Gongdeok-dong Jokbal Alley

Starting from one side of the market alley, a jokbal (pig trotter) restaurant formed an alley and is attracting more customers than the market itself. That place is Gongdeok-dong Jokbal Alley. Thirty years ago, a 2-pyeong (about 6.6 square meters) restaurant located on one side of the market became the root of Jokbal Alley. At that time, they boiled sundae-guk (blood sausage soup) for the meals of market people and made jokbal as an anju (side dish for alcohol) to soothe their tough lives. Sundae-guk and jokbal thus comforted the stomachs and hearts of market people, and as the restaurant gradually became successful, a bag shop in the market changed its business to sell sundae and jokbal. As more jokbal restaurants appeared in the area, this alley naturally became known as Jokbal Alley. Over time, customers expanded from market people to students and nearby office workers. During the day, many elderly people visit, while in the evening, younger crowds gather. The elderly come to recall memories of sharing drinks in this alley during their youth, and young people create their own memories, enlivening the night drinking scene. Although the customer generation has changed, some restaurants in this alley have been selling sundae-guk and making jokbal for generations, so it is worth visiting to taste the old, traditional flavors.