HanWadam Hanwoo Rhapsody

Situated in Seoul, with seven branches across the city and one in Busan, Han-Wadam (한와담) is a distinguished Korean beef specialist renowned for its premium Hanwoo beef offerings. Originating from Hannam-dong, near the Yongsan-gu office district, Hanwadam beckons connoisseurs of fine beef to savour Korea's counterpart to the renowned Wagyu.

What sets Han-Wadam apart is its focus on showcasing various cuts of Hanwoo beef through live teppanyaki-style cooking, allowing patrons to witness the culinary magic unfold before them without unnecessary fanfare.

A notable feature of Han-Wadam is its corkage-free policy, allowing diners to bring their own wine bottles with no additional corkage fees, enhancing the overall dining experience.

During our visit, we indulged in several cuts of sirloin and tenderloin, accompanied by gyeran jim (steamed eggs) and a selection of side dishes to complement the star of the show—the Hanwoo beef. The beef exhibited exquisite marbling and a rich, full-bodied flavour akin to Australian Wagyu, presenting a leaner profile (compared to Wagyu or Kobe) that resonated perfectly with our preferences. Unlike some premium Wagyu grades that can be overly fatty, Hanwoo strikes a delightful balance, offering a pure beefy indulgence.

Our servers recommended trying Han-Wadam's renowned kimchi, purportedly among the finest in Seoul. This is a must-try even for self-proclaimed kimchi skeptics, promising a transformative experience.

To complement our beef feast, we enjoyed their rendition of neng myun (cold buckwheat noodles), a beloved Korean classic known for its refreshing contrast to savoury flavours, adding a delightful dimension to our culinary journey.

The evening culminated in a memorable dining experience, underscored by exceptional service and impeccable quality. While the cost of our meal for three patrons totalled USD1000, the experience was undeniably worth every penny, delivering an unforgettable evening of Korean Hanwoo beef at its finest.