K-Food Expedition

Seoul’s Best Premium Pork: Geumdaeji Sikdang vs. Hanam Pig House

in en, Food Review, Korean Cuisine, Pork Restaurants, Restaurant Comparison, Seoul Dining by Editor

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The Korean pork scene has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days when ‘pork restaurant’ simply meant samgyeopsal and moksal. Today, we’re spoiled for choice with diverse breeds, cuts, and premium dining experiences. From Jeju Black Pig to Berkshire K, and even Iberico, the quality of pork available is astounding. Among the many new premium pork establishments that have emerged, two stand out for their exceptional quality and unique approaches. Today, we delve into a comparative review of two titans in the premium pork world: the Michelin-recommended Geumdaeji Sikdang and the pioneering Hanam Pig House.

Geumdaeji Sikdang: The Michelin-Recommended Gem at Yaksu Station

Our first stop is Geumdaeji Sikdang, located near Yaksu Station in Seoul. This restaurant has garnered a reputation for its incredibly long waiting lines and has even been featured in the Michelin Guide. Many food YouTubers and bloggers rave about its quality, and for good reason – it truly lives up to its hype.

The Geumdaeji Experience

  • Signature Pork: Geumdaeji Sikdang uses brown pigs from Chungju Eumseong, which gives the restaurant its "Golden Pig" name. This particular breed is celebrated for its incredibly plump and chewy texture.
  • Menu Highlights:
    • Bon Samgyeop (Bone-in Pork Belly): A unique cut served with the bone, known for its rich flavor.
    • Moksal (Pork Collar): This is a must-try. Cut thick, almost like a steak (around 3-4 cm), it’s aged for about 15 days. When grilled by the expert staff, it's incredibly juicy with a deep, rich flavor and a delightfully chewy, yet tender, texture.
    • Deungmoksal (Pork Neck): Thinly sliced and known for its crispy-chewy texture and evenly distributed fat, pairing wonderfully with the charcoal grill.
  • Grilling Expertise: Each table enjoys the luxury of having staff grill the meat to perfection over charcoal. Their seasoned grill masters ensure every piece is cooked to an ideal tenderness and juiciness.
  • Ambiance & Sides: The restaurant operates across three floors, each with a distinct ambiance – from traditional tables on the first floor to a bar setting on the second, and a rooftop-like area on the third, offering a unique camping vibe. Side dishes include a refreshing soy sauce-marinated scallion salad, assorted vegetable pickles, a distinctive spicy salted anchovy sauce (galchi-jeotgal), and classic ssamjang and fresh vegetables.
  • Location & Hours: Geumdaeji Sikdang is at Yaksu Station, Seoul. They operate from 12 PM on weekdays (lunch on 1F only) and 12 PM on weekends with a break from 3 PM to 4 PM. They are open every day.

Hanam Pig House: The Pioneer of Premium Pork Popularization

Next, we turn our attention to Hanam Pig House, a brand that revolutionized the premium pork dining experience in Korea. With its main branch located in Hanam (though it’s a nationwide franchise), this company pioneered the concept of pre-grilling pork and having staff grill it at your table. This system, though common now, was groundbreaking at its inception. It successfully expanded to 100 franchises within five years, showcasing its immense popularity and innovative business model.

The Hanam Pig House Innovation

  • Pork Philosophy: Hanam Pig House prides itself on using fresh, high-quality Korean native pork (Han-don), focusing on freshness rather than aging.
  • The Pre-Grill Advantage: Before reaching your table, the pork is expertly pre-grilled over charcoal, infusing it with a delightful smoky aroma and flavor. This initial step ensures consistent quality and a faster, more enjoyable grilling experience at your table.
  • Menu Delights:
    • Modum Hanpan (Assorted Platter): A popular choice featuring a combination of samgyeopsal, moksal, and their prized saenggalbi (fresh pork ribs).
    • Saenggalbi: This lean and chewy cut is a rare find and a favorite for those who prefer a lighter, yet flavorful pork experience, often compared to beef outside skirt.
    • New Additions: They've also expanded their menu to include items like Makchang-gui (grilled pork intestines), praised for its generous portion, chewy texture, and savory flavor enhanced by a spicy dipping sauce. Another new item, Pyeonyuk Naengchae (cold sliced pork with vegetables), offers a refreshing balance with its sweet and sour sauce.
  • Exceptional Service: The staff at Hanam Pig House not only grill the meat but also employ unique cutting techniques and pay attention to customer preferences, like whether to grill kimchi alongside the meat. They even serve kimchi on a separate thin pan to prevent it from mingling too much with the meat's flavor.
  • Revolutionary Sides: Hanam Pig House was one of the first pork restaurants to introduce Myung-yi Namul (wild garlic) as a standard side dish – a luxury item previously only found in high-end Japanese restaurants, demonstrating their commitment to elevating the dining experience. Their unique wasabi-citrus sauce also adds a refreshing tang to the rich pork.
  • Location: The main branch is located in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, but numerous franchises can be found across Korea.

A Tale of Two Premium Pork Masters: What Makes Them Stand Out

Both Geumdaeji Sikdang and Hanam Pig House offer unparalleled premium pork experiences, yet they cater to slightly different preferences. Geumdaeji Sikdang excels in providing a highly refined, almost curated dining experience with its specific breed of brown pig, aged cuts like the thick moksal, and Michelin recognition. It’s a destination for those seeking a truly unique and top-tier pork flavor profile.

Hanam Pig House, on the other hand, is celebrated for its pioneering spirit in popularizing premium Korean native pork (Han-don) through its innovative pre-grilling and table-side service model. It offers a consistently excellent and accessible premium pork experience across its many branches, emphasizing fresh ingredients and a delightful smoky flavor.

Whether you prioritize the exclusive, aged quality of a specific breed or the expertly pre-grilled freshness of Han-don and a widely accessible premium experience, both restaurants represent the pinnacle of Korean pork cuisine. We encourage you to try both to discover your personal favorite!

Final Thoughts

As the weather warms up, there’s no better way to enjoy a good week than with delicious, high-quality pork. Both Geumdaeji Sikdang and Hanam Pig House offer not just a meal, but a memorable culinary journey, proving that premium pork in Korea is a truly exceptional experience.