Hongdae Notes · 2026-11-09
Seoul First Night: Soy Sauce Crab in Hongdae
What to eat on your first night in Seoul
By the time you drop your bags and wander around Hongdae, dinner time has arrived. Ganjang gejang, soy sauce marinated crab, is one of Korea's best-known "rice thieves" (bap-dodук), meaning a dish so good you keep reaching for more rice. It makes a memorable first meal.
How to eat soy sauce crab
Ganjang gejang is raw crab aged in a soy-based marinade. Start with a spoonful of white rice, then mix in the roe and meat from inside the shell. If raw crab feels like too much for a first try, GEON also serves kkotgetang (a hot crab stew) and yangnyeom gejang (spicy marinated crab).
Early closing on November 9, 2026
GEON has announced an early closing (조기마감) for November 9, 2026. The notice does not give an exact time, so if you plan to visit that day, come early and check Naver booking first. Normal hours are 11:00-22:00 every day, last order 21:00, with no break time.
Finding GEON from Hongik Univ. Station
GEON is at B1, 16 Wausan-ro 29ma-gil, a 5-minute walk from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 7. There is no parking, so take the subway. Solo diners are welcome, takeout is available, and the menu has English, Chinese and Japanese labels. GEON ages its crab in its own soy sauce and prepares only what it needs each day.
FAQ
Are GEON's hours different on November 9?
Yes. GEON has announced an early closing for November 9, 2026. No exact time was given, so come early and check Naver booking.
Can I dine solo, and is the menu available in other languages?
Yes, solo dining and takeout are available, and the menu has English, Chinese and Japanese labels.