Three-generation farewell dinner at a Daegu beef restaurant: Gogi 9dan

The dazzling challenge of my eldest son heading to the US toward a wider world. The steady, growing courage of my younger son as he serves his mandatory military duty. The burning passion of my mother, who at her age is still pursuing an oriental medicine degree as the oldest student in her class. And my husband and me, working hard and somehow forgetting our own age.

Each of us fighting our own battles — all three generations of us are living out our youth, in our own way. Tomorrow my eldest son leaves for a long journey, so this was our last meal together before he goes. I wanted to give the most dazzling youth in our family a meal that felt especially hearty and special.

A three-generation family meal at Gogi 9dan, a beef restaurant in Chimsan-dong, Daegu

My eldest son leaving for the US, my younger son home on leave, and my mother still chasing her studies — the whole family gathered in one place. With three generations having such different tastes, we needed a restaurant with excellent beef quality that was also comfortable enough for everyone to sit together.

After much deliberation, we headed to Gogi 9dan Chimsan Direct Branch, well known as a top spot in Chimsan-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu. Right at the entrance, a butcher with 30 years of experience was carefully trimming meat in an open workspace.

Seeing with my own eyes their same-day-trimmed, same-day-sold principle made me feel reassured about bringing both my parents and my kids here.

Parking and seating at Gogi 9dan Chimsan Direct Branch

Gogi 9dan Chimsan Direct Branch has a spacious dedicated 1st-floor parking lot, and on weekends you can also use the nearby National Health Insurance Service's open parking lot — parking here is really convenient.

Each table has its own private partition, so even during busy hours it was easy for the family to have a cozy conversation while eating.

Nuruk-salt charcoal grilling and the value-packed 9dan set

Why half-and-half platters let you taste more cuts

At Gogi 9dan you can order half-and-half from the very first order, which is a great deal.

To suit my eldest son's love of trying a bit of everything, we ordered a half platter of skirt steak, a half platter of fresh short rib, and the 9dan set.

Skirt steak and fresh short rib, seasoned with nuruk salt

The charcoal-grilled skirt steak, seasoned with nuruk (fermented rice malt) salt, had deep umami and a tender texture. Even with its thick cut, it melted softly in the mouth.

The fresh short rib was just as good, filling the mouth with rich beef flavor and nuttiness with every chew.

Hanwoo beef tartare and spicy kimchi stew in the 9dan set

My eldest son, a huge fan of yukhoe (raw beef tartare), polished off a whole plate of fresh hanwoo beef tartare in no time, and the skirt steak wasabi sushi was also a real treat.

The spicy, tangy, crunchy jjolmyeon was exactly to my taste, and the hearty, spicy fresh pork kimchi stew, loaded with meat, cut through the greasiness so well it practically demanded another bowl of rice.

Adding flower short rib, plus the free pizza for a soldier

Juicy flower short rib and chewy imperial short rib as add-ons

To keep the momentum going for our big-eater kids, we added half platters each of flower short rib and imperial short rib.

The well-marbled flower short rib was juicy and rich, right up my younger son's alley. With the chewy imperial short rib added in, our chopsticks never got a break.

Seasoned raw crab packed with meat

Every one of the basic side dishes was neat and well-made. My younger son, a big fan of seasoned crab, was especially taken with the crab, which was packed with meat — and you can order one free refill.

A warm gorgonzola pizza free with a military leave pass

Spotting birthday, pregnancy, and military perks on the tablet menu, we showed my younger son's military leave pass, and a freshly baked gorgonzola pizza came out on the house.

The savory pizza, dipped in sweet honey, was thoroughly enjoyed even by my mom, who loves pizza.

Patbingsu for dessert and an honest verdict on Gogi 9dan Chimsan

Sweet patbingsu, big enough for four to share

After the meal, the old-style patbingsu (shaved ice) came out topped generously with rice cakes, cereal, and sweet red beans — more than enough for four people to enjoy as dessert.

Finishing with self-serve Starbucks coffee and plum tea

The Starbucks brewed coffee, iced cups, and cool plum tea available at the exit made for the perfect way to cleanse the palate.

Why Gogi 9dan Chimsan is worth it for a family meal in Daegu

Being a popular restaurant, you may run into a wait during peak hours, but with private booth partitions, convenient parking, and solid value for money, it was an extremely satisfying meal.

Cheering on my eldest son as he leaves for the US tomorrow, it was a hearty meal that reminded all three generations of us that we're all still living our youth.