Hongdae Sak's Signature Assorted Fried Platter

Hongdae Sak, A Popular Spot for Tteokbokki and Fried Snacks Near Hongdae Station

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I visited Hongik University Station last April for work. By the time I finished everything, it was around 4 p.m. It was too early for dinner but too late for lunch, so I headed to Hongdae Sak, a snack shop I used to frequent as a child, for a quick bite. Fortunately, they were still open. I know many foreign tourists come to visit the Hongdae area. If you ever come to Hongdae, be sure to check out the snack shop I recommended.

Directions to Hongdae Sak and Business Hours

Hongdae Station is on Line 2. Hongdae Sak is a short walk from Hongik University Station. Instead, it’s located right in front of Sangsu Station! If you’re curious about another spot popular among Gen Z and Millennials besides Hongdae, check out “Chungmuro Grilled Fish near Myeongdong Station – Paid for myself.”

The entrance to Hongdae Sak

Exit through Exit 1 at Sangsu Station (Line 6), walk a short distance straight ahead, and you’ll find it right on your right. If you’re coming from Hongik University Station (Line 2), just follow the map toward Sangsu Station. I’ve attached a Google Map, so you can check it before heading over.

If you’re taking the bus, get off at the Sangsu Station stop. It’s located right on the main road, so it should be easy to find.

Business hours are from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sundays and Mondays, and from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Tuesday through Saturday. Since it stays open late, it’s a great spot to visit if you’re feeling peckish late at night in Hongdae or craving tteokbokki after a few drinks.

Quick Tip

If you’re staying in a hotel near Hongdae Station, I recommend getting takeout. Enjoying it in the comfort of your hotel room cool and refreshing will make for an even more delicious experience.

How to Use Hongdae Sak

When you arrive at the entrance of Hongdae Sak, you’ll see the open kitchen where they’re preparing tteokbokki and fried foods. Walk past that area and head inside, where you’ll find tables to sit at and a kiosk for ordering. If you see an empty seat, feel free to take a seat. You can order at the kiosk here as well. If you find it confusing, just order exactly what I recommend below you can’t go wrong.

An interior view of Hongdae Sak

There’s a water dispenser and a self-service bar on one side. Water, side dishes, and forks are self-serve. Since the fried food is large, grab some scissors and tongs to cut it up before eating.

Once you’ve finished your meal, please tidy up your table and bring your tray to the counter. If you say “I enjoyed my meal(잘 먹었습니다.)” or “Thank you(감사합니다.)” in Korean, the owner will see you off with a smile.

Hongdae Sak Sangsu Main Branch Menu

Since this is a snack bar, the main dishes are tteokbokki and fried foods. However, this place is famous for its fried foods. It has become well-known throughout Seoul for its fried dishes. So be sure to try the fried foods!! If you’d prefer the tteokbokki + gimbap combo instead of tteokbokki + fried food, check out Let’s try some delicious tteokbokki and gimbap in Seoul. Namdaemun Tongtong Gimbap.

The Assorted Fried Platter (16,000 KRW) comes with 11 different types of fried items, excluding shrimp. I always order this whenever I go, but the portion is too big for one person, so I always bring a friend. Haha

Hongdae Sak's Assorted Fried Platter

You know you have to order the tteokbokki (5,000 KRW) without even being told, right?? The combination of tteokbokki and fried food is a national rule. If you happen to want some soup, order the fish cake soup (2,500 KRW). The hot broth and chewy fish cakes will really whet your appetite.

What I Ordered (Paid for Myself)

On this visit, I ordered the Assorted Fried Platter + Tteokbokki + Sundae. My friend wanted to try the Sundae, so we gave it a shot. The fried items were super crispy and chewy, and they were so filling that I really enjoyed them. The tteokbokki wasn’t too spicy it’s the classic, authentic school-front tteokbokki.

Hongdae Sak's Fried Platter, Tteokbokki, and Sundae Set

My personal eating tip

Don’t just dip the fried food in soy sauce. If you dip it in the tteokbokki sauce, you’ll experience a spicy yet crispy flavor. It also enhances the overall taste.

I’ve written about a snack bar I’ve frequented since my college days. This place is truly famous for its delicious fried food. There are plenty of sights to see and lots of great restaurants and cafes near Hongik University Station, Sangsu, and Hapjeong, so I think it’s a great tourist spot for foreign visitors. If you’re planning a visit to this neighborhood, I recommend stopping by one of Seoul’s famous snack bars for at least one meal. I’ll do my best to share as many authentic local spots as possible the ones you won’t find in guidebooks or tourist brochures.

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