Journey to the Home of Hanwoo, Chungju
Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Chungju, South Korea, you’ll find numerous small Hanwoo (Korean beef) farms dotting the landscape. This region offers a unique experience where you can purchase fresh Hanwoo directly from a local market and grill it on the spot. The anticipation of tasting some of the freshest beef imaginable quickens your steps as you approach this hidden gem.
Introducing Bukchungju Village Chamhanwoo Village
Our destination was Bukchungju Nonghyup Chamhanwoo Village, located at 1512 Gagok-ro, Angseong-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. Beloved by many, this place allows visitors to buy fresh Hanwoo directly from the market and enjoy it immediately in the adjoining restaurant. It’s particularly famous for offering a variety of special cuts and offal at reasonable prices, letting you savor the diverse flavors of Hanwoo beef.
Tasting the Fresh Raw Beef Set
Upon entering the restaurant, the owner prepared our table for the grilling menu and provided a special spicy sauce for those who purchased Yukhoe (Korean beef tartare). We decided to start with the Fresh Raw Beef Set, which included beef spleen (Jira), omasum tripe (Cheonyeop), raw liver (Saenggan), and Yukhoe. Following the recommendation of comedian Kim Jun-hyun, we tasted them in the order of omasum tripe, raw liver, spleen, and finally Yukhoe. Each offered unique textures and freshness that delighted our palates.
Enjoying Various Cuts of Hanwoo
As the charcoal grill heated up, we began cooking various cuts of beef, starting from leaner parts and moving to more marbled ones. The Hanging Tender (Jebi-churi) was tender yet had a satisfying bite, while the Teres Major (Ttuk-sal) was exceptionally chewy. The Short Rib Meat (Galbi-sal), in particular, was marbled perfectly, providing an excellent texture and rich flavor. We continued with Ribeye Cap (Salchi-sal), Tenderloin (Anshim), Top Blade (Buche-sal), Brisket Point (Eopjin-sal), Skirt Steak (Chima-sal), Outside Skirt (Anchang-sal), Sirloin (Deungshim), and Brisket Slices (Chadolbagi).
By adjusting the cooking time for each cut, we maximized the meat’s natural flavors and textures. This experience reaffirmed how crucial it is to grill meat properly to bring out its best taste. The nuttiness of the Galbi-sal and the unique charm of the Chima-sal were particularly unforgettable.
Wrapping Up with Gomchwi Cold Noodles and Banquet Noodles
After indulging in a hearty amount of meat, we concluded our meal with Gomchwi Cold Noodles and Banquet Noodles (Janchi Guksu).
The refreshing and cool gomchwi noodles, made with Korean wild greens, and the light, savory banquet noodles cleansed our palates, providing a perfect end to our feast.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Visiting Bukchungju Village Chamhanwoo Village, where we could taste fresh Hanwoo and various special cuts, was truly an unforgettable experience. Not only did we appreciate the unparalleled freshness of the meat, but we also learned grilling techniques to bring out the best in each cut. If you ever find yourself in Chungju, we highly recommend experiencing the true taste of Hanwoo at this remarkable place.