Korean restaurant by Moda Outlet, Daegu: 3 shared dishes, Hyangtaek

Today I want to share my visit to Hyangtaek Seongseo Keimyung University Branch, a perfect Seongseo spot for a satisfying meal.

📍 Hyangtaek Seongseo Keimyung University Branch 71 Hosan-dong-ro 35bukgil, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea, 1st floor 🕐 Hours Mon–Sat: 11:00 - 20:00 Break time: 15:30 - 17:00 Last order: 15:00, 19:30 Closed every Sunday

Where is Hyangtaek? A new Korean restaurant near Dongsan Hospital and Moda Outlet

Hyangtaek Seongseo Keimyung University Branch is a Korean restaurant close to Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital and Moda Outlet. Last time I went for a checkup at Dongsan Hospital, I heard about a newly opened restaurant nearby that was getting popular. I went to check it out, but the line was so long even though it had only just opened that I had to give up and turn back, haha.

Then yesterday, after finishing some shopping at Moda Outlet, it suddenly came to mind and I went back to give it another try. It was a little past lunchtime, but the dining hall still had quite a few people eating, and the atmosphere was clean and comfortable.

I assumed Hyangtaek was mainly a spot for Keimyung University students, but once I visited, it turned out plenty of local residents come here too, not just students. It seemed great for a quick solo meal, and just as good for going with family or friends and each picking a dish to your own taste.

Three dishes for three: what we ordered at Hyangtaek

Each of us picked whatever we felt like eating, so we ended up ordering mackerel gondre rice, eggplant doenjang rice bowl, and yukhoe bibimbap (raw beef mixed rice). Just from the names, these felt like familiar Korean dishes with Hyangtaek's own twist. The three dishes had such different flavors and charms that sharing a bite of each was genuinely fun.

Mackerel gondre rice: is the fish too fishy?

The mackerel gondre rice I ordered was a dish I'd never tried before, so I worried it might have that distinct fishy taste. But once I mixed the rice and mackerel with the fragrant chive seasoning and took a bite, that worry disappeared right away.

The mackerel's clean flavor paired better than expected with the nutty, savory taste of gondre (dried thistle greens), and the chive seasoning added fragrance and umami — one spoonful naturally led to the next. Rather than spicy or salty, this dish let the ingredients' own flavors shine, so it should suit anyone looking for a hearty but gentle meal.

Eggplant doenjang rice bowl: rich enough to taste like meat

My friend who came along ordered the eggplant doenjang rice bowl, and after just a few bites said it was so good and urged me to try some too.

Getting a bite, I found the eggplant looked lightly fried, crisp outside and soft inside, and it surprisingly tasted rich and savory, almost like meat. The nutty doenjang (soybean paste) flavor blended with a tangy sauce, keeping it clean rather than greasy. My friend said, 'If I lived near here, I'd order this delivery on days I don't feel like cooking.' Even people who aren't big on eggplant might want to give this one a try.

Yukhoe bibimbap: worth a bite even if raw beef isn't your thing

The yukhoe bibimbap was ordered by the MZ-generation teacher who joined us. I don't usually go out of my way to eat yukhoe (raw beef), but she was enjoying it so much that she said, 'If you're writing a review, you have to taste it,' and offered me a bite.

Mixed evenly with gochujang (red chili paste) and egg yolk, the yukhoe bibimbap turned out much cleaner-tasting than I expected. The umami of the gochujang and the richness of the yolk made it approachable even for someone like me who doesn't usually eat yukhoe. In that moment I thought to myself, 'Oh, this really is a good Korean restaurant.'

Naver receipt review event and the mushroom side dish at Hyangtaek

By the way, Hyangtaek Seongseo Keimyung University Branch is also running a Naver receipt review event. If you visit, leave a receipt review and try the side dish of grilled mushroom platter too — it'll make the meal even more worthwhile.

Why Hyangtaek works for younger diners and their parents alike

Having tasted the mackerel gondre rice, eggplant doenjang rice bowl, and yukhoe bibimbap myself, I found this a place where younger MZ-generation diners and parent-generation diners like me can each find something to their own taste. If you're in Seongseo looking for a hearty meal that isn't too intense in flavor, Hyangtaek Seongseo Keimyung University Branch is worth a stop.

It's a go-to spot for Keimyung University students, and also a convenient place to eat after visiting Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital or Moda Outlet. With familiar Korean ingredients combined in unexpected ways, it was a place with genuine fun in picking what to order — Hyangtaek Seongseo Keimyung University Branch, a satisfying meal in Seongseo.