Daewoo Budae Jjigae: Seoul’s Hanwoo Hotspot in Yeoksam-dong

Daewoo Budae Jjigae in Yeoksam-dong: 40 Years of Flavor with Hanwoo Beef

When it comes to food, I have a simple life principle: time is precious, so always go for a trusted restaurant. 🍽️ However, finding reliable recommendations amidst countless online ads and questionable reviews can be tricky.

For me, the gold standard of food recommendations is none other than Sung Si-kyung’s YouTube channel, “Meok-Eul-Ten-De 먹을텐데” (I’ll Eat It). His taste buds align perfectly with my love for hearty, traditional flavors, and not once have I regretted following his advice.

Last month, while in Seolleung Station with my foodie friend, we decided to visit a place that had long been on my food bucket list: Daewoo Budae Jjigae 대우부대찌개 in Yeoksam-dong.

Daewoo Budae Jjigae (대우부대찌개)

📍 Address: 34, Teheran-ro 25-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
📞 Phone: 02-552-1663
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Break: 3 PM – 5 PM)
🛑 Closed on Saturdays

Established over 40 years ago, Daewoo Budae Jjigae is a legend in the budae jjigae scene. Stories of weekday waitlists had me a bit nervous as we approached, but to our surprise, there were a few open tables. Score!

The moment I stepped in, my eyes were glued to the Blue Ribbon Awards proudly displayed at the entrance. Receiving that many awards year after year? Expectations were officially sky-high! 🎖️✨

The Crowd and the Hype

Thanks to its long history and media coverage (hello, Sung Si-kyung’s channel!), this place attracts a mix of locals and tourists. On our visit, I noticed nearly half the tables were occupied by foreigners. Clearly, Daewoo’s reputation isn’t just local—it’s global. 🌏

The Order

In his video, Sung Si-kyung ordered a combo of grilled sirloin and budae jjigae. While tempting, we decided to stick to sirloin budae jjigae for two (gotta leave room for dessert, right?).

Our table spread was simple yet promising:

Sirloin budae jjigae
Ramen noodles (a must!)
A soda for my foodie friend
And, of course, a beer for me. Cheers! 🍻

The Taste Test

The meal starts with staff helping you cook, but after that, it’s all DIY. The highlight? A mountain of fresh minari (water parsley) added to the broth. The aroma alone screamed deliciousness.

As a fan of al dente noodles, I made sure to snatch up the ramen as soon as it softened just enough. And let me tell you—heaven. That rich, spicy broth clinging to the noodles? Absolutely divine. 🍜

The star of the dish, however, was the sirloin beef. The combination of high-quality hanwoo beef and the deeply flavorful, slow-cooked broth was out of this world. It was my first time having sirloin in budae jjigae, and now I understand why people travel far and wide for this dish.

From Skeptic to Fan

Confession: I’ve never been a big fan of budae jjigae. It’s not something I’d typically crave, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I willingly paid for it. But Daewoo changed the game. The perfectly balanced flavors, rich broth, and quality ingredients converted me into a true believer.

We cleared everything on the table—budae jjigae, side dishes, and rice included. By the end of the meal, my foodie friend and I were stuffed and satisfied beyond measure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for rich, hearty budae jjigae with premium sirloin beef, Daewoo Budae Jjigae is a must-visit. With its 40-year legacy and undeniable flavor, it’s a place that deserves a spot on any Seoul foodie’s bucket list.

Would I go back? Without a doubt. This isn’t just budae jjigae—it’s an experience. 😋

Key Info

📍 Daewoo Budae Jjigae, Yeoksam-dong, Seoul
🕒 Open weekdays (closed Saturdays)
🍲 Must-try: Sirloin Budae Jjigae
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid a wait!