Korean Food Series (7) – Jokbal (Braised Pig’s Trotters) 🐖🍖

Picture: photo by koreavisit2025

📍 Welcome back to the Korean Food Series!

In this episode, we’re diving into a rich, savory delicacy that’s beloved for its deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture—Jokbal (족발).
It’s a popular dish in Korea, especially for late-night cravings, delivery orders, and group meals.

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🐽 What is Jokbal?

Jokbal is made by braising pig’s trotters in a seasoned soy-based broth that includes garlic, ginger, sugar, rice wine, and sometimes star anise or cinnamon.
The meat is cooked for hours until tender, and the skin becomes soft, shiny, and flavorful.
Once cooked, it's thinly sliced and served warm with dipping sauces and side dishes like saeujeot (salted fermented shrimp), ssamjang, garlic, and kimchi.

Jokbal is appreciated not only for its flavor but also for its collagen-rich skin, which many believe is good for the skin and joints.

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🆚 Jokbal vs. Bossam – What’s the Difference?

Many first-time visitors wonder: Isn't jokbal the same as bossam?

Here’s how they differ:

	Jokbal (족발)	Bossam (보쌈)
Meat Part	Pig’s trotters (legs)	Pork belly or shoulder
Cooking	Braised in soy sauce and spices	Boiled in water with garlic, ginger, etc.
Texture	Chewy, gelatinous, rich	Tender, soft, mild
Flavor	Deep, savory, slightly sweet soy-based taste	Clean, simple pork flavor
Served With	Saeujeot, garlic, lettuce, ssamjang	Kimchi (often aged), saeujeot, wraps
Popular Pairings	Soju, beer, spicy versions available	Makgeolli, oyster version in winter

In short:

• Jokbal is richer and heavier, with a deep flavor and chewy texture.

• Bossam is milder and lighter, perfect with kimchi and cabbage wraps.
  Many Koreans enjoy both together in a single meal set!

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📍 How to Eat Jokbal – Step by Step

1. Choose your slice – Get both lean and fatty pieces for the full experience

2. Make your wrap – Use lettuce or perilla leaf, add jokbal, garlic, ssamjang, and saeujeot

3. Balance the flavors – Alternate with kimchi or spicy salad (pa muchim)

4. Try spicy versions – Many places offer maeun jokbal (spicy jokbal) or boneless jokbal

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🍶 Drink Pairing

• Soju – The go-to drink with jokbal

• Beer – Especially good with spicy jokbal

• Makgeolli – An earthy counterbalance to the richness

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💡 Pro Tip!

• Jokbal is a top late-night delivery food in Korea—great for hotel meals too!

• Look for half-and-half menus to try both spicy and regular jokbal

• Not a fan of bones? Ask for boneless jokbal (무뼈족발)

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📍 Best Jokbal Restaurants in Seoul

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal (만족오향족발)
Address: 55-3 Chungmu-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Jokbal Alley at Jangchung-dong (장충동 족발 골목)
Location: Near Dongguk Univ. Station

Yeongdong Jokbal (영동족발)
Address: 7-2 Teheran-ro 78-gil, Gangnam-gu

Jokbal House Mapo (족발하우스 마포)
Address: 8 Baekbeom-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu

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📍 Recommended Jokbal Spots in Incheon

Bupyeong Jokbal Street (부평 족발 골목)
Location: Near Bupyeong Market

Songdo Jokbal & Bossam (송도 족발보쌈)
Address: 33 Convensia-daero, Yeonsu-gu

Ganseok Jokbal (간석족발)
Address: 25 Ganseok-ro, Namdong-gu

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📍 Top Jokbal Restaurants in Gyeonggi-do

Suwon Jokbal Street (수원 족발거리)
Location: Near Suwon Station

Ilsan Boneless Jokbal (일산 무뼈족발)
Address: 63 Ilsan-ro, Goyang-si

Uijeongbu Spicy Jokbal (의정부 매운족발)
Address: 44 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu-si

Paju Jokbal King (파주 족발왕)
Address: 18 Paju Book City Road, Paju-si

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📝 Final Tips

• Jokbal is great for sharing—go with friends or order it late at night!

• Don’t skip the saeujeot dipping sauce—it’s small but powerful.

• Try spicy jokbal if you're adventurous, but beware—it’s no joke!

Thanks for joining us for the seventh delicious entry in the Korean Food Series!
Next time, we’ll uncover another Korean favorite. Stay tuned and stay hungry! 🇰🇷🍖