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Apgujeong Surin: Unforgettable Dry-Aged Hanwoo Omakase in Seoul

For connoisseurs of premium Korean beef, a visit to Surin in Apgujeong is an absolute must. As one of the pioneering Hanwoo (Korean beef) omakase restaurants in Korea, Surin offers an unparalleled dining experience centered around exquisitely aged beef. If you’re looking for a special evening out with friends or family, perhaps with a glass of fine wine, Surin truly delivers.

Discovering Surin: A Legacy of Flavor

Surin distinguishes itself through its meticulous aging process. They source young female Hanwoo cows, less than three months old, from Gimhae in Gyeongsang-do province. These prime cuts then undergo a rigorous three-week dry-aging period. The result is a tender, deeply flavorful beef that forms the heart of their unique “raw-style” Hanwoo omakase. This approach allows diners to savor the nuanced taste and texture of premium, expertly aged Korean beef.

The Ambiance & Setting: Perfect for Any Occasion

Upon arrival at Surin, guests are greeted by a charming entrance adorned with trees, setting a serene mood. Valet parking is available, and a short walk up to the elevator leads to the inviting 2nd-floor dining area. Inside, the atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable. Surin offers both spacious tables and intimate private rooms, making it an ideal venue for various occasions – from romantic dinners to important business meetings, or even large family gatherings. The thoughtful layout ensures privacy and a conducive environment for conversations.

A Culinary Journey: The Surin Hanwoo Omakase Course

Exquisite Beginnings & Appetizers

The omakase journey at Surin begins with delightful appetizers that set the stage for the main event. We were served a delicate yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) accompanied by sea squirt and a hint of Gochujang, offering a delightful balance of savory and spicy. Following this, plump, garlic-flavored scallops arrived, perfectly seared and bursting with oceanic sweetness.

The Star of the Show: Premium Aged Hanwoo Cuts

The true highlight is, of course, the Hanwoo. The chef expertly grills each cut directly at your table, ensuring perfect doneness. We started with the sirloin (Chae-kkeut), which was incredibly tender and flavorful. For variety, subsequent sirloin slices were grilled to different doneness levels, showcasing the versatility of the meat. A truly memorable dish was the sirloin topped with generous slices of truffle – a classic pairing that elevates the beef’s inherent richness.

Next, thick cuts of tenderloin (Deungsim) were grilled with a sprinkle of coarse salt and pepper, highlighting the beef’s natural goodness. This was followed by an opulent presentation of tenderloin adorned with glistening caviar, creating a symphony of textures and umami flavors. Throughout the course, a selection of fresh accompaniments like wasabi, coarse salt, and refreshing altari-mu (fermented radish) were provided to cleanse the palate and enhance the beef.

Beyond the Core: Diverse Cuts & Flavors

The omakase continued to impress with a variety of cuts and preparations. Short ribs (Galbi-sal) grilled with butter and garlic, served on a skewer, were a delightful bite. The succulent shrimp (Sae-u-sal), a prized part of the ribeye, was grilled to perfection, incredibly juicy and tender. As a change of pace from the pure grilled cuts, a flavorful marinated beef (Yangnyeom-gogi) was served, offering a savory, slightly sweet profile. A unique and unexpected treat was the grilled chicken neck meat, a flavorful interlude before the final dishes.

The Perfect Pairing & A Hearty Finish

No luxurious meal is complete without the right beverage. Surin offers an excellent wine selection, and we enjoyed both crisp white wine and a robust red, perfectly complementing the rich beef. To conclude the meal, a comforting traditional Korean finish of perfectly cooked rice and a savory doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew) was served, alongside traditional banchan (side dishes), all prepared with exquisite care. The presentation and flavors of each dish were impeccable, demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.

Why Surin Stands Out

Surin’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect: from their unique dry-aging process of young Hanwoo cows to the expert grilling by the staff. The thoughtful progression of the omakase course, combined with the luxurious yet welcoming ambiance, creates a truly special dining experience. It’s clear that Surin focuses on showcasing the inherent quality of the beef, allowing its rich flavors to shine.

Recommendation & Final Thoughts

Having dined at Surin, I can confidently say it’s an exceptional destination for anyone seeking a top-tier Hanwoo omakase experience in Seoul. While it falls into the premium price range, the quality of the ingredients, the expert preparation, and the refined atmosphere fully justify the cost. It’s the perfect place for a celebratory meal, entertaining important guests, or treating your parents or loved ones to an unforgettable culinary journey. My revisit intention is extremely high, especially for those special occasions.

Location:

Surin (수린), Apgujeong (압구정)

General Rating:

Highly Recommended (4.5/5 stars based on the detailed positive description and intent to revisit for special occasions).