Yukjeon Hoegwan: Where the Bassak Bulgogi Isn’t What You’d Expect
When you’re searching for the best restaurants in Seoul, you’ll find no shortage of trendy spots. But if you want something with deep roots and real history, Yukjeon Hoegwan (역전회관) near Gongdeok Station delivers. This isn’t just one of the oldest restaurants in Seoul and has a family and flavor that dates all the way back to 1928.
If you’re looking for where to eat in Gongdeok, or want to experience something beyond the usual modern Korean fare, this is it. This restaurant is a standout not because it’s new or flashy, but because it’s steady—and still doing what it does best.
Get ready to eat at one of the best restaurants in Gongdeok:
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Basic Info
Address: 47 Tojeong-ro 37-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 토정로37길 47)
Directions: Take exit 7 at Gongdeok Station and the walk is about 5 minutes.
Hours: Everyday: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm daily (Break time: 3:00pm ~ 5:00pm)
The restaurant is now housed in a sleek, four-story building near Gongdeok Station. It’s a far cry from its humble beginnings, but the essence remains. Inside, the space is clean, bright, and spacious, with enough room for both solo diners and large groups.
History & Legacy
Yukjeon Hoegwan began nearly a century ago, when the current owner’s grandmother opened a small restaurant in Suncheon-si. In 1962, the family moved to Seoul and that’s where they created their signature dish: bassak bulgogi (바싹불고기), a style of bulgogi known for being grilled without broth or liquid.
In 2013, Yukjeon Hoegwan was named a Future Heritage of Seoul, and in 2023, it earned a spot in the Michelin Guide Seoul. It’s a recognition of their commitment to preserving tradition while continuing to serve consistently high-quality food.
What to Order
Bassak Bulgogi is the reason to come here. Whether you’re ordering à la carte or going for one of the set meals, this dish should be at the center of your table, and really any meal you order will have it at the center of the table.
Unlike the sweet, juicy bulgogi you might be used to, bassak bulgogi is thin-sliced, flame-grilled, and served dry, on purpose. The juices stay sealed inside, creating a crisp outer layer and tender, smoky beef at the center. Don’t skip the traditional Korean way of eating it: wrap the beef in a perilla leaf with raw garlic, kimchi, a scoop of rice, and gochujang. Simple and satisfying.
The sets are good value for what you get… if you are keen to try everything. Our group wasn’t fans of the ox blood soup, though my husband would have been if he were with us, so instead we went a la carte and got the bassak bulgogi and the beef tartare bibimbap surrounded by more side dishes than we could handle.
The side dishes are delicious and the bassak bulgogi really is an interesting stand out. Not one to pass up steak tartare anything, their version was A+ as well, would recommend.
Other menu highlights:
- Stir-fried Octopus (낙지볶음정식): Grilled octopus served with house-made red chili sauce
- Ox Blood Soup (선지국): A clear ox blood soup, known as a hangover cure
- Bossam & Samhap: Pork with kimchi or fermented skate, for those who want to go all in on traditional flavors
With a legacy stretching back to 1928, it’s one of the few restaurants that has maintained its identity through decades of change. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is clean, polished, and welcoming. This is where you should eat in Gongdeok.
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