Daegu gukbap: ox head soup, whole kimchi & mix coffee at Hanwoojang

What is Hanwoojang in Daegu like?

Hanwoojang (한우장) is an old-school gukbap (rice soup) restaurant that has held its spot on Gukchaebosang-ro in Jung-gu, Daegu for a very long time. It's open 24 hours, year-round. It's famous for its deep, skilled cooking, with a steady stream of drinkers and gukbap fans, so I went to see for myself. After finishing a whole stone pot, I could taste the years of experience in the broth, and the generous amount of meat was good too. All in all, a solid Daegu ox head soup spot.

Hanwoojang has been getting Blue Ribbons for years in a row!!! A gukbap restaurant with this many Blue Ribbons... you really can trust this place, I think!!

Inside Hanwoojang

Step inside and Blue Ribbons line the walls, and on the left wall there's a long row of celebrity autographs. I sat a bit far away, so I couldn't really see whose they were. Next time I'll sit closer and check!! haha

The menu hangs on the wall with pictures. There were plenty of dishes, but I picked the ox head soup! The kitchen inside is walled with big clear glass so you can look in. I guess they can proudly show off both their hygiene and their taste!

Are the side dishes self-service at Hanwoojang? How do you eat the whole kimchi?

At Hanwoojang, once you finish your side dishes, you can go and get more yourself.

And the kimchi here... honestly, it's art. The kimchi comes whole and you cut it at your seat. It seems they make it themselves and cut it right when serving, and it was so, so delicious ㅠㅠㅠ The side dishes are so good that I bet some people come back just for them!!

How much meat is in Hanwoojang's ox head soup?

Hanwoojang's ox head soup was so full of ingredients that head meat sat heavy all the way to the bottom of the stone pot. Ta-da! The soup arrived before long, and wow!!! Look at how much stuff is in there!! I scooped through with my spoon and there was just so much!! The owner's generosity amazed me!

The broth, before adding anything

The broth had not a trace of gamey smell. It was clean yet so rich that my lips got slightly sticky. First I tried a sip of the clear, milky-white broth with nothing added, and the flavor was deep!! No artificial additives, just a clear, deep savoriness that only time and care can produce. I immediately understood why so many people name Hanwoojang as a one-of-a-kind old-school Daegu spot and hurry over!!

Head meat textures and the kimchi pairing

The ox head soup has a variety of head meat cuts, and every one was great to chew!! After the broth I dug into the meat. Some cuts were chewy and springy like jelly, while others were so tender they melted in my mouth!! Putting a piece of chewy meat and a slice of well-fermented kimchi on top of the rice mixed into the soup was a fantastic balance!! My insides warmed up and I broke into a sweat, like eating real health food. A top-notch old-school Daegu spot!!

A cup of mix coffee after the meal

After finishing the gukbap at Hanwoojang, a relaxing cup of mix coffee~~~ so good!! Next time I'll come back and try other dishes too!! haha