Korean BBQ near One Grove, Magok: Hanu vs aged brisket at Chadol Grill

I visited Chadol Grill Magok (차돌그릴 마곡), a great spot for an evening drink in Magok! If you like a drink or two, you've probably come across this combo: brisket yukhoe ssam (brisket with raw beef in a wrap)! One YouTube channel raved about it too, so I'd been wanting to try it someday, and now I've finally had it properly. Let me give you my honest take!

Chadol Grill Magok: location, hours and parking

Chadol Grill Magok is at 123 GMG Tower, 16 Magokjungang 6-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, and it takes just 2 minutes on foot from Exit 3 of Magok Station on Line 5. You can use the GMG Tower parking lot, and reservations work by phone or Naver Reservation.

• Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–21:30, Sat 12:00–23:00, Sun 12:00–22:00
• Reservations: by phone or Naver Reservation
• Parking: GMG Tower parking available
• Public transport: 2-minute walk from Exit 3 of Magok Station (Line 5)

Exterior

Chadol Grill Magok is only a 2-minute walk from Magok Station, so it's really easy to reach. One Grove is right in front of the restaurant, so it's also a perfect dinner stop after some shopping or browsing!

Atmosphere: good for company dinners and group gatherings?

Even though I went on a weekend evening, it was really busy. There are lots of offices around Magok, so besides weekday company dinners, quite a few people come for group get-togethers on weekends too.

The vibe isn't a loud, rowdy pocha (Korean street-style pub) so much as a pocha feel kept neat and clean. It felt comfortable enough for a relaxed drink with coworkers.

Signature dishes and what I ordered, with prices

The signature dishes at Chadol Grill are the Hanu++ brisket yukhoe ssam and the brisket samhap (brisket grilled with other toppings). I didn't hesitate and went for the Hanu++ brisket yukhoe ssam!

• Hanu++ brisket yukhoe ssam ₩39,000
• Aged brisket ₩18,000
• Brisket doenjang rice ₩8,000
• Soju ₩5,000

What comes with the Hanu++ brisket yukhoe ssam?

The basic setup for the Hanu++ brisket yukhoe ssam includes myeongi namul (pickled wild garlic greens),

sweet-and-sour lettuce geotjeori (fresh-tossed salad) that whets the appetite,

gat kimchi (mustard leaf kimchi) with a sharp, pungent flavor,

salty, crunchy pickled chili peppers and garlic,

and pickled onions, whose fresh taste goes perfectly with the meat.

How did the Hanu++ brisket yukhoe ssam taste?

The yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) looked so good you could feel the freshness just by looking at it. With the special seasoning and the aroma of garlic, it was nutty while still full of savory depth.

Then the Hanu++ brisket arrived!

It looked mouthwatering. Brisket cooks quickly, so it's best grilled slowly, one slice at a time.

For your first bite, skip the sides and just dip it lightly in salt. The nutty flavor of the hanu (Korean beef) and a faint charcoal aroma fill your mouth, and you really get the charm of brisket.

And then, the brisket yukhoe ssam itself! Eating warm grilled brisket together with fresh yukhoe, the textures and flavors blended really well.

Adding myeongi namul or gat kimchi now and then cut the richness and brought out even more savory flavor, so I never got tired of it right to the end.

How is the aged brisket different from the Hanu++ brisket?

The aged brisket (₩18,000) I ordered on top had a similar character to the Hanu++ brisket but was a bit thinner. Here comes the extra aged brisket!

Compared with the Hanu++ brisket, the character was similar, but the aged brisket was a little thinner and had the familiar nutty taste of the brisket we're used to eating.

As always, brisket tastes best with just a light dip in salt.

How much to order for two at Chadol Grill Magok?

For two adults at Chadol Grill Magok, the Hanu++ brisket yukhoe ssam plus one extra aged brisket was just the right amount. I first worried it might not be enough, but with the aged brisket added, it was just right for two adults.

How was the brisket doenjang rice to finish?

The brisket doenjang rice (₩8,000) at Chadol Grill Magok had plenty of brisket and a rich, savory doenjang (fermented soybean paste) broth. The doenjang rice I ordered to finish arrived, and with generous brisket inside and a deep, hearty broth, it was really good. Finishing with it left me comfortably full, and the combination was great.

Verdict: who is Chadol Grill Magok for?

If you're looking for a different kind of meat dish in Magok, I'd recommend Chadol Grill Magok. The signature Hanu++ brisket yukhoe ssam paired brisket and yukhoe better than I expected, and with the charcoal aroma on top, it's a taste I keep thinking about.

Ordering the aged brisket and the brisket doenjang rice as well was plenty for two adults to eat their fill. It's a 2-minute walk from Magok Station, so access is easy too, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a dinner spot, a place for drinks or a company dinner.