(A Korean premium-beef guide for international visitors)
[Document type] Gourmet travel guide / Hanwoo (Korean beef) restaurants
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Introduction
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If there's one dish that represents Korea, it's Hanwoo — Korea's native
beef. Its marbling rivals Japanese wagyu, yet it carries a distinctive
nutty, deep flavor all its own.
Seared briefly over charcoal and melting in your mouth, Hanwoo is one of
the foods that impress international visitors most.
As a hearty special meal after a procedure or checkup, or as a highlight
of your trip, nothing beats Hanwoo.
This guide covers cuts, grades and prices, how to use Majang Market and
Gangnam restaurants, and how to grill over charcoal — all in simple terms
for international visitors.
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Understanding Hanwoo
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1) Check the grade
Hanwoo is graded by marbling. The top grade is 1++ (one-double-plus),
which only a small fraction of all Korean beef reaches. In finer detail,
BMS runs 1–9, with 9 the highest.
2) Know the cuts
Kkotdeungsim (ribeye) has marbling that blossoms like a flower and is
familiar to Western diners; salchisal (chuck flap) is the most marbled
with the deepest nutty flavor; striploin and tenderloin are lean and tender.
3) Where you eat changes the price
The same 1++ sirloin is about KRW 17,000–20,000 per 100g at Majang
Market, but up to around KRW 65,000 per 100g at a restaurant. The market
is great value — pick your cut and grill it upstairs; restaurants offer
comfort and course service.
Key point: as a beginner, start with ribeye, then branch out to salchisal
and striploin to enjoy each cut.
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TOP 10 Hanwoo cuts, spots & tips
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No.1
Kkotdeungsim (Ribeye)
Purpose The signature cut for marbling and flavor
Best for Every first-time Hanwoo diner
Note Blossoming marbling, tender and rich
No.2
Salchisal (Chuck Flap)
Purpose Top marbling, peak nuttiness
Best for Those wanting deep flavor
Note From the upper shoulder, the breed's nutty signature is clearest
No.3
Striploin & Tenderloin
Purpose Lean, tender classic cuts
Best for Those wanting a clean, less-fatty taste
Note Striploin is chewy, tenderloin the softest
No.4
Hanwoo Galbi (Short Rib)
Purpose Rich, hearty rib grilling
Best for Those wanting a generous spread
Note Plain or marinated; the fun of grilling on the bone
No.5
Majang Meat Market
Purpose The best-value Hanwoo experience
Best for Those who enjoy picking and grilling their own
Note Choose cut → check grade/weight → grill upstairs (Majang Stn, Line 5)
No.6
Gangnam Hanwoo Restaurants / Omakase
Purpose A premium course with comfortable service
Best for A special day, a meal where you're looked after
Note Chef grills at the counter, reservation recommended
No.7
Understanding Grades (1++ · BMS 9)
Purpose Choose with real knowledge
Best for Those weighing value and quality
Note Check the grade certificate (LSES); the BMS number is your guide
No.8
How to Charcoal-Grill
Purpose Grill Hanwoo at its best
Best for Everyone grilling their own
Note Medium-rare; sear the outside quickly over high heat (don't overcook)
No.9
Yukhoe / Beef Sashimi
Purpose The true taste of fresh raw beef
Best for Those who enjoy raw beef
Note With sesame oil, pear and egg yolk; freshness is everything
No.10
The Finishing Bowl (Doenjang Stew / Naengmyeon)
Purpose A satisfying finish after grilling
Best for Those wanting the full spread
Note Finish clean with doenjang stew or cold naengmyeon
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How to enjoy it
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[Cut order]
As a beginner, go ribeye → salchisal → striploin/tenderloin, alternating
between marbling and leanness. Add galbi to enjoy Hanwoo's full range at once.
[Market vs restaurant]
At Majang Market, pick your cut, verify grade and weight, then pay a small
table fee (about KRW 5,000–6,000 per person, covering rice, banchan and the
grill) and grill upstairs — great value. Gangnam restaurants offer
comfortable service and refined courses; reservation recommended.
[Grilling]
Medium-rare is the rule. Unlike pork, don't overcook. Sear the outside
quickly over high charcoal heat and dip lightly in salt or sesame-oil sauce.
For medical-tourism visitors
- Hanwoo can be a hearty protein boost during recovery.
- Right after a procedure/surgery you may need to avoid fatty or irritating
foods, so time your visit to your recovery.
- After dental/oral procedures, choose softer cuts and cooking.
- For alcohol, follow your clinic's guidance on drinking.
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FAQ
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Q1. How is Hanwoo different from wagyu?
A. Hanwoo is Korea's native beef with excellent marbling plus a nutty, deep
flavor. Many find it cleaner than wagyu, depending on taste.
Q2. How do I check the grade?
A. The top grade is 1++, with BMS 1–9 (9 highest) in detail. At markets and
shops, you can verify via the grade certificate (LSES).
Q3. How much does it cost?
A. For 1++ sirloin, about KRW 17,000–20,000 per 100g at Majang Market, up to
around KRW 65,000 per 100g at restaurants. PrettyKeep confirms prices.
Q4. Where should I eat?
A. For value and experience, Majang Market; for comfort and course service,
a Gangnam restaurant.
Q5. How do I grill it well?
A. Medium-rare — sear the outside quickly over high heat. Overcooking makes
it tough.
Q6. Is English available? Do I need a reservation?
A. Many restaurants serving foreigners offer English menus/service, and
popular ones recommend reservations. PrettyKeep helps with booking and
interpretation.
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Travel tips
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1. As a beginner, start with ribeye and branch out.
2. For value, Majang Market; for a comfortable course, a Gangnam restaurant.
3. Sear quickly to medium-rare to taste Hanwoo at its best.
4. Finish with doenjang stew or naengmyeon for a complete spread.
5. Pair gourmet with culture (palaces, traditional liquor) for a richer Seoul day.
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About PrettyKeep
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PrettyKeep is a travel and medical-tourism guide platform for international
visitors to Korea.
- Reservations, locations and interpreters for Hanwoo restaurants and Majang Market
- Advance handling of allergy/dietary requests
- Gourmet courses matched to your procedure/checkup recovery
(clinic guidance takes priority on food/alcohol after procedures)
- Curated Seoul day courses linking Hanwoo with palace/traditional experiences
Korea's finest bite, Hanwoo — enjoy it properly with PrettyKeep.
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