Since ancient times, bath-type health foods have been developed in Korea to protect the body tired from the heat. Among them, “yukgaejang†comes from the fact that Kaejang Guk, the representative food you saw, was boiled with beef instead of dog meat when the likes and dislikes were mixed. Yukgaejang has a rich texture and flavor by adding various vegetables such as beef, boiled green onions, and bracken to the sharp broth. The nutritious ingredients and the hot, spicy soup are perfect for melting the stomach in the cold winter months. Also, yukgaejang has become a popular staple food for common people because you can enjoy a hearty meal at a reasonable price.
Seoul's yukgaejang restaurants that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons include Munbae-dong Yukkal, Yeoksam-dong Donggyeong Traditional Yukgaejang, Mangwon-dong Yukjang, Suyu Samtermaru, Euljiro Boominok, Munjeong-dong Wonganeson Dumpling, Euljiro Woollae-ok, Apgujeong Korean-Japanese Pavilion, and Songpa Byeokjeong ribs. Famous yukgaejang restaurants across the country include Daegu Jingolmok Restaurant, Old House Restaurant, Jeju Woojin Haejang Soup, Daejeon Cheerang Restaurant, Cheongju Rijeong Restaurant, Gongju Ihak Restaurant, Pyeongtaek Yujangchun Chicken Restaurant, Paju Baby Restaurant, Incheon Pungjeon Restaurant, and Jecheon Boryeong Restaurant. Yukgaejang franchises include Lee Hwa-su Traditional Yukgaejang, Hongik Gungjung Yukgaejang, Yukdaejang, Lee Daegam Yukgaejang, Chef's Yukgaejang, and Cheongyang Sanghoe. In the cold winter, let's take a look at Seimei Yukgaejang restaurant that will fill your body and mind!
1. A hearty bowl in a nostalgic atmosphere, 'Old House Diner' in Daegu
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“Old House Restaurant†is located in a narrow alley between Seomun Market and Dalseongwon. It has continued for three generations since 1948. The silver mother-of-pearl farm, red floor, and dining table create a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have come to a grandmother's house. “Yukgaejang,†a signature dish made from Korean beef, is served with tofu paste, kakuteki, chives, and pickled peppers. The non-greasy, clean soup contains green onions and taro, and is characterized by the fact that it contains thick slices of meat that are low in fat instead of pork ribs. The first bite has the same flavor as yukgaejang came from, and after eating about half of it, you can enjoy it in two versions by adding minced garlic to add rich umami. Note that yukgaejang soup can be refilled.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 48-5, Dalseogongwon-ro 6-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
▲Opening hours: 11:00 — 18:00 every day, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Yukgaejang 9,000 won
â–² Testimonial (Witnam Shikigin): It's a nice and casual place to relax the day after drinking~hehe, the taste wasn't irritating~hehe
2. Euljiro's 'Boominok' with sincerity in rich broth
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“Buminok†is a place boasting about 60 years of tradition in the Euljiro area. Since it was aired in famous media, the number of visitors has increased, and it has become very popular. “Yukgaejang,†which is topped with plenty of shredded lean meat, is seasoned only with salt and red pepper powder by adding large sliced green onions to the beef bone broth that has been carefully cooked for 6 to 7 hours. Using minimal seasoning, the soup is rich in the sweetness of green onions and the meat's meat. Another popular menu is the “miso sauce,†which is cluntly sliced lamb and vegetables such as parsley, peppers, and onions mixed with sesame oil sauce. Because of its chewy texture and hearty volume, it is a favorite snack for alcoholic beverages
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 24-12 Dadong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 11:00 — 22:00 every day, B/T 14:00 — 17:00, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Yukgaejang 9,000 won, seasoning (small) 28,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigin Nopo): This restaurant has an unusual and tasty mutton sauce. It's a great place to have a cup of soju. The miso soup and yukgaejang also have a deep flavor. The elderly are bustling like long-time workers.
3. The freshness of green onions mixed in mild soup, Daejeon's 'Cheerful Restaurant'
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“Cheerful Restaurant†is located in Samseong-dong Printing Alley. Unlike the exterior of the building, which shows signs of age, the interior has been recently remodeled and has a clean feel. The signature menu is “yukgaejang,†which contains so much green onions that it is nicknamed “pagaejang.†Scallions were boiled once in hot water to remove the spiciness and further enhance their unique coolness. The combination of beef bone broth with the freshness of green onions and soft, crunchy brisket is excellent. The meat and green onions are filled with broth, so I recommend draining them a bit before eating. It's only open from morning to lunch, so be sure to check it out when you visit.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 56-20, Taejeon-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon
▲Opening hours: 09:30 — 15:00 on weekdays, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Yukgaejang 8,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigin Mami): It's unique because it contains green onions, and the amount of meat is slightly higher than the others, so I ate it like a blue one and drink the soup. I think it's the best in Haejang
4. Paju's 'Baby House', a rich texture that fills the mouth
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“Baby House†is a yukgaejang specialty store that has been loved by local residents for a long time. The soup from the signature menu “Yukgaejang†is mixed with brisket and rice, then added plenty of green onions and meat to get a deep flavor. Yukgaejang, which is seasoned with a rich broth and a sharp sauce, contains plenty of ingredients such as green onions, vermicelli, eggs, bracken, and beef, so you can enjoy a rich texture. Starting with the cool soup that soothes the stomach, the combination of tender meat and sweet and spicy green onions is attractive. Other meal menus are also available for “Bulgogi Earthenware Pot,†“Seonji Haejang Soup,†and “Traditional Samgyetang.â€
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 13, City Hall Ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
▲Opening hours: 08:00 — 21:00 every day, B/T 15:00 — 17:00, closed on Mondays
â–²Price: Yukgaejang 7,000 won, yakiniku earthenware pot 7,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigami *Pororo*): I ate spicy yukgaejang here because the day was cold and I was drawn to the cool soup. I recently moved to a clean place, so the store is larger and there is a parking lot. There are so many ingredients for the price, and above all, I like that the soup is refreshing.
5. Yeoksam “Tokyo Traditional Yukgaejangâ€, a rich soup that fills the heart
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“Tokyo Traditional Yukgaejang†offers a variety of yukgaejang dishes, including traditional yukgaejang, yukgaejang kishimen noodles, and yukgaejang hot pot. It is a place that is responsible for a hearty lunch for nearby office workers due to its fast table turnover and hearty volume. The signature menu is “Traditional Yukgaejang,†where the combination of bright red soup and yellow eggshell color enhances the palate. We put brisket in the beef bone broth for at least 24 hours, cook for 4 more hours, then tear the meat into chunks. It is finished with condiments such as green onion extract, red pepper, and garlic to create a sharp and thick soup. The savory flavor of the thick boiled green onions in the heavy broth and the thick sliced egg zidan blend pleasantly in the mouth.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 8-3 Teheran-ro 13-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
▲Business hours: 09:00 — 21:00 on weekdays; 09:00 — 15:00 on Saturdays; 09:00 — 20:00 on Sundays
â–²Price: Traditional yukgaejang 8,000 won, rib yukgaejang 10,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigin Strawberry 95): It's close to the office, so I often stop by at lunchtime. There are plenty of portions, so when you roll up a hearty bowl and eat it, your stomach feels full. I think this rich soup comes to mind even more in the cold winter like these days.