Hongdae Notes · 2026-10-28
Dining Solo in Hongdae: Ganjang Gejang Set
Can you eat soy sauce crab alone in Hongdae?
Yes. GEON is a ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) restaurant where solo diners are welcome. It is in the basement level (B1) of 16 Wausan-ro 29ma-gil, a 5-minute walk from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 7.
What a ganjang gejang set usually includes
A typical ganjang gejang set is soy sauce marinated crab served with warm rice and side dishes. With the crab and rice at the center, it works well as a one-person meal. GEON ages its crab in its own soy sauce and prepares only what is needed each day.
This week's crab and how to eat it
October is crab season, and this week's crab at GEON comes from the west coast (Seohaean). Use chopsticks to gently scrape the roe and the rich paste from inside the crab shell, then mix them into your rice. This is why Koreans call gejang a "rice thief" (bapdoduk).
Good to know before you go
GEON is open daily from 11:00 to 22:00, with last order at 21:00 and no break time. The menu has English, Chinese and Japanese labels. If raw marinated crab is new to you, the Kkotgetang (Korean crab stew) is also on the menu. Takeout is available, but there is no parking. Larger groups should book ahead on Naver.
FAQ
Can I eat at GEON alone?
Yes, solo dining is available. GEON is open daily 11:00–22:00 with last order at 21:00 and no break time. Groups should book ahead on Naver.
How should I eat the roe and paste inside the crab shell?
Gently scrape the roe and paste from inside the shell with chopsticks and mix them into your rice. This week's crab is from the west coast.