Paldo Bossam

Key Information

• 🕐 Last Order: 21:30
• 💳 Easy Pay and credit cards accepted
• 👥 Perfect for casual dining and drinks with two or more people
• 🥩 Signature dishes: Hangjeong Bossam (pork belly/neck), Garlic Bossam, Cold Bossam Salad

Paldo Bossam: Hearty Bossam and Cozy Korean Comfort Food in Chungmuro

Tucked away in a quiet alley in Chungmuro, Paldo Bossam maintains the timeless, lived-in charm of a classic old-school Korean eatery from its vintage sign down to the cozy interior. Unlike ultra-modern restaurants, you'll find handwritten menu items posted all over the walls. Once the table fills up with plates of food and drinks, that signature, welcoming vibe of a traditional local tavern naturally sets in. Having served bossam in Chungmuro for about 38 to 40 years, it is a deeply rooted local landmark.

Naturally, the undisputed star of the menu here is the bossam. The tender, boiled pork is available in different cuts, such as front leg and hangjeongsik (pork neck meat), making it fun to compare the distinct textures and flavors. Wrapping the meat in either seasoned kimchi or radish kimchi creates a mouthwatering balance of savory pork and the spicy, crunchy kick of the kimchi. The bossam kimchi here is particularly unique: the radish kimchi is rolled up tightly inside whole napa cabbage leaves, making for a delicious and memorable bite when eaten alongside the pork.

During lunchtime, they offer lighter, comforting options like bossam set meals and homestyle set menus. In the evening, the atmosphere shifts smoothly into a lively drinking spot where locals pair plates of bossam with dubu kimchi duruchiri (stir-fried tofu and pork) or jeon (savory pancakes). Because they open early in the day, it's also a fantastic spot for a relaxed daytime drink paired with lunch right in the heart of Chungmuro.

All in all, Paldo Bossam isn't about trendy aesthetics or flashy presentation; its true appeal lies in the genuine comfort of a decades-old eatery, exceptionally tender pork, and flavorful bossam kimchi. If you are wandering the alleys of Chungmuro and craving a plate of authentic bossam accompanied by a casual drink in a true local setting, this spot is definitely worth a visit.

👥 Why Locals Love It

• 🥩 The Ultimate Bossam & Kimchi Combo — Experience authentic Korean-style boiled pork served with seasoned kimchi, shredded radish, salted fermented shrimp, and fresh lettuce wraps.
• 🍚 Lunch Bossam Sets — Perfect for solo diners or a quick lunch, they offer a set meal featuring bossam in an individual portion.
• 🧄 Variety of Bossam Options — Choose from different cuts and styles like Hangjeong Bossam, Garlic Bossam, and Cold Bossam.
• 🍺 From Daytime Drinks to Evening Gatherings — Great for a casual daytime meal with a drink, or a lively dinner and drinking session with friends.
• 🥞 Great Side Dishes to Share — Enhance your meal by ordering additional sharing plates like zucchini pancakes, octopus and green onion pancakes, pan-fried tofu, or pan-fried meat slices.

📍 Tips for Foreign Visitors

• 🥩 Trying Bossam for the First Time? — Wrap a slice of tender pork with kimchi, a fresh lettuce leaf, and a dab of salted shrimp paste to enjoy the classic Korean way.
• 🍚 Dining Alone? — Skip the large sharing portions of bossam and order the bossam set meal for a satisfying, hassle-free single portion.
• 👥 Visiting with 2 to 3 People? — Order one plate of bossam and add a side of savory pancakes or pan-fried tofu to sample a variety of dishes together.
• 🍺 Want Drinks with Your Meal? — Pair your bossam and savory pancakes with a cold bottle of soju or beer just like the locals do.
• 🚇 Exploring Chungmuro and Euljiro? — Conveniently located right between Chungmuro Station and Euljiro 3-ga Station, it makes a great stop while exploring the surrounding historic alleys.