Late-lunch wait near Keimyung University, Daegu: Hyangtaek Seongseo

Finding Hyangtaek Seongseo on the way to Gangjeongbo Weir

Hyangtaek Seongseo Keimyung University Branch is a Korean restaurant on Hosan-dong-ro 35bukgil in Dalseo-gu, Daegu. It was a bit of a late lunch on the way to Gangjeong Falls, but when I searched for restaurants near Keimyung University, Hyangtaek stood out.

On top of that, hearing it's a restaurant with waits got me a bit excited. Looking at the menu on the standing signboard while waiting, the food looked neat and well put together.

Inside Hyangtaek Seongseo: clean, easy-going dining room

Stepping inside Hyangtaek Seongseo Keimyung University Branch, the whole space felt bright and clean. It was decorated with wood-tone tables and chairs, giving a cozy feel, and the tables were spaced comfortably apart, making it a good pick whether you're eating alone, having lunch with a friend, or dining with family.

Even though it was a late lunch, the place was already full, so we waited a bit. This photo was taken after our meal (we came right near the end of the pre-break-time window).

Hyangtaek Seongseo signature dishes, prices and review event

For the signature menu, we ordered mackerel gondre rice (gondre-namul, or dried thistle greens, over rice) at 14,000 won and eggplant doenjang rice bowl at 13,000 won.

They said customers who sign up for notifications get a free mushroom platter as part of a review event, so make sure to use it!!

The mackerel gondre rice and grilled eggplant doenjang rice bowl looked quite striking, so I ordered them without hesitation.

Mackerel gondre rice, 14,000 won, wrapped in gopchang gim

Hyangtaek's mackerel gondre rice comes in a large bowl piled generously with gondre, mushrooms, scallions, and sesame seeds, with a big, well-grilled piece of mackerel on top. Just from the look of it, this might be the number-one spot in Seongseo — it looked so neat and delicious.

You can tell from the photo, but the fish is quite large. The way to eat it is to break the mackerel flesh into small pieces with your chopsticks and mix it together with the gondre and rice.

The savory mackerel and fragrant gondre go really well together. Add in the mushrooms and scallions, and the texture is fantastic too.

At first I enjoyed it as is, and then added the special sauce that came with it little by little for a whole different flavor.

Piling the mixed mackerel and gondre rice onto gopchang gim (thick, coarse seaweed) with a little sauce was so good. Overall, it was a great way to enjoy the natural flavors of the ingredients themselves.

Eggplant doenjang rice bowl, 13,000 won, with scored eggplant

Hyangtaek's eggplant doenjang rice bowl was also impressive. You can see the eggplant in the photo has been scored — the texture was no joke.

Chunky grilled eggplant sits on top of the rice, and its distinctively soft texture pairs really well with the salty doenjang (soybean paste) sauce.

Cut up the eggplant and mix it with the rice and chives, and the flavor comes alive — moist yet savory.

Is Hyangtaek Seongseo a good lunch spot near Keimyung University?

Hyangtaek, a Korean restaurant spot in Dalseo-gu, Daegu near Keimyung University, felt less about flashy, intense flavors and more about properly eating one solid bowl of food. If you like fish and gondre, I'd recommend the mackerel gondre rice; if you like eggplant's distinctive soft texture, go for the eggplant doenjang rice bowl — those are the two I'd suggest!!

If you're trying to decide on lunch near Keimyung University, Hyangtaek Seongseo Keimyung University Branch is a good place to enjoy a Korean meal.

Hyangtaek Seongseo location and opening hours

• Location: 71 Hosan-dong-ro 35bukgil, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (332m from Gangchang Station Exit 5)
• Business hours: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Break time: 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
• Last order: 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM