# Apgujeong Korean restaurant with a hanwoo bulgogi set: Gaehwaok

- By Iseul (https://superchart.com/en/@across-the-counter/)
- Written Sep 6, 2026
- Local places › Restaurants › Gangnam, Seoul
- Sponsored: This visit was sponsored by the business.
- English edition: https://superchart.com/en/@across-the-counter/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/
- Also in: [한국어](https://superchart.com/ko/@across-the-counter/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/index.md)

## In short

Gaehwaok (개화옥) is a Korean restaurant specializing in hanwoo (Korean beef) bulgogi, tucked into an alley near Apgujeong Rodeo Station in Gangnam, Seoul. Four diners at Gaehwaok ordered the hanwoo chadolbaegi (beef brisket) set for two at 72,000 won, abalone rice with doenjang stew at 29,000 won, kimchi-mari guksu (chilled kimchi noodles) with hand-made tteokgalbi at 22,000 won and yam salad at 22,000 won, for a total of 145,000 won, and the owner sent over a free bottle of makgeolli after the table shared its celebration cake. Gaehwaok suits a celebration dinner where you want refined Korean cooking and genuine hospitality together.

## Good to know

- **Hanwoo chadolbaegi set (for 2)**: 72,000 won (doenjang stew included)
- **Abalone rice + doenjang stew**: 29,000 won
- **Kimchi-mari guksu + hand-made tteokgalbi**: 22,000 won
- **Yam salad**: 22,000 won
- **Total paid**: 145,000 won
- **Hours**: Daily 11:30–22:00 (last order 21:00)
- **Reservations**: Naver Reservations or phone; booking ahead advised on weekends and at evening peak times
- **Parking**: Valet parking available in front of the restaurant
- **Facilities**: Vegan, organic and gluten-free dishes, group seating, takeout and delivery, separate men's and women's restrooms
- **Getting there**: About 300m on foot from Exit 6, Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Suin-Bundang Line
- **Price reference**: ₩22,000 ≈ $16.5 · ₩72,000 ≈ $53.5 · ₩29,000 ≈ $21.5 (2026-09-15)

*as written by the visitor on Sep 6, 2026*

## What kind of restaurant is Gaehwaok? An Apgujeong Korean restaurant with 15 straight Blue Ribbon years

Gaehwaok is a Korean restaurant centered on hanwoo (Korean beef) bulgogi, tucked into an alley just off the Apgujeong Rodeo strip. The window is packed with Blue Ribbon Survey stickers earned every single year from 2012 through 2026, plus a Red Ribbon sticker from the Coca-Cola-sponsored program — you could feel the weight of that history the moment you looked at the glass.

We came here for a place we'd had our eye on for a while, to celebrate something special together. The exterior, an odd but lovely mix of old-fashioned charm and modern polish, caught our attention right away, with warm light spilling out past the wooden pillars and big windows.

![Exterior of Gaehwaok, an Apgujeong Korean restaurant, with Blue Ribbon stickers](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-01-1mlsm-1200.webp)

![Entrance to Gaehwaok with wooden pillars and large windows](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-02-687p9-900.webp)

![Blue Ribbon Survey stickers on Gaehwaok's window](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-03-8cn6o-900.webp)

Gaehwaok has long been a beloved name among foodies and regulars as a leading Apgujeong bulgogi restaurant. It's known for letting the natural flavor of its ingredients shine rather than leaning on strong seasoning or seasoning packets. It's also been featured on several major food shows — Baek Jong-won's... wait, actually Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey episode 35, the kimchi noodle episode (126) of Tasty Guys, and episode 112 of tvN's Wednesday Food Talk — so its reputation is well earned. It felt like the perfect choice for a refined meal to celebrate someone close to us. Walking in, we were greeted by a clean, tidy interior and friendly staff.

## Sharing a celebration cake at Gaehwaok, and the free bottle of makgeolli that came back

This visit to Gaehwaok was a meaningful gathering to celebrate happy news for a friend. Between orders and conversation, we remembered the small celebration cake we'd brought along. We set it on the table, lit the candles, and shared the moment. As we did, we noticed the owner and staff watching warmly, clearly touched. The food itself was already excellent, so out of gratitude we cut the cake into pieces and offered some to the kind owner and staff.

A little while later, the owner — beaming after accepting a slice — came back to our table with an unexpected gift. He'd brought us a cold bottle of house-made makgeolli (rice wine), on the house, saying he genuinely wanted to celebrate our friend's good news. The surprise caught us off guard in the best way. We'd only shared a small gesture, but he responded by making our happy day feel like his own — that kind of warmth really gets you.

The makgeolli he brought had a gentle sweetness from the rice and a clean fizz that gave it real depth. We shared it alongside the cake, and the whole table grew warmer and livelier. It felt less like a restaurant transaction and more like a place built on genuine connection with its guests.

## Before the meal: steamed corn and sweet potato

Gaehwaok's pre-meal starter was warm steamed corn and yellow sweet potato, served in brassware. It arrived not long after we ordered. Instead of the usual sharp salad or dressing you see everywhere these days, they served plain, natural ingredients grown here in Korea — a detail that stood out immediately. The dignified warmth of the brassware carried through to the food, making us feel well looked-after before the meal even properly began.

![Steamed corn and sweet potato starter served in brassware at Gaehwaok](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-04-7ydgf-900.webp)

![Steaming hot corn served as a starter](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-05-144bz-900.webp)

![A piece of steamed sweet potato with golden interior](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-06-cff00-900.webp)

![Tidy table setting inside Gaehwaok](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-07-1mms3-900.webp)

![Close-up of the brassware starter spread](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-08-qvss2-900.webp)

![Corn kernels pulled off onto a plate](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-09-xe9d0-900.webp)

![Starter dish and utensils set on the table at Gaehwaok](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-10-u7jbm-900.webp)

![Table scene enjoying the starter course at Gaehwaok](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-11-1b145-900.webp)

We pulled the corn off kernel by kernel — steaming, chewy, satisfying. It had a nutty sweetness that was entirely its own, not the artificial kind, and it built the more we chewed. The sweet potato was just as good, cooked through to a soft, golden center with a natural sweetness. It was the perfect light bite to wake up the appetite without filling us up. Even this small, humble starter said a lot about how seriously Gaehwaok treats its food.

## Yam salad, 22,000 won: crisp and nutty

Gaehwaok's yam salad (₩22,000) landed on the table as a palate-cleanser ahead of the main courses. On a long ceramic plate, neatly julienned yam was topped generously with crisp, savory seaweed flakes. Around the edge, a smooth, nutty sesame sauce (goma sauce) was drizzled in an artful swirl — the plating alone stood out.

![Yam salad served on a ceramic plate at Gaehwaok](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-12-1s1d7-900.webp)

![Julienned yam topped with seaweed flakes](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-13-1wopt-900.webp)

![Sesame sauce drizzled around the edge of the plate](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-14-m0ieq-900.webp)

![Chopsticks dipping yam salad into the sauce](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-15-1ukyg-900.webp)

We picked up some julienned yam and seaweed flakes together and dipped them in the sauce. The yam's crisp, almost airy crunch woke up the whole mouth. Its mild flavor got a savory lift from the seaweed and a rich, rounded finish from the peanut-and-sesame sauce. Not overdone, quietly distinctive — the kind of dish that kept us reaching back for more. This felt like the definition of healthy, elegant food.

## Hanwoo chadolbaegi set, 72,000 won for two: how the bulgogi and brisket taste

Gaehwaok's hanwoo chadolbaegi (Korean beef brisket) set is ₩72,000 for two, doenjang stew included. Now came the highlight of the meal — the hanwoo brisket and bulgogi. Grilled to just the right point in the kitchen, it arrived beautifully arranged on a brassware plate. Alongside the meat came a refreshing scallion salad, fresh lettuce wraps, and a house-made jipjang-style dipping sauce.

![Hanwoo brisket and bulgogi served on a brassware plate at Gaehwaok](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-16-10k0s-900.webp)

![Golden-grilled hanwoo brisket](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-17-1qti0-900.webp)

![Bulgogi plated with scallion salad and lettuce wraps](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-18-ixp38-900.webp)

![Lettuce wrap with bulgogi and scallion salad](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-19-zmtdd-900.webp)

We started with the golden-grilled brisket. The thin slices burst with savory juices the moment we bit down, tender without being overly fatty — the texture was excellent. The hanwoo bulgogi that followed was a different league from the sugary, over-seasoned bulgogi you find everywhere. The marinade was subtle enough not to mask the quality of the beef, and the gentle char brought out the meat's natural richness and umami to the fullest.

We wrapped a piece of bulgogi in lettuce with a bit of the sharp scallion salad and dipping sauce — the balance of flavors in that single bite was outstanding. The clean beefy juices and the bright scallion kept revealing themselves with every chew. This is where we really understood the depth that sets Gaehwaok apart as one of the great Apgujeong bulgogi restaurants — no artificial edge, just the taste of good ingredients. Sipping the makgeolli the owner had given us made it even better.

## Abalone rice with doenjang stew, 29,000 won

After the meat came Gaehwaok's rice course: abalone rice and doenjang stew (₩29,000). Served in a white ceramic bowl, the abalone rice caught the eye immediately. The rice was tinted a faint blue-green from being stir-fried with abalone innards (gejang), topped with two thick, golden-grilled abalone slices.

![Gaehwaok's abalone rice topped with grilled abalone](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-20-10ent-900.webp)

![Traditional doenjang stew with tofu and vegetables](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-21-15dpk-900.webp)

We scooped up rice and grilled abalone together. The rich, savory flavor of the abalone innards coated every grain of rice, filling the mouth with oceanic umami. The abalone itself wasn't tough at all — tender yet pleasantly chewy, satisfying to bite into.

The doenjang (soybean paste) stew that came with the set showed off real depth of flavor — no MSG shortcuts here, just the deep, aged taste of traditional country-style doenjang. Loaded with tofu and vegetables, the broth was clean and full-bodied without being harsh. A spoonful of the rich abalone rice followed by a spoonful of the stew made for a perfect complementary pairing.

## Kimchi-mari guksu with hand-made tteokgalbi, 22,000 won

Gaehwaok's kimchi noodle and hand-made tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patty) set (₩22,000) lived up to its TV reputation. The kimchi-wrapped noodles arrived in a deep, clear ceramic bowl brimming with pale red, clear broth, the springy noodles topped generously with well-fermented kimchi.

![Gaehwaok's kimchi noodles in clear red broth](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-22-kexyv-900.webp)

![Noodles topped with fermented kimchi](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-23-hunx5-900.webp)

![Thick, hand-made grilled tteokgalbi](https://img.superchart.com/images/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set/gaehwaok-apgujeong-hanwoo-bulgogi-set-24-1slr1-900.webp)

We lifted a big bite of noodles with broth and tasted. Made from a long-simmered brisket stock combined with aged dongchimi (water kimchi) and natural vegetable juices, the broth was sharp, ice-cold, and refreshing enough to send a shiver down the spine. No artificial sweetness or excessive sourness — just a clean finish that made for a great way to close out the meal. The noodles stayed springy without going soft, and the crunch of the kimchi made every bite lively.

The hand-made tteokgalbi on the side was thick but cooked through to a juicy, moist center. One bite released a soft wave of savory meaty flavor, and alternating it with the cold, sharp noodle soup kept things interesting right to the last bite — a perfectly balanced finish.

## Gaehwaok location, hours and parking in Apgujeong

Gaehwaok sits in an alley just off the Apgujeong Rodeo strip, about 300m on foot from Exit 6 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station on the Suin-Bundang Line. It's open daily from 11:30 to 22:00 (last order 21:00), and valet parking is available right in front. Here's the practical info if you're planning a first visit or an important celebration.

- Road address: 37 Eonju-ro 170-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Lot address: 661-18 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Getting there: About 300m on foot from Exit 6, Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Suin-Bundang Line
- Hours: Daily 11:30–22:00 (last order 21:00)
- Reservations: Naver Reservations or phone (recommended on weekends and evening peak times)
- Parking: Valet parking available in front of the restaurant
- Amenities: Vegan, organic, and gluten-free menu options, group seating, takeout/delivery, separate men's/women's restrooms

If you're tired of overly seasoned food and craving something refined and authentically Korean, or want to treat people you care about to a warm, special meal, this is a place I'd recommend without hesitation.

## What four people paid at Gaehwaok: 145,000 won

Our total bill at Gaehwaok that day came to ₩145,000. Between the excellent food and the owner's genuine warmth toward his guests, it turned into an especially memorable celebration. The bottle of makgeolli he offered after we shared our cake tasted sweeter and warmer than any fine liquor could.

- Hanwoo chadolbaegi set (2 people): ₩72,000
- Set doenjang stew (2 people): ₩0 (included in set)
- Abalone rice + doenjang stew: ₩29,000
- Kimchi noodles + hand-made tteokgalbi: ₩22,000
- Yam salad: ₩22,000
- Total paid: ₩145,000

This was a meal at Gaehwaok, a leading Apgujeong bulgogi restaurant, where we felt both the refinement of well-made Korean food and real human warmth at the same time. A place I'd happily return to whenever I'm missing good food and genuine hospitality.

## Where it is

- Gaehwaok (개화옥)
- 7 Apgujeong-ro 50-gil, Jeongdong Sangga Unit 107, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- 서울특별시 강남구 압구정로50길 7 정동상가 107호
- 37.5277987, 127.0384408
- Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/%EA%B0%9C%ED%99%94%EC%98%A5/@37.5277987,127.0384408,17z

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