Location

31 Yanghwajin 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Gjustina

Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Exit 7 of Hapjeong Station, Gjustina is on the ground floor of JunoVino Hotel. Its prime location and the rare perk of on-site parking make it especially convenient for anyone looking to enjoy a stylish dining spot in Hongdae without the hassle of looking for a nearby parking space. FYI — if you’re looking for more things to do in this area, I recently shared a post on shopping around Hongdae and Hapjeong that might be helpful.

Menu & Pricing

During the daytime Gjustina offers a well-curated selection of brunch dishes from sandwiches to burgers while in the evening, the space becomes a romantic restaurant offering steaks and pasta, perfect for date nights and special occasions. On the dinner menu, steaks begin in the mid-30,000 KRW range with pastas and pizzas in the 20,000 KRW range. On my recent visit, I ordered 2 main dishes: the Wagyu Sirloin Steak and the Bottarga Pasta, with a Chocolate Crepe Cake for dessert.

What I Ordered

Wagyu Sirloin Steak

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Wagyu Sirloin Steak was definitely the highlight of the evening. The steak was served pre-sliced in long cuts, which made it great for sharing. I ordered it medium-well, and it was perfectly cooked with a crispy seared crust on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.

The peppercorn sauce served on top had a mild, creamy gravy texture that enhanced the flavor of the meat. The sauce and plating gave the steak a subtle Japanese-Western(Yoshoku) vibe. It might not be a classic Western steak, but the unique blend of flavors made it more memorable for me.

I initially wanted to go for the basil and pomodoro pastas but both were sold out, so I ended up ordering the Bottarga Pasta to pair my steak. Bottarga, known as the fish roe of mullet or tuna, is a delicacy in Mediterranean cuisine. The pasta came generously topped with scallops and shrimp, and the roe added a subtle burst of texture. Overall it was a light oil-based pasta with the natural umami of seafood.

To finish the meal, I chose a Chocolate Crepe Cake from the cake display near the entrance. The crepe layers were delicately stacked, with chocolate cream and crunchy chocolate chips filling each layer. The cake was sweet yet balanced—the slight bitterness of cacao added a rich depth, and made it the perfect finale for the dinner.

Corkage & Wine Pairing

Corkage at Gjustina

Gjustina allows you to bring your own wine with a corkage fee of 30,000 KRW per bottle — fairly standard for restaurants in central Seoul. They also offer a solid in-house wine list, and occasionally have promotions that feature set menus pairing steak with their house wine.

Nespolino Rubicone Sangiovese – Merlot

I brought a bottle of Nespolino Rubicone, a Sangiovese-Merlot blend from Italy. I chose this wine for its apparent notes of chocolate and herbs, but I couldn’t really distinguish these notes and found the overall flavor quite simple. In general it was a light-bodied, dry red wine that paired smoothly with both the steak and the dessert — easy to drink, perfect for a casual dinner.

Vibe & Atmosphere

Gjustina’s high ceilings, large green plants, and natural light give the impression of dining in a stylish greenhouse. This leafy décor—sometimes referred to as “plant-terior” in Korea—creates a peaceful and romantic space that feels far from the bustle of Hongdae.

The tables are well-spaced, allowing for privacy and the overall ambiance is ideal for dates or quiet dinners. That said, it’s worth noting that orders are placed and paid through a touchpad on the table, which might feel a little awkward for first dates or special occasions. When I visited on a Sunday evening, the space was relatively empty, but brunch hours tend to be much busier so I’d recommend making a reservation if you plan to visit for lunch.

Gjustina is also used as a venue for private events, including weddings and corporate gatherings. With its spacious interior and upscale design, it would undoubtedly make for a great setting for any type of occasion.