Jongno Japanese restaurant for table-grilled gyukatsu: Hurato Sikdang

Returning to Hurato Sikdang for gyukatsu in Gwanghwamun

I'd absolutely stuffed myself at Hurato Sikdang years ago, and I was craving gyukatsu, so while looking for a good place in Gwanghwamun, I spotted it and headed to the Gyeongbokgung Main Branch. Hurato Sikdang has long been famous for gyukatsu, and although I'd had it several times before, it's personally one of the gyukatsu places I genuinely rate.

Nearly full even at 2 PM on a weekend

I visited around 2 PM, just after the lunch rush—or so I thought. But what? The restaurant was nearly full. Even after 2 PM, there were this many people; popular places really are different. We ordered gyukatsu, Japanese omurice, and Kirin Ichiban 200. Gyukatsu with omurice and a beer on the side made for a properly satisfying meal.

Gyukatsu with breading that clings to the beef

My favorite thing at Hurato Sikdang is, of course, the gyukatsu—breaded and fried beef cutlet. I've tried it at many places because I love gyukatsu, but honestly, Hurato Sikdang is exceptionally good in my book. It arrives fried and crisp on the outside, then you can grill it to your preferred doneness on your own small brazier.

Above all, I love Hurato Sikdang's gyukatsu because the breading adheres snugly to the meat. It doesn't separate or fall away in a thick layer; it clings right to the beef, so every bite has such a great combination of crunchy coating and tender beef.

With a crisp exterior and the option to cook the inside exactly as you want it, this is bound to satisfy anyone who loves gyukatsu. I've personally gone around trying gyukatsu at many places, but this one feels hard for others to match. I could see why it's famous.

Finding your preferred doneness on the individual brazier

A small brazier is set at each table, so I put on a few pieces at a time and cooked them to my preferred doneness. Being able to adjust the cooking as you eat, rather than having the meat fully cooked from the start, is part of the fun of gyukatsu. The outside is already crisp and cooked, so all you need to do at the brazier is cook the center to your taste.

It was good lightly cooked and tender, or cooked a little further, and it was fun to enjoy each piece differently. The sauces and accompaniments changed the flavor again, too, so I never got tired of the plate. Personally, I'm the type who prefers it cooked a little more rather than just lightly seared.

Japanese omurice alongside the gyukatsu

Gyukatsu alone felt like it might not be enough, and we also wanted something for the child, so we ordered Japanese omurice—an omelet-topped rice dish. The soft egg and rice went nicely with the gyukatsu. While the gyukatsu has a definite presence as the main dish, the omurice is gentler and more comforting. Children's tableware is available, too, which made it a nice option for a visit with a child. For two people, ordering one of each and sharing would make a perfect lineup.

Adding omurice made the meal feel much more abundant than gyukatsu alone. We also ordered a Kirin Ichiban 200 that day. Crisply fried gyukatsu with a cold beer—what more needs to be said? Taking a sip of beer while grilling the gyukatsu bit by bit was a treat in itself. We arrived a little after lunchtime, but the beer made the meal feel especially leisurely.

Keep possible waiting in mind near Gyeongbokgung

The most striking thing that day was that the place was full even at around 2 PM on a weekend. I thought the lunch rush would have eased enough for a relaxed meal, but there were really a lot of people. It made me think this is a place people keep coming back to. If you're looking for somewhere to eat near Gyeongbokgung, it may be wise to allow a little extra time in case of a wait. It can be even busier on weekends or at mealtimes, so keep that in mind.

The place that still felt like the one

Eating here again reminded me once more that Hurato Sikdang is a gyukatsu place I truly approve of. Gyukatsu can look similar, but the combination of beef and breading—and the condition of that breading—makes a considerable difference in flavor. This one is exactly my kind of style. I especially love the way the coating clings tightly to the beef.

The crispness and tender texture of the beef come through together, and the ability to grill it as much as you like only added to my satisfaction. The Japanese omurice made the meal filling, and we enjoyed it with Kirin Ichiban, too. If you're looking for a tasty Japanese meal around Gyeongbokgung or a great gyukatsu spot, Hurato Sikdang Gyeongbokgung Main Branch is somewhere I can confidently recommend. It was delicious again this time, and even after so long, it made me think, “Yep, this is the place.” If you love gyukatsu, I hope you try Hurato Sikdang at least once. I left happy again that day. 🥩🍺