Hidden Gem in Samjeon-dong - Review of Hanwoo Special Cuts at Bunong Butcher Restaurant

Bunong Butcher Restaurant Discovered Through a Colleague's Recommendation

These days, when you ask where the meat hotspots are around Songpa, there's always one place that comes up. It's Bunong Butcher Restaurant in Samjeon-dong! A colleague kept recommending it, saying, "This place is really good, you have to try it," so I finally decided to go.

I went with a friend on a Saturday afternoon, and the exterior really gives off a humble neighborhood butcher shop vibe. The red sign is eye-catching but not flashy, just like a local favorite spot. But places like this are the real hidden gems, haha.

Waiting and Reservation System

We made a reservation through Catch Table in advance, and it was definitely the right decision! When we arrived, there were quite a few people waiting. They say it's busy even on weekdays, so reservations are a must on weekends.

The interior was more spacious than I expected! There were quite a few tables and even group seating. As expected from a butcher restaurant, there was a really large refrigerator on one side, and you could see the owner personally cutting and bringing the meat. Isn't that the charm of a butcher restaurant?

Menu Selection and Ordering Process

The menu was really diverse. The signature menu was the Hanwoo Special Cuts Assortment, so we ordered it right away! It includes brisket, outside skirt, hanging tender, and skirt steak, which are cuts you don't usually get to try, so I was excited.

And the beef doenjang ramen here is also really famous, so we had to try it. With homemade doenjang broth and beef, how could we resist, haha.

Taste and Texture of Hanwoo Special Cuts

The Hanwoo Special Cuts Assortment finally arrived! The visual was amazing from the start. The color was a fresh scarlet, and the marbling was really beautiful.

I tried the brisket first and wow... it was so tender, I was surprised. It had a nice chew but wasn't tough at all, and the natural flavor of the meat was really good. The outside skirt had a bit more of a chewy texture, which was totally my style!

The hanging tender and skirt steak each had their own unique appeal. Especially the skirt steak, which had just the right amount of fat, making it savory yet light. I couldn't believe I could enjoy such quality Hanwoo at this price.

The Surprising Taste of Beef Doenjang Ramen

And the beef doenjang ramen, which can be called the signature here! You really have to try this. It has a doenjang base but isn't salty at all and has a deep flavor. There was plenty of beef, and the ramen noodles were chewy.

When my palate started to feel a bit greasy from the meat, this ramen was the perfect combination. I drank the broth to the last drop, and it had no MSG taste, just a really natural deep flavor.

Value for Money and Service

The price is really reasonable! For the Hanwoo Special Cuts Assortment at this price, it's really cheap. It's hard to find such quality Hanwoo at this price in Seoul.

The basic side dishes were really tasty too! Especially the kimchi, which was really crisp and refreshing, and the doenjang jjigae was really savory. The owner was really friendly, guiding us on the timing for grilling the meat and taking care of us attentively.

Transportation and Parking Information

The location is about an 8-minute walk from exit 3 of Samjeon Station on line 9. It's a similar distance from Seokchon Gobun Station, so it's not bad to go by subway. There's a parking lot, but it's not very spacious, so it's better to use public transportation if possible.

Nearby Attractions

Near Bunong Butcher Restaurant, there's Seokchon Lake, which is great for a walk after a meal! Especially in this season, it's perfect for walking around the lake. You can also see Lotte Tower right there, and the night view is beautiful.

Honest Overall Review

It was a really satisfying meal! The meat quality was great, the price was reasonable, the service was friendly, and there was nothing lacking. Especially, it's rare to find a place where you can enjoy Hanwoo special cuts at such a low price.

I'll definitely go again! Next time, I want to try the beef brisket and I'm curious about the yukhoe (beef tartare) too. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meat hotspot around Songpa. Just make sure to make a reservation!