Takeout burgers by Anguk Station: Mushroom Utopia and Jackjack hot

Where is Jackjack Anguk, the handmade burger shop near Anguk Station?

Jackjack Anguk (잭잭 안국점) is an American-style handmade burger shop just one minute from Exit 1 of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3. I had gone to Anguk Station, where the traditional Korean royal palaces are, and stopped by Jackjack Burger.

Anguk Station sits between Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung and Jongmyo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, so lots of foreign visitors pass through. You'll see plenty of people walking around in hanbok (traditional Korean dress) too.

Right in this very Korean-feeling neighborhood is Jackjack Burger, an American-style handmade burger place. They say they're not selling burgers, they're selling happiness! I was walking along the Anguk street and spotted it by chance, so I went in.

What is the atmosphere like at Jackjack Anguk?

As soon as you walk in there's a counter and kiosk, and the look is classic American style: red and black with big bold lettering. It feels clean, modern and stylish. With trendy music playing, I wondered whether to eat in or take out, and today I decided on takeout.

What are the menu and prices at Jackjack Anguk?

You order at the kiosk. The set menus look generous, and the menu also covers chicken, beef, rice and sides, drinks, extras and merchandise.

• Mushroom Utopia Burger ₩10,900
• Jackjack Burger hot ₩8,900
• Total ₩19,800

The colorful animation-style artwork all around the shop is striking.

In the open kitchen, the staff were busily preparing food. Everything is made as soon as you order, so it tastes even better.

In the photos you can even spot a famous face familiar from TV. Jackjack Burger is already well known in Itaewon and Gangnam, a burger spot many people know. I hear it's run by a skilled chef who also appeared on Culinary Class Wars (흑백요리사).

Is Jackjack Anguk good for solo diners and groups?

You can eat on both the 1st and 2nd floors. The 1st floor has bar seats, so it's good for eating alone, and the 2nd floor is full of large tables, so it looks great for getting together as a group. Going up to the 2nd floor, you can see right into the kitchen, and it's a neat, tidy kitchen, which is nice. Big windows make it feel cool and open. Great for groups too.

The origin of the ingredients is clearly posted too: beef is from the USA, chicken is from Brazil, and rice is from Korea.

How does takeout work at Jackjack Anguk?

The burgers I took out from Jackjack Anguk came in cases, so they were stable. The shape didn't get squashed, so I think you could even order them in bulk as an easy, delicious boxed meal for a group.

How does the Mushroom Utopia Burger (₩10,900) taste?

The Mushroom Utopia Burger has a patty paired with tasty sauce and lots of fresh vegetables, so it feels like it must be really healthy. It looks hearty too, and the presentation is awesome.

It's a handmade burger with a special sauce from the Culinary Class Wars chef, so the flavor is soft, deeply savory and upscale, and it's juicy, with a top-notch taste. Fresh, crunchy vegetables like onion and lettuce add texture. With tomato, pickles and mushroom together, you get a burger flavor that makes you think of utopia.

The Utopia Burger, with a beef patty, bacon, cheddar cheese, green lettuce, tomato, pickles and chipotle mayo, is really big and loaded. Even holding it in one hand, it was so full I could hardly grip it. With such generous ingredients and fresh vegetables it's good for health and nutrition, and it's packed to the brim, so it fills you up.

How spicy is the Jackjack Burger hot (₩8,900)?

The Jackjack Burger is a handmade burger with Nashville chicken, coleslaw, pickles and Jackjack sauce. It's on the big side, so opening wide and taking a huge bite makes you so happy. The patty tastes good, and the bun is soft and chewy, perfect as a meal.

The Jackjack Burger gives you crispy, spicy chicken, and the crunch really holds up. The densely packed patty and soft bun work together for a fiery chicken burger that's still full of savory depth. Having it as a set makes it even more satisfying.

Who should you go to Jackjack Anguk with?

The burgers at Jackjack Anguk use fresh, good ingredients, so the flavor and texture are great, and they're high-quality, chunky burgers that are perfect for an easy meal. They're made fresh, so going with several people for brunch is a happy, filling and pleasant way to have a meal.

Jackjack Burger, the Anguk spot from the Culinary Class Wars chef, makes a satisfying hearty lunch that really shows off what handmade burgers are about. Go on a date or with friends, or let's go together for a special treat of Jongno hamburgers!