Whale meat course in Dong-gu, Busan: Gorae Gajok

We wanted to have a proper drink in Beomil-dong, and since Jjireung and Jjidong had never tried whale meat together while dating, we thought, shall we finally give whale meat a go? So we headed to Gorae Gajok (고래가족), a whale-meat spot in Beomil-dong! Whale meat can be fishy if it is not done well, so we had to find the right place.

Gorae Gajok in Beomil-dong: location and menu

Newly opened in Beomil-dong, Gorae Gajok is a Busan whale-meat specialist said to focus not only on fresh whale meat but also premium tuna and deeply flavored skate! They use ingredients carefully selected through years of experience and care, and offer a range of dishes and courses that highlight the character of each cut, so we set off absolutely full of anticipation.

Jjireung and Jjidong’s pick: Special B, ₩55,000 per person × 2. ₩110,000.

What comes first in the Special B course?

Before properly getting into the whale meat and tuna, a soft, jiggly steamed egg arrived as the first course appetizer.

Next came fried shrimp: the coating gave a light crackle from the moment I picked it up with chopsticks, and with mayonnaise and one bite, the outside was crisp while the shrimp inside was springy and juicy.

The flounder sashimi, squid, and salmon all have different textures, which makes it even more fun.

The next sashimi selection, served one piece at a time, was also quite substantial. The flounder sashimi buried under konowata had a satisfyingly chewy bounce as soon as it hit the mouth. The squid was properly springy. Through the layers of the salmon, rich oiliness spread softly.

Just as I was thinking, is the whale meat coming soon...? Uni, eel, and skate appeared.

How uni, eel, and skate change the mood of the table

The glossy eel was impossible to resist from the look alone. Its seasoning had soaked in sweet and salty, and the flesh was so tender it nearly broke apart when lifted with chopsticks. The sharp taste of skate reset the palate! After a run of soft, nutty dishes, the skate made a real point. Its distinct, peppery aroma rises to the nose, while its own pleasantly firm texture comes alive the more you chew.

Uni changes the whole mood in one bite. The moment it went into my mouth, its thick, rich flavor spread wide. It melted softly, bringing up the sea’s savory saltiness alongside a subtle sweetness—such presence. Uni can be extremely fishy when it is not done well too, but this was truly delicious, ending in one regrettably small bite. Skate is very divisive and plenty of people cannot eat it, so if you mention it when ordering, they will substitute another side dish for the skate!

What are the textures of the tuna and whale meat like?

At last, the stars of the show: tuna and whale meat.

Gorae Gajok’s tuna stood apart from its vivid red color and fine marbling. I picked up a piece and placed it in my mouth; it landed cool and smooth, then slowly melted with body heat as its nutty flavor burst out...

There was no bothersome sinew or mushiness—only tenderness—and the more I chewed, the more I wanted that deeply savory, tuna-specific flavor again. It was delicious wrapped in gim (roasted seaweed), and a tiny bit of sesame oil sauce or wasabi changed the taste again. Slowly savoring each piece with a drink... what a perfect weekend.

And then, the whale meat I had been looking forward to most. The colors and textures varied noticeably by cut, so it was fun choosing and trying every piece.

Some cuts were chewy with a pleasant bounce, while others revealed the intense nuttiness unique to whale meat the more I chewed. Each cut had such a clear character that it was difficult to pin it down as just one flavor.

I also liked that they came over midway and kindly explained things so even first-time whale-meat eaters could enjoy it without feeling intimidated. First of all, the whale meat had absolutely no off smell whatsoever~~~ and was really delicious. Whale meat is not a cheap food, so I have not eaten it much either; every time, I had thought, this costs this much? But at Gorae Gajok in Beomil-dong, I finally experienced whale meat’s real flavor and real chewiness... Eureka!!

Nagasaki jjamppong and sake

The spicy Nagasaki jjamppong, with an extra serving of noodles, helped reset a palate that could have become a little bland between courses with its spicy kick, so Jjireung and Jjidong’s chopsticks never got a rest.

They also have a variety of sake ready, so people who really love whale meat will probably love this.

A special table in a private room

At Gorae Gajok, we were able to spend special time with someone precious in a spacious, comfortable setting. The fresh ingredients, clean flavor free of fishiness and off odors, and kind service all stood out.

Private rooms are available too, making it ideal for a private gathering.

If you are looking for something more special and abundant than an ordinary assorted sashimi spread in Beomil-dong, how about whale meat today? “This is all before the main course?” was the phrase that naturally came out—and you will understand immediately when the table arrives. This was our visit to Gorae Gajok, a Beomil-dong whale-meat restaurant I wholeheartedly recommend not only to tuna or whale-meat lovers, but also to anyone wanting to sample various seafood little by little over a drink.