Yukhoe, a beloved Korean dish among many, consists of finely sliced raw meat marinated in seasoning. Yukhoe, which exhibits diverse flavors depending on its ingredients and seasonings, has evolved in various ways regionally. In this issue, we introduce three charming and distinctive yukhoe restaurants that encapsulate the strong characteristics of each region.

Wanggeomi Sikdang, in Daegu

‘Mungtgi’ is a dialect term of Gyeongsang-do that refers to thinly chopped raw beef, about the size of a thumb. This dish involves chopping  raw beef into small chunks and marinating it in a mixture of sesame oil, garlic, coarsely ground red pepper, and other seasonings. Mungtigi is considered one of the best indigenous local dishes ranking in the ‘Top 10 Tastes of Daegu.’ 

'Wanggeomi Sikdang' in Daegu is  famous for Mungtigi, extending its reputation beyond the local region. When you order a plate of raw beef here, a vividly deep red-colored beef is served densely packed on the plate. Once you've marveled at it visually, it's time to turn the plate upside down. The meat, known for its incredible elasticity and texture, stays firmly in place, demonstrating its  freshness. Using freshly slaughtered Hanwoo Udun (rump) they remove tough parts to offer only a tender, yet chewy taste and texture.

The special sauce at Wanggeomi Sikdang accentuates the taste of Mungtigi with its rich nuttiness and depth. If a plate of raw beef alone isn't satisfying enough, we also recommend experiencing various special parts of beef, such as the chewy tendon ‘odraegi’, daechang (intestines), cow tongue, spine, etc. 

Address | 696-8 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu
Hours |  Open at 16:00–21:00 Mon. to Thurs. (Open at 15:00 on Fri. / Closed on Sun.)

Danggol Sikdang, in Gurye

When you think of yukhoe, it's natural to associate it primarily with beef. The idea of consuming chicken as yukhoe might seem unfamiliar or strange to those who encounter it for the first time. However, chicken yukhoe has been an esteemed choice among gourmets. Let us introduce to you 'Danggol Sikdang,' located in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do, where you can experience everything about chicken.

Danggol Sikdang, with its charming mural as the first thing greeting its guests, has been featured several times in broadcasts. As they serve to  order -- they immediately catch mountain chickens upon order, reservations are essential. Their signature menu, 'Mountain Chicken Grilled Course,' offers various chicken dishes, starting with chicken yukhoe. Chicken yukhoe consists of breast meat, gizzards, and skin, each providing distinct flavors and textures unique to their parts.

When tasting the chicken breast meat yukhoe, you might doubt whether it's indeed chicken breast due to its similar texture and mildness to raw fish sashimi. The gizzard and skin yukhoe have exceptional chewiness in texture. Following the chicken yukhoe, the course continues on to present charcoal-grilled chicken, baeksuk (whole chicken soup), and dakjuk (chicken porridge). After enjoying this hearty meal, you will feel fully nourished and replenished. 

Address | 86-31 Danggol-gil, Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Hours |  Open at 12:00–20:00 Wed. to Mon. (Break time 15:00-17:00 / Closed on Tue.)

Malgogi Yeonguso, in Jeju

Jeju Island, known as the birthplace of horses, is so deeply associated with horses that there is a saying, "Send humans to Seoul and send horses to Jeju-do." It's the optimal place in Korea to enjoy horse yukhoe. When visiting Jeju, you can discover restaurants that offer horse meat dishes for you to enjoy without any hesitation, and 'Malgogi Yeonguso' is one such place.

Malgogi Yeonguso serves  'Horse Yukhoe Sushi,' made with 100% Jeju horse meat, offering a meltingly smooth texture, aiding in an excellent introduction to horse meat. Freshness is crucial when consuming horse meat yukhoe, ideally best within 10 minutes. Another popular menu item is the 'Horse Meat Mala  Shabu,' where fresh horse meat is  marinated in a spicy broth with refreshing vegetables, offering an easy and delicious way to enjoy raw horse meat.

How about enjoying Jeju Island more authentically by having a meal made with the island's signature  product, horse meat? As Malgogi Yeonguso is located near the airport and also within a 10-minute distance from Yongyeon Valley, Tapdong Square, and Black Pork Street, make sure to take a stroll around the vicinity after your meal and enjoy Jeju until the very last minute.

Address | 1FL, 43 Bukseong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju
Hours |  Open at 10:00–22:00 (Break time 15:00-17:00 / Last Order 21:00)

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