Hello everyone! Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Yeokjeon Hoegwan Mapo Main Branch, a historic restaurant in Seoul’s Mapo district. Established in 1929, this eatery boasts a rich history of nearly a century, preserving traditional Korean flavors across four generations. Intrigued by its legacy, I decided to experience their famed Barssak Bulgogi (crispy grilled beef) firsthand.

Menu and Prices

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu offered a variety of dishes, but I opted for the following:

• Barssak Bulgogi: 38,000 KRW
• San-nakji Choe (Seasoned Live Octopus Salad): 50,000 KRW
• Yukhoe Bibimbap (Raw Beef Bibimbap): 16,000 KRW
• Seonji Sulguk (Ox Blood Hangover Soup): 18,000 KRW

Please note that these prices are as of November 1, 2024.

Operating Hours and Location

• Operating Hours:
  • Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
  • Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Break Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
• Closed: Every Monday
• Contact: 02-776-5656
• Address: 47 Tojeong-ro 37-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Yeomni-dong 173-21)

The Barssak Bulgogi Experience

A Legacy Dish

Barssak Bulgogi is the star of Yeokjeon Hoegwan. The dish dates back to 1962 when it was first introduced at the original location near Yongsan Station.

The idea was to serve a dish that didn’t leave a strong odor on customers’ clothes, perfect for travelers about to board trains. The thinly sliced beef is marinated and then grilled over a mesh grill, a technique requiring skilled hands to prevent burning while infusing a delightful smoky flavor.

Tasting Notes

When the Barssak Bulgogi arrived, it was accompanied by an array of side dishes. The meat had a slightly charred exterior but remained juicy inside. The flavor reminded me of marinated pork ribs, with a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes. The smoky aroma was instantly appetizing.

Three Ways to Enjoy Barssak Bulgogi

The staff recommended three delightful methods to savor the dish:

1. Classic Wrap: Place a piece of Barssak Bulgogi on a perilla leaf, add a slice of garlic dipped in ssamjang (fermented soybean paste), and top it with some seasoned radish. Wrap it up and enjoy the explosion of flavors.
2. Bibimbap Fusion: Use a perilla leaf to wrap Barssak Bulgogi along with a spoonful of Yukhoe Bibimbap. This combination offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes.
3. Homemade Bulgogi Burger: Place the Barssak Bulgogi inside a piece of morning bread to create a simple yet delicious burger.

I tried all three methods, and each offered a unique taste experience. The homemade burger was particularly delightful—a perfect blend of traditional and modern flavors.

Other Notable Dishes

Seonji Sulguk (Ox Blood Hangover Soup)

The Seonji Sulguk was a pleasant surprise. Made with a clear broth from beef round cuts and lean meat, it included fresh ox blood sourced daily to ensure a clean taste without any unwanted odors. The soup was refreshing and deeply savory, and the ox blood had a pleasant, chewy texture.

Tip: Add some Cheongyang chili peppers and kimchi to the soup for an extra kick of spice.

San-nakji Choe (Seasoned Live Octopus Salad)

This dish combined thinly sliced radish with chewy live octopus, all seasoned perfectly. The crunchy texture of the radish paired with the tender octopus made for an enjoyable and refreshing appetizer.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Yeokjeon Hoegwan Mapo Main Branch was more than just a meal; it was a journey through time, experiencing a piece of Korean culinary history. The dedication to preserving traditional cooking methods is evident in every dish. If you’re in Seoul and eager to taste authentic Korean flavors steeped in history, I highly recommend stopping by this iconic restaurant.

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