Founded in 1996 in Seoul’s vibrant Hongdae district, Hongdae Dakgalbi has built its reputation on the signature “cheese fondue dakgalbi” experience - marinated diced chicken, cabbage, rice cakes and sweet potatoes cooked on a cast-iron griddle right at the table, then finished off with a cheesy rice or ramen add-on. At the Convoy location, guests will step into a dynamic communal-style setting. Tables will feature built-in griddles for guests to cook together, complemented by a self-service banchan bar (pickled radish, kimchi, mini pancakes) and a salad station.
The menu will highlight the house classic Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi, as well as options like Vegetable Dakgalbi, various topping add-ons (ramen, cheese, extra rice cakes), and finishing dishes like Snowflake Cheese Fried Rice and Flying Fish Roe Fried Rice. A full bar will serve soju, Korean beers, and soft drinks, encouraging both casual dinners and lively group gatherings.
In choosing San Diego, the brand is tapping into the heart of the city’s Korean-food surge. The Convoy District is already recognized as one of the largest Pan-Asian restaurant zones in the U.S., and recent reports show a significant growth in Korean dining establishments in the region. For Hongdae Dakgalbi, San Diego represents a forward-looking test market - where the appetite for Korean cuisine is already present, and diners are seeking interactive, shareable meals.
The former space, previously occupied by a hot-pot concept at the same address, provides an established restaurant footprint in the Convoy hot-zone, enabling a smoother build-out for the incoming brand. Construction and permitting are underway, with the goal of welcoming diners by year's end
The former space, previously occupied by a hot-pot concept at the same address, provides an established restaurant footprint in the Convoy hot-zone, enabling a smoother build-out for the incoming brand. Construction and permitting are underway, with the goal of welcoming diners by year's end
Hongdae Dakgalbi’s is expected to open during the first week of December at 4428 Convoy Street in San Diego's Kearny Mesa
Originally published on October 29, 2025.