PorkMakchang Hotspots: The 5 Best
- Makchang fritters you won’t forget — Songga, Hongdae
- Jeongmin Makchang — one of Daegu’s “big three” makchang spots
- A fragrant scallion and savory makchang pairing — Soso Makchang, Hannam
- Show-stopping scallion makchang that tames the richness — Seoul Makchang, Gasan Digital Complex
- Clean, odor-free Daegu-style makchang — Gohyang Charcoal Makchang, Daegu
The moment the grill starts to sizzle and a nutty aroma fills the air, pork makchang snaps to life. With a crisp outside and a chewy inside, each bite grows more savory the more you chew. A whisper of smoke from the grill rounds out the flavor, making makchang perfect as bar food or as a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of salt or a simple sauce sharpens its appeal even more. Here are five restaurants where makchang’s charms shine brightest.
Makchang fritters you won’t forget — Songga, Hongdae
Songga, tucked into Hongdae, serves elevated Chinese-style dishes at down-to-earth prices. Their signature is a rare treat: makchang stuffed with scallions and fried until perfectly crunchy. The outside stays golden and crisp while the inside keeps a pleasing chew. The sweet scallion aroma cuts through any greasiness, and dipping a piece into the provided sweet bean sauce brings a Peking-duck–like note. Don’t miss the spicy iron-plate meatball — fried meatballs bathed in a thick, savory-spicy sauce that lingers in the best way.
See more about Songga on Siksin▶
- ▲Location
197 Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Mon–Sat 5:00 PM–11:30 PM (last order 11:00 PM) / Closed Sundays
- ▲Prices
Makchang fritters KRW 20,000 (≈ $15.00) Five-spice pork KRW 24,000 (≈ $18.00)
Jeongmin Makchang — one of Daegu’s “big three” makchang spots
Daegu equals makchang for many Koreans, and Jeongmin Makchang is counted among the city’s top three. The old-school, no-frills vibe sets the scene. The makchang is pre-seared once and finished over a charcoal brazier at your table. When it’s done right, there’s no off-odor and the texture is satisfyingly chewy. Sides include kimchi, pickled onions, dipping sauce, chilies, and scallions. Add scallion and chili to the sauce before you dip — it brightens every bite.
See more about Jeongmin Makchang on Siksin▶
1886 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
4:30 PM–12:00 AM / Closed on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month
- ▲Prices
Pork belly KRW 11,000 (≈ $8.25) Pork neck KRW 11,000 (≈ $8.25) Pork makchang KRW 11,000 (≈ $8.25)
A fragrant scallion and savory makchang pairing, Soso Makchang — Hannam
Soso Makchang’s Hannam outpost rose to cult status thanks to its striking presentation and long lines. They stuff scallions into carefully trimmed makchang and give it a quick pre-sear so the scallion flavor soaks in. Grill the pre-cut pieces again at the table for a crisp exterior and enjoy how the scallion sweetens as it caramelizes — it keeps you reaching for more. Their small intestines and pork back meat are just as addictive, so there are plenty of reasons to wait in line.
See more about Soso Makchang (Main) on Siksin▶
✔Location
2nd floor, 60 Daesagwan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
✔Hours
Wed–Mon 3:00 PM–1:30 AM / Closed Tuesdays
✔Prices
Pork scallion makchang KRW 19,000 (≈ $14.25) Pork back meat KRW 17,000 (≈ $12.75)
Show-stopping scallion makchang that tames the richness, Seoul Makchang — Gasan Digital Complex
Seoul Makchang in Gasan Digital Complex shows the scallion makchang at its best. The owner grills it in a signature way: he blocks the grease holes so the fat doesn’t drain, then cooks the makchang in its own oil, almost like shallow-frying. The oil, perfumed with scallion juices, coats the meat and intensifies flavor. Potatoes, onions, and garlic cooked in that same oil pick up extra depth. The outside crisps up while the inside stays chewy — pure comfort with each bite.
See more about Seoul Makchang on Siksin▶
✔Location
G11, Building 1, 69 Digital-ro 10-gil, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul
✔영업시간Mon–Thu 10:00 AM–11:00 PM / Fri–Sun 10:00 AM–12:00 AM
✔Prices
Pork makchang KRW 15,000 (≈ $11.25) Scallion makchang KRW 17,000 (≈ $12.75)
Clean, odor-free Daegu-style makchang — Gohyang Charcoal Makchang
Gohyang Charcoal Makchang in Chilgok is beloved for grilling makchang over briquette charcoal. The venue offers both an outdoor, street-food–style area and an indoor dining space, so you can pick what fits the season. Their signature is grilling pork belly alongside makchang so the belly’s savory fat enhances the makchang’s richness. Dip pieces into the house makjang sauce and the flavor deepens beautifully.
See more about Gohyang Charcoal Makchang on Siksin▶
47 Palgeocheonseo-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu
Daily 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- ✔Menu
Pork makchang KRW 10,000 (≈ $7.50), Fresh pork belly KRW 10,000 (≈ $7.50)
