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Daehanok: Seoul’s Legendary Oxtail Suyuk & Soju Paradise

Are you a connoisseur of Korean cuisine, especially the kind that pairs perfectly with a bottle (or two) of soju? Then prepare to discover your new favorite spot in Seoul: Daehanok! Known as a true “mecca for drinkers,” Daehanok offers an unforgettable culinary experience centered around its exquisite Oxtail Suyuk (steamed oxtail slices). This isn’t just a meal; it’s a gastronomic journey that promises rich flavors, tender textures, and the perfect ambiance for a delightful evening.

Finding Your Way: Daehanok’s Convenient Locations

Daehanok’s main branch, the heart of its popularity, is conveniently located near Yeongdeungpo Station in Seoul. Its fame, however, often comes with a significant wait, especially during peak dinner hours. But here’s a local’s tip for avoiding the queues:

• Main Branch (Yeongdeungpo): Often bustling with energy and lines, a testament to its popularity.
• Singil-dong 2nd Branch: Just a short walk from Yeongdeungpo Station towards Singil-dong, you’ll find Daehanok’s second outpost. It offers the exact same menu and incredible taste but often without the long wait. The distance between the two branches is minimal, making it an excellent alternative if the main branch is too busy.

No matter which branch you choose, you’re guaranteed the same authentic Daehanok experience.

A Feast for the Senses: What to Order at Daehanok

While Daehanok offers a variety of heartwarming soup dishes like Oxtail Soup (꼬리탕), Doganitang (beef knee soup), and Seolleongtang (ox bone soup), there’s one undisputed star: the Oxtail Suyuk. For two people, we highly recommend ordering the “Large” size to fully savor the generous portions.

The Unsung Heroes: Broth, Kimchi & Kkakdugi

Before the main event, each diner is served a bowl of milky white broth. This isn’t just any broth; it’s incredibly rich, deeply flavorful, and seasoned to perfection. It’s so good, it rivals specialty Seolleongtang restaurants! The best part? It’s refillable, ensuring a warm and comforting start to your meal.

Any true Korean soup or stew enthusiast knows the importance of good kimchi and kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi). Daehanok excels here. Their kimchi and kkakdugi are wonderfully crisp, refreshingly delicious, and perfectly complement every bite. They’re so good, you might find yourself reaching for refills and even enjoying them on their own between sips of soju.

The Star of the Show: Daehanok’s Signature Oxtail Suyuk

When the Oxtail Suyuk arrives, prepare to be impressed. The platter is generously piled high with tender oxtail slices, beautifully garnished with a mound of fresh chives. The oxtail itself is seasoned with a subtly sweet soy sauce, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that isn’t overly salty.

What sets Daehanok’s Oxtail Suyuk apart is its incredible tenderness. The meat is so soft that it practically melts in your mouth, effortlessly falling off the bone with just a gentle nudge of your chopsticks. There’s absolutely no gamey smell; the quality of the meat and the meticulous preparation truly shine through, making it a universally enjoyable dish.

The addition of fresh chives is ingenious. They provide a delightful freshness and slight bitterness that perfectly cuts through the richness of the oxtail and the sweet soy sauce, preventing any hint of greasiness and making each bite as enjoyable as the last. This harmonious combination is truly Daehanok’s secret weapon.

The Perfect Finale: Noodles and More

For those who want a taste of the famous broth but not a whole soup, Daehanok offers a “Bantang” (half-soup) option on their menu, which is a half-bowl of Seolleongtang with a bit of meat.

To conclude your meal on a high note, we highly recommend ordering the “guksu sari” (noodle add-on). With just a bit of leftover oxtail, some sauce, and the delicious kkakdugi, mix in the thin noodles. The result is an incredibly flavorful, slightly sweet, and tangy noodle dish that rivals many bibim guksu. It’s the perfect carbohydrate finish to a satisfying soju session, leaving you completely content.

Visit Daehanok: A Truly Legendary Experience

Daehanok truly lives up to its reputation as a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, delicious Korean food, especially when paired with soju. The combination of succulent Oxtail Suyuk, rich broth, excellent side dishes, and a vibrant atmosphere makes for an unforgettable dining experience. With its highly positive general rating among locals and tourists alike, Daehanok in Yeongdeungpo/Singil-dong is a place we wholeheartedly recommend. Don’t miss out on this legendary Seoul eatery!