Konkuk Univ. weekend bar: yakiniku set, beef sushi, Yukhoe Gongjakso

Yukhoe Gongjakso Sejong University branch is a bar near Konkuk Univ. and Sejong University where you can enjoy yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) and yakiniku (grilled beef) together. By the weekend, you badly want to wash away the week's fatigue with good food. My friend and I were debating what to eat, and we got to craving nutty yukhoe and warm brazier-grilled meat, so we headed to Yukhoe Gongjakso, which I'd had my eye on for a while. I'd been looking for a place near Konkuk Univ. with a nice atmosphere and good value, and this one already had a lot of word of mouth. Just finding a cozy spot for a chat among all the packed bars had me excited. After going, I totally understood why so many people name Yukhoe Gongjakso as their go-to yukhoe place near Konkuk Univ.

How do you get to Yukhoe Gongjakso Sejong University branch, and what's the vibe?

From Children's Grand Park Station Exit 4, it's about a 3-minute walk. It's open daily from 5 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, which is very generous, so you can stay without watching the clock. That was a big plus.

From the entrance, soft lighting and cherry blossom decor give off the feel of a Japanese izakaya (pub) in Japan. We went on a weekend and many people had already filled the seats. Luckily, there are private seats with partitions inside, so it was perfect for a quiet conversation. That relaxed atmosphere made me think it's just right as a bar near Konkuk Univ.

First time? Try the yukhoe yakiniku set

At Yukhoe Gongjakso Sejong University branch, we ordered the most popular combo, the yukhoe yakiniku set. When I opened the menu, the variety caught my eye: yukhoe, yakiniku and even yuksashimi (beef sashimi).

The big strength of Yukhoe Gongjakso is that you can try a lot of dishes at reasonable prices. At bars, the price of snacks is often a burden, but here, even with high-quality Korean beef yukhoe, I could eat my fill without worrying about my wallet. If it's your first time, I recommend a set menu like mine to taste a range of flavors. If you're looking for a great-value Sejong University restaurant, you won't regret it.

Grill the yakiniku yourself on a mini brazier

The yakiniku here is grilled yourself on a mini brazier set up on the table. When our yakiniku arrived, the mini brazier was placed down, and grilling the meat ourselves was a lot of fun.

When I put the sweetly marinated beef on the brazier, it sizzled and a delicious smell spread. I dipped the nicely cooked meat in sauce, and it was so tender it seemed to melt in my mouth. It's more than just eating meat; grilling it yourself adds to the fun and makes the drinks taste even better. Chatting with my friend and carefully grilling piece by piece, we lost track of time. After this, I could see why the reviews of Yukhoe Gongjakso are so good.

How fresh were the yukhoe and yuksashimi?

The yukhoe, the star of Yukhoe Gongjakso, was freshness itself. They say they use Australian grass-fed beef slaughtered at dawn, and maybe that's why it was clean with no gamey smell and had a wonderful nutty flavor.

I popped the egg yolk and mixed it into the yukhoe, and the nuttiness doubled for a much richer taste. The yuksashimi I tried next also had an amazing texture that clung to the mouth. It had the springy chew of fresh, not frozen, meat, and I thought there's no better snack with drinks. You could feel in every piece that carefully prepared, fresh meat is used.

Side dishes: mussel broth, beef sushi and free-refill egg soup

At Yukhoe Gongjakso Sejong University branch, we finished with a broth full of mussels and the extra beef sushi we ordered. What really surprised me is that the beef egg soup, served as a free extra, can be refilled without limit.

The beef egg soup was so clear and deep that it felt like drinking and curing a hangover at the same time. It works as a hearty meal and a drinking session in one, and I clearly understood why people recommend Yukhoe Gongjakso as a yukhoe specialist. Taste, atmosphere and price: nothing fell short, and it was a satisfying evening. I found myself wanting to come back with good people next time.

Final thoughts

At Yukhoe Gongjakso Sejong University branch, both the food and the service beat my expectations the whole meal, and the combo of fresh yukhoe and yakiniku was fantastic. If you're wondering where to drink near Konkuk Univ., I really recommend dropping by.