napa cabbage pancake, available for 11,000 won. Each individual napa cabbage leaf is carefully dusted with flour, dipped in a light, airy batter, and sizzled in the pan until it reaches a perfect golden color. The cooking process delivers an exceptional balance of satisfying crunch and tender texture. While this dish is typically served as whole cabbage leaves at other establishments, Halmeoni Mung Bean Pancake thoughtfully chops it into convenient bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for casual snacking. By the time you finish your plate, you'll have discovered that napa cabbage can be transformed into something far more exciting than just kimchi.
The restaurant's true highlight is bindaetteok, or mung bean pancake, which represents the essence of traditional Korean comfort food. Ground mung beans are carefully mixed with various ingredients, including fresh vegetables and meat, creating a thick, substantial batter that's then fried in oil and flattened to perfection. A single serving of this traditional favorite costs 8,000 won.
The menu features two distinct varieties of mung bean pancakes for adventurous diners. Haemul bindaetteok is a seafood version that incorporates fresh shrimp into the mung bean base, while gogi bindaetteok features a savory combination of chopped kimchi, bracken, and ground pork. Both specialty variations are priced at 10,000 won each.
Dongtaejeon, or pollock pancake, holds special significance as a beloved Korean side dish with deep cultural roots. This traditional preparation involves lightly coating seasoned pollock fillets in flour, dipping them in beaten eggs, and pan-frying until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior. The dish is especially popular during Korean holidays and ancestral rites, bringing both comfort and tradition to the dining table with every single bite. This culturally significant dish is available for 15,000 won.
For diners who prefer spicier options, gochujeon (green chili pepper pancake) offers a bold, fiery experience. This spicy creation combines chopped green chili peppers and onions with flour and water, then hits the hot pan for a golden, crispy finish. The result is both bold and flavorful, bringing just the right amount of heat to complement the meal. This spicy specialty is priced at 15,000 won.
Kkaennipjeon, or perilla leaf pancake, represents a unique twist on the classic jeon concept. This variation features perilla leaves that are pan-fried in egg batter, with the filling tucked carefully inside before being coated in egg and sizzled to golden perfection. The distinctive perilla leaves contribute a punch of earthy, complex flavor and provide a tender bite that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior coating. This innovative dish is available for 15,000 won.
To complete the authentic Korean dining experience, the restaurant maintains a carefully curated selection of popular makgeolli varieties, all served refreshingly cold to pair perfectly with the hot, crispy pancakes. The contrast between the cool, fizzy rice wine and the warm, savory pancakes creates an ideal balance that has made this combination a Korean favorite for generations.
Halmeoni Mung Bean Pancake welcomes guests every day from noon until 10 p.m., with the last orders accepted at 9:30 p.m. This accessibility makes it easy for both locals and visitors to experience one of Korea's most beloved food pairings in an authentic, traditional setting.
