Seoul: Samcheong-Dong/ Bukchon – Pheuron Tay: Singapore Lifestyle & Travel Blog since 2013 https://www.pheurontay.com A Lifestyle & Travel Blog For the Culturally Curious & Epicurious Thu, 28 Jul 2022 02:59:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://www.pheurontay.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-Icon_B01-32x32.png Seoul: Samcheong-Dong/ Bukchon – Pheuron Tay: Singapore Lifestyle & Travel Blog since 2013 https://www.pheurontay.com 32 32 #InsiderKR: 4 Best-Kept Secret Places to See Autumn Foliage in Korea https://www.pheurontay.com/insider-autumn-foliage-places-in-korea/ https://www.pheurontay.com/insider-autumn-foliage-places-in-korea/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2016 11:20:54 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=17070 Seoul had experienced the peak of its autumn foliage just two weeks ago! Ever wondered where is the best place to view autumn foliage in Korea? Ditch the Nami Island, this #insiderKR post is going to show you some of the stunning places in South Korea during the golden autumn days! Other than my own autumn secret hideout, I  have gathered 3 other Seoulites to share their best-kept secret places of autumn foliage in South Korea. Read on.

Important Notice: Please note that I have stopped updating all South Korea-related content published before 2020 on this blog. You may find all updated South Korea travel content at my dedicated, new travel site here: www.thecalmchronicle.com 

The best autumn foliage venue got to be the ginkgo garden behind the queen dowager’s residence within the Gyeongbok Palace. — Insider Pheuron Tay

Autumn foliage at the Jagyeong-jeon.
Autumn foliage at the Jagyeong-jeon.

“One of my best place to embrace the autumn is the Gyeongbok Palace. I was taking a stroll on a weekday afternoon and accidentally found this beautiful ginkgo garden behind the Jagyeong-Jeon (자경전 慈慶殿). It was like walking into an ocean of glittering golden leaves.”

Tell us a must-do activity in Korea during autumn?
Glamping. Pack up your personal belongings, call your friends, and you can basically leave the rest of the stuff to the glamping site. Remember to prepare some Ramyeon and Army Stew ingredients and So-maek for an authentic Korean campsite experience. Read my detailed write-up about glamping here.

What are your personal must-eats during this season?
Grilled ginkgo nuts & fresh figs.

Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.
– Korean mistaken me as local while people at home refuse to believe I am not a foreigner.
– I own 35 lipsticks but insist on wearing the same 5 shades over and over.
– I love bright sunlight. I get cranky and depressed in a dimly lighted room.

Gyeongju has the best autumn foliage…even the small maeul (village) bus stops match the autumn atmosphere so well. — Insider Neoh

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“Although most Korean will recommend hiking to enjoy autumn foliage, I enjoy the scenery at Gyeongju (경주) very much. The slow-pace life over there, the streets filled with ginkgo trees and the endless rice fields…check out the small maeul (village) bus stops! Surprisingly they match the autumn atmosphere so well. Last but not least, the historical sites and temples covered in red and yellow leaves…makes a trip down to Gyeongju worthwhile.”

Tell us a must-do activity in Korea during autumn?
Hiking. Try Seorak Mountain. Basically autumn is a great season to travel, eat, drink and sleep. Remember to take lots of photo and hashtag them like mad.

What are your personal must-eats during this season?
You should definitely try fresh Bang-eo aka Japanese Amberjack (방어회) and Gwamaegi, Korean half-dried pacific herring (과메기), they’re my favourite sashimi during autumn. If raw fish isn’t your cup of tea, try their fresh persimmon or dried persimmon.

Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself. 
– My colleague asked me to stop pretending to be a foreigner.
– When I took out my passport to explain further, my colleague asked if I bought it from Jungonara. (Korean website that sells 2nd-hand goods, like Craigslist.)
– I am a foreigner.

I went paragliding at Danyang during early autumn and I was genuinely blown away by the magnificent scenery beneath me. (It was so beautiful) I could’t stop smiling to myself .– Insider Irene Siah

Check out Irene’s paragliding experience at Danyang below!

Video Courtesy of Irene Siah

Tell us a must-do activity in Korea during autumn?
Road tripping or PARAGLIDING. It was a great experience flying in the air, with amazing autumn foliage beneath! Definitely something you want to add to your bucket list!

What are your personal must-eats during this season?
Autumn is the season of tangerine! I just had a tangerine-grapefruit juice (감귤 자몽 주스) from U:DALLY and it tastes sooooo good! You can even bring the cute little bottle home after drinking the juice!

U:DALLY's Tangerine and Grapefruit Juice & Strawberry Latte.
U:DALLY’s Tangerine and Grapefruit Juice & Strawberry Latte. Photo by Irene Siah.
 
Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.
 – I work for KTO (Korea Tourism Organisation), introducing Korea to the world.
– I eat super fast and gets hungry all the time.
– I travel so much that people stop asking me did I have a good weekend. Instead they ask:” Where did you go this weekend?” or “Where are you going this weekend?”
 
 Naejangsan National Park was probably my favourite… The best photo spots: the Uhwajeong Pavilion & the Maple Tunnel.– Insider Siska
Naejangsan Uhwajeong Pavilion

All Naejangsan Photos By Siska Ariyanti.

“I suggest to skip the free shuttle bus service and walk all the way up because the route from the car park to the cable car station is amazingly beautiful. It takes about 30 mins-1 hour to reach the cable car station, depending where you park your car at.The Naejangsa itself is just so-so, but the two scenic photo spots I mentioned above are situated along the way to Naejangsa. “

Any other insider autumn foliage locations you want to share with us?
For a place within Seoul, Children’s Grand Park (서울 어린이대공원) is worth a visit. I would recommend a stroll around the park or even go for a picnic.

Photo by Siska Ariyanti. 2016 Autumn. Children's Grand Park. All Rights Reserved.
Photo by Siska Ariyanti. 2016 Autumn. Children’s Grand Park. All Rights Reserved.

If you have time to travel out of Seoul, I would recommend Jeonju (전주). You can have a foodie tour yet at the same time, enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage this city has to offer. Check out Jeonju Hyanggyo Confucian School, their ginkgo trees are at least 200-300 years old, therefore creating a picturesque view.

Photo by Siska Ariyanti. 2016 Autumn. Jeonju Hyanggyo. All Rights Reserved.
Photo by Siska Ariyanti. 2016 Autumn. Jeonju Hyanggyo. All Rights Reserved.

What is your personal must-eat during this season?
Danpatjuk, the sweet red bean soup (단팥죽) at “The Second Best in Seoul” (서울서 둘째로 잘 하는집), Samcheong-dong.

Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself. 
 – I prefer food over cosmetics.
– I have quite high tolerance to cold weather, I never wear long johns or Heattech during winter.
– I could listen to just one song on loop all day.

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At Duroomi: Lotus Leaf Feast in Samcheongdong https://www.pheurontay.com/at-duroomi-lotus-leaf-feast-samcheongdong/ https://www.pheurontay.com/at-duroomi-lotus-leaf-feast-samcheongdong/#respond Thu, 26 Nov 2015 11:30:31 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=9696 The first snow of winter arrived today. As the weather turns colder, I am craving for a hot pot to warm up my stomach every single meal. If you are planning your winter trip to Korea, it is time you do some research on the warm dishes for cold days in Korea. More often than not, I find people misunderstand Korean food. Kimchi and Spicy are the two boring words people use to talk about Korean dishes. If you think “Kimchi-land‘ people eat nothing else but kimchi, or that Korean eats BBQ every day, my dear, you are missing out real big in the culinary world of South Korea, a cosmopolitan country rich in tradition and history.

To many Asians residing in Seoul, what we like about the city is that we can easily find a Korean dish resembles a home dish we grow up eating. (We’re all Asian anyway!) I get to eat Su-jae-bee here, which is exactly the Korean form of Mee-Hoon-Kueh or Ban-Mian at home. (And Chinese call them mian-geda 面疙瘩 too). Our culinary culture is, in fact, similar. Another fun fact I learn here is: the hot pepper flakes, an essential ingredient in making Kimchi and all the Korean spicy dishes only came to Korea in the 17th century. That means, long time ago, Korean lived without spicy hot pepper, even when they were making Kimchi. What I want to say here is, there are a lot more options.

UPDATE 2020: Duroomi is now permanently closed. 

doroomi kitchen

The lotus leaf meal at Duroomi 두루미 키친 is one. It is a go-to place when you are sick of your typical Kimchi-land food. If you’re traveling with your folks, I am sure they’ll like it. (Tested and proven when my family came to visit.) Hidden in Samcheongdong, the restaurant serves contemporary Korean food using lotus leaves as the main ingredient. Their hot pot set lunch is perfect on a windy or snowy winter day, especially when you’ve exhausted your feet from exploring the neighborhood.

This bungalow-turn-restaurant is an establishment perfect for a family gathering and/or couple dining. It is truly inviting with its cosy, home-like atmosphere as if we were invited over to a friend’s house for a meal.

doroomi kitchen

Meals here comes in a set. Each hot pots has a minimum order for two person but all sets come with refillable side dishes. You can choose to top up another KRW 5,000 for a lotus leaf steamed rice or porridge, or plain noodles to complete the meal. We selected the Chadulbaegi bosot jeongol 차돌박이 버섯전골 (beef brisket and mushroom hotpot) and a lotus leaf steamed rice each.

samcheongdong food, doroomi kitchen

samcheongdong food, doroomi kitchen

What I like about dining at Duroomi is: all of their side dishes taste like home cooking to me and I haven’t had a dish that wasn’t good. I especially love their Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables) and  Bokkeum Kimchi (Stir fry Kimchi), two very common home dishes I used to eat at my Korean foster parents’ place during my language training days – comforting, soothing and filling.

banchan from doroomi kitchen samcheongdong
Side dish: Japchae

banchan from doroomi kitchen samcheongdong
Side Dish: Pickled Seaweed

 from doroomi kitchen samcheongdong
Side Dishes: Salads and seaweed

 from doroomi kitchen samcheongdong
Side Dish: baby spinach salad

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Side Dish: the Bokkeum Kimchi (Stir Fried Kimchi)

lotus leaf stream glutinous rice
Lotus Leaf Glutinous Rice

Now here comes the lotus leaf glutinous rice, Yeonyip-bap 연잎밥 — another Korean version of the classic Chinese dim sum, the Loh-Mai-Gai. While the Chinese lotus leaf glutinous rice is rich in flavour and tends to be more greasy, the Yeonyip-bap has a muted earthy aroma of ginkgo nuts, chestnuts and red dates, with minimal seasoning.

doroomi kitchen, samcheongdong lotus steamed rice

doroomi kitchen, samcheongdong lotus steamed rice

A chorus of aroma hits my nose as I unwrap the lotus packet. The rice and fillings are cooked evenly, with a slight burnt at the sides. I love the chewy texture of the lotus aroma infused rice. The leafy nuance and fragrance not only pairs well with all the other banchan (side dishes), but also the Chadulbaegi hot pot.

chadolbagi shabu-beoseot jeongol
Chadulbaegi bosot jeongol (beef brisket and mushroom hotpot)

Here come our Chadulbaegi, the beef brisket and mushroom hot pot. It was served together with a small jar of homemade lotus leaf powder to add to the soup for a stronger lotus leaf aroma. The mushrooms, veggies and beef were cooked to tender perfection while the soup is infused with the teasing aroma of the leaf – a perfect melding of flavours! A hot, comforting soup-y lunch in winter, you couldn’t have asked for more.

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lotus leaf powder
One teaspoon of lotus leaf powder to the soup — as adviced.

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stir well and voila! Enjoy the lotus leaf fragrance in your bowl.

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Pork dumpling in the soup.

shabu shabu, duroomi kitchen, samcheongdong

duroomi kitchen

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The meal comes with a cup of tea. While the folks were taking their rest, I went up to the 2nd floor of the restaurant and took some pictures of their tastefully decorated interior.

collage duroomi kitchen samcheongdong

doroomi kitchen

doroomi kitchen, samcheongdong

Writer’s Note: If you are travelling to Seoul in winter, be sure to bookmark the blog down as this could be your saviour when you’re sick of your typical Kimchi-land food (aye, I can feel you.) This is one of my go-to places in Samcheongdong during the colder season. If you have developed a hal-mae ipmat (할매 입맛, a taste for anything traditional, like a grandma’s taste), this is where you and your like-minded friends should totally visit.

 

Contact Details:

At Duroomi 두루미 키친
27-6 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
서울시 종로구 삼청동 27-6
Tel: +82-70-4063-2787

Directions:


1. Take any subway line to Anguk Station 안국역, take exit no.2
2. Once you come up from exit no. 2, walk straight for about 12M and locate a bus stop for maeul bus Jongno 02 (종로02 )

bukchonro_way03

3. Take bus Jongno 02 (종로02) and alight 6 stops later at Gamsa-won (감사원 The Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea).
screen shot 1
4. Cross the zebra crossing, and you’ll find yourself in front of Samcheongdong Post Office (삼청동 우체국). Follow my direction in the above picture, walk down to the direction where the blue arrow is pointing.

screen shot 2

4. Continue to walk down the slope and you’ll find yourself passing Vietnam Embassy of Korea, then the University of North Korean Studies, at your left-hand side. Keep going down the road until you reach another junction. Then turn left.

How to get to durooomi restaurant samcheongdong

5. Continue walking down and take note of an alley at your left-hand side. Turn into the small alley &  you’ll see the restaurant.

It looks quite complicated but if you follow my guide closely, you’ll be able to locate the Duroomi restaurant in about 5-10 minutes after alighting the bus.

 

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3 Luxurious Hanok Stays in Seoul https://www.pheurontay.com/3-luxurious-hanok-stay-in-seoul/ https://www.pheurontay.com/3-luxurious-hanok-stay-in-seoul/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2015 07:55:35 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=6454 Just before the school starts, a friend of mine asked for a hanok stay recommendation in Seoul. Well, to be frank, I never stayed in a hanok  in Seoul before. However, as I mentioned in my previous postings, I am a fan of anything vintage with a modern twist, my interest in hanok renovation, hanok architecture and hanok interior design was established long ago. I have been collecting information every now and then. That being said, I am pretty confident in recommending a couple of beautiful hanok stays in Seoul.

A hanok (한옥) is a traditional Korean housing. Many of these traditional houses are former homes of powerful aristocrats, noblemen, and high-ranking government officials. These hanok houses, which are usually found surrounding the palace are now preserved and transformed into guesthouses, restaurant, gallery or cafe.

I reckon hanok with an elegant mix of tradition and modern would be nice for anyone looking for a place to be pampered. Hence here are the top three recommended luxurious hanok stays in Seoul. Price per night might not come cheap. However, judging from the pictures and the positive reviews from their guests, I would say the experience is one-of-a-kind. I have yet to try them out personally, but these are definitely on my list if I were to book a room for myself.

Chiwoonjung 취운정

A jewel of contemporary and traditional hanok architecture, Chiwoonjung is top of my list so far. Marketed as a boutique hotel, Chiwoonjung offers its visitors a glimpse of past without compromising the convenience of modern living. The lavishly renovated bathroom with a wooden tub is perfect for a relaxing soak. It is located up on a hill, providing its guest an exclusive and spectacular view of the beautiful rooftops of Bukchon Hanok Village! For some of you who do not know yet, this place was previously the home of the former South Korean president Lee Myung Bak!
KRW 327,000-1,100,000 per suite per night. For bookings and information, check here.

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Picture courtesy of Chiwoonjung.

chiwoonjung hanok stay
Picture courtesy of Chiwoonjung.

570009_14030615430018580995
Picture courtesy of Chiwoonjung.

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Picture courtesy of Chiwoonjung.

chiwoonjung hanok

chiwoonjung hanok stay

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570009_14030615430018580996
Picture courtesy of Chiwoonjung.

chiwoonjung
Picture courtesy of Chiwoonjung.

570009_14030615400018580901
Picture courtesy of Chiwoonjung.

570009_14030611430018576366
Picture courtesy of Chiwoonjung.

 

Rakkojae 락고재

An old Korean traditional house with a rich history of 130 years, Rakkojae is a perfect example of a harmonious mixture of Korean architecture and nature. Renovated by South Korean’s Human National Treasure — Master carpenter Young Jin Chung, the hanok itself is a remarkable piece of art. The private garden with pine trees and bamboo, together with the 130-year-old hanok facade in the background created an unpretentious, tranquil atmosphere. Rooms are equipped with jade stone ondol floor, even yellow mud sauna facility is available. Guests will be able to enjoy various cultural immersion programs including traditional tea ceremony, trying on royal costumes or joining a Kimchi making class.
KRW 250,000-450.000 per room per night. For more information about Rakkojae, check here.

rakkojae hanok stay
Picture courtesy of Secret-Retreats.com

Picture courtesy of Secret-Retreats.com
Picture courtesy of Secret-Retreats.com

Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.
Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.

Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.
Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.

Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.
Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.

Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.
Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.

Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.
Picture courtesy of Rakkojae.

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rakkojae seoul

 

Cheongsongjae 청송재 . 능소헌

A reborn of modern adaptations to old architecture, Cheongsongjae is the place one should check out if you are interested in modern hanok interior design. It remains as a private residence of the renowned architect for various generations. Cheongsongjae is a model of two hanoks combined into one. Visitors will be living in one of the hanok while the owner and his family staying the other. The living room, kitchen, and other common areas are shared — I would say it is a unique experience since it is a rare opportunity for a foreigner to stay under one roof with a Korean family!
KRW 495,000 per night. For booking information, check here.

Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.
Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com

Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.
Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.

36668e1b69e82eddb9cb8bd5109e4197_thumb
Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.

Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.
Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.

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Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.
Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.

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Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.

Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.
Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.

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Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.

Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.
Picture Courtesy of Kozaza.com.

So far, I only came across these three hanok stays in Seoul with a luxurious touch. I will continue to work on the list if I discover more. If you have any place to recommend, please let me know ; D

 

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Bugmaggol 북막골 : Humongous BBQ beef ribs at Samcheongdong https://www.pheurontay.com/bugmaggol-samcheongdong-beef-ribs/ https://www.pheurontay.com/bugmaggol-samcheongdong-beef-ribs/#respond Thu, 04 Dec 2014 05:22:24 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=3903 Winter has arrived and the days start to grow shorter. Somehow I find myself feeling carnivorous especially when the days turn ruthlessly cold in Seoul. (Minus degree temperature every day, no kidding!)  There is one place I would usually think of in times like this. Let me give you a scenario here: It is a -4-celsius degree, extremely cold day out there and you are safe and sound in a nicely warmed house, indulging in a humongous, slow-grilled, tender and juicy, fall-off-the-bone beef ribs…. And regarding the size of the ribs that you’re feasting?  Check out Park Soo-jin below.

Tasty road Sujin Galbi

So how does my plan sound?

bokmakgol samcheongdong
Picture of Bugmaggol taken on one of my visits in the summer.

The restaurant that I am writing about today is located in a random back alley of Samcheongdong, a well-polished neighbourhood where traditional and modern met. Since it is buried in the small alleys off the main drag, it takes a little effort to reach, more even so if you don’t read, speak or understand the Korean Language. But I am sure if you can find your way to the restaurant, you’ll agree with me it is all worth the trouble. (Please check the end of the post for directions).

P6190281e1

bukmakgol samcheongdong

Entering the rustic Korean style main door, a cosy courtyard beckoning. I’ve heard too much about this place from my Korean friends and looking at the booked up restaurant at 630pm you know how popular they actually are. To avoid waiting, please be early or at least make a reservation.

indoor of bokmakgol in samcheongdong

The Interior of the hanok is adorned with Korean paintings and traditional Korean windows for a classic touch.

tasty road, bokmakgol menu

Regarding to their menu, other than the usual Korean dishes like dumplings soup and ordinary hansik (Korean dishes), this restaurant is famed for 3 dishes: Roasted Garlic with boiled pig trotters (마늘 로스팅 보쌈), Old Stone Age Beef Galbi (구석기 갈비) and Baby Squid (땡땡 쭈꾸미). Price varies depending on the serving size. It cost us KRW38,000 for medium-size beef ribs, usually fit for 2-3 person. Upsize will cost you KRW 48,000.

tasty road 2014 bukmakgol
Tasty Road 2014 covering Bugmaggol. Picture courtesy of Bugmaggol Facebook Page.

I am sure foodies in Korea are well aware of the popular food hunt programme “Tasty Road” by Olive TV, done by the Producers BC oppa and SJ oppa, and Director JK oppa that I met through another programme collaboration years back. I really love the show as they do have a couple of fairly good finds (usually hidden restaurants). Sexy Singer Uhm Jung-hwa and Actor Jang Dong-gun also visited this place back in spring 2014 (this year)!!

bokmakgol famous visitors

We didn’t wait too long for the food. Sides were served pretty fast, followed by the main dish:

bokmakgol samcheongdong

The radish water kimchi (Mul-Kimchi) was a very satisfying dish with a cooling, slightly sour taste.

P6190251e1

And then the main dish: Stone Age Beef Ribs. The stories behind the name?

The owner at Bugmaggol revealed that he was inspired by comic books about the old stone age where protagonists eat huge beef ribs without cutting them into smaller chunks. Holding the ribs in one hand and a makgeolli (Korean Traditional Rice Wine) bowl in another and eating like a stone age man boss, is an experience the Bugmaggol wants to provide.

bokmakgol galbi

bokmakgol galbi

Nicely coated in the sweet and peppery garlic sauce, these tender, juicy ribs are looking great in the spectacular visual presentation by the chef.

bokmakgol samcheongdong

According to the owner, these huge ribs are from the “second cut” (or some might call it “blade end” cut) from a cow’s rib section. The restaurant only takes ribs from sections no. 6 through 8 to make this particular dish. Section 6-8 are ribs from the cow’s shoulder. They are known to have larger chunks of fat that make the meat really delish if the ribs are prepared properly.

bokmakgol size of galbi

We ordered a medium-sized galbi. That comes 3 pieces of ribs. It might look mini from the pictures. But it is actually very meaty and heavy. Although the ribs were cooked to a tender soft texture, it still took us some time to cut the beef into chunks simply because the portion is just CRAZY huge. *Cough* Now I need a shoulder massage before tucking in.

10549192_480926302047179_5111768035329388659_o
MBC’s food hunt programme 찾아라! 맛있는 TV starring Jang Su-won’s “dining diary”.  Photo courtesy of Bugmaggol’s Facebook page.

Here is another picture from their official Facebook page to show u how big the ribs are. These tender, juicy, succulent meat actually requires very little effort to pry from the bone. Certainly my type of ribs; D

P6190266e1

The dish also comes with stew assorted vegetables. The chopped bell peppers, onion, zucchini and bokchoy add a sweet note to the dish. Yummmm….

복막골

One last picture to show the size of the ribs. Very clean bones explain the tenderness of the meat.

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mmmm… I am definitely going back for more.

collage makgeolli

It is also good to pair up the ribs with the sweet and milky makgeolli (Traditional rice wine). We opted for the “country-style” makgeolli, which turned out to be surprisingly great. A good match with the ribs — what you’ll definitely need to wash down the greasiness from the fats.

kimchi at bokmakgol

On a side note, they serve excellent house kimchi. The typical sweet and spicy type that I adore most. We refilled it so many times that I lost my count.LOL.

P6190268e1

My Verdict: Hands down. One of the best galbi available in Seoul. The chef totally nailed it. Though it was quite expensive (38,000 for one dish fit for 2), considering the taste, the portion and the “stone age” experience in a fancy Korean Traditional House, I think it is well worth the money. Excellent for friends gathering or entertaining important guests who visit Seoul. They have private dining rooms as well.

Contact Information:

Bugmaggol 북막골
30-2 Samcheong-dong, Jungno-gu.
중로구 삼청동 30-2
Tel: 02-730-0980

Operating Hours: 
Lunch: 11am-3pm
Break: 3pm-430pm
Dinner: 430pm-9pm

Directions:

1. Getting out from Anguk Station Line No. 3 Exit No. 1. Take the route on your right-hand side. (Facing the street and the exit at your back).
2. Go straight for about 10 minutes, you will pass by Olive Young drug store. Before you reach an alley, you will see Baek Sang Photography Studio. It is hard to miss it as there are huge family portraits and newborn baby portraits hanging at the windows of the studio. Continue walking straight.
3. By now you will find yourself walking on a path with a whole stretch of the stone wall at your right-hand side. Walk further down until you reach the MAIN road, then turn right into the main road.
4. Go straight. Locate Bob-ryun Temble (법련사) and Gallery Hyundai (갤러리현대), a building that looks like below:

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There’ll be a bus stop in front of the Gallery Hyundai. Wait for Maeul Bus no. Jongno 11 “종로 11”  (minibus in green).
5. Alight the bus 4 stops later, at the Korea Institute of Finance Station (금융연수원 정류장 [Read: geum-yong-yon-su-won])
6. Continue to walk down the street with the Institute of Finance at your right-hand side, for another 100m.
7. You would see Bugmaggol’s signboard by now, just before Homestead Coffee.

bukmakgol signboard

8. Turn to your right into the alley beside Homestead Coffee. You’ll find yourself in a secluded area where you’ll see the only Korean Traditional housing: that’s Bugmaggol.

bokmakgol samcheongdong

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9. Get into their courtyard and check for the availability of the seats. The restaurant gets really crowded at the weekend, especially at dinner time.

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