Best Korean Restaurant Seoul: DAEBOJUNG City Hall Hanwoo Omakase
Last weekend, I treated my parents to a special meal to show my gratitude for everything they've done for me. My father had recently helped me out tremendously, and I wanted to express my appreciation with something memorable. While searching for the best Korean restaurant Seoul has to offer, I discovered DAEBOJUNG City Hall. What caught my attention immediately was that every seat is in a private room—perfect for quality family time without distractions.
🍽️ Reserve on CatchTable Global · 📍 DAEBOJUNG City Hall — Naver Place · ☎ 02-310-9554
Why I Chose This Korean Fine Dining Seoul Experience
When searching for a Hanwoo omakase restaurant, my top priorities were atmosphere and privacy. I wanted a space where we could enjoy intimate conversation over an exceptional meal. DAEBOJUNG checked both boxes: the private room setup provided the seclusion I was looking for, and their use of premium 1++ grade Korean beef gave me confidence in the quality. Unlike typical omakase restaurants that focus solely on Japanese cuisine, this Korean restaurant City Hall location offers a Korean fine dining experience rooted in traditional Korean flavors—something I knew would resonate with my parents' palates.
Location and How to Get There
DAEBOJUNG City Hall is located on the basement level of Pacific Mall, one of the convenient restaurants near Deoksugung Palace. It's less than a 10-minute walk from City Hall Station Exit 9, making it incredibly accessible by public transportation. If you're driving, the building offers two hours of complimentary parking. After that, it's 1,000 won per 10 minutes.
- Address: B1F Pacific Tower, 41 Sejong-daero 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (Break time 3:00–5:30 PM)
- Closed: Sundays
- Parking: 2 hours free in building garage
Note that Saturday opening time is 11:30 AM, thirty minutes later than weekdays. If you're planning a weekend visit, double-check the timing before you go.
Reservation Tips and Private Room Atmosphere
I made my reservation through Naver, but you can also book via Catch Table. For same-day reservations, you'll need to call directly at 02-310-9554. When we arrived at our scheduled time, the private room was already beautifully set and ready for us.
The independent space meant we could relax completely without worrying about other diners. The lighting was soft and intimate, creating a warm ambiance that felt both upscale and comfortable. It struck me that this would be an ideal venue for business dinners, engagement dinners, or family meetings. In fact, I could hear what sounded like a company dinner happening in an adjacent room.
The Premium 12-Course Experience
We ordered the "Dae" set at 199,000 won per person, which includes 12 courses. I specifically chose the top-tier option because I wanted to try the lobster ramen. There are also the "Bo" set (11 courses, 149,000 won) and "Jeong" set (9 courses, 109,000 won), but since this was a special occasion, we went for the full experience.
DAEBOJUNG Banchan Spread
Even before the courses began, the table was filled with traditional Korean side dishes. Cucumber with doenjang, pickled radish, kimchi, braised beef, and salad—all perfectly paired to complement the Korean beef omakase ahead. The pickled radish and doenjang vegetables were especially refreshing, cutting through the richness of the beef courses to come. The banchan alone would have been satisfying.
Perilla Seed Chicken Porridge
The first course was a nutty, aromatic porridge that filled my mouth with the deep flavor of roasted perilla seeds. It warmed the stomach perfectly without being heavy. We were offered champagne or grape juice as an aperitif—I appreciated that they had non-alcoholic options available.
Five-Variety Seasonal Sashimi
Following the porridge came an assortment of five different fish. The sweet shrimp stood out most—just a touch of soy sauce revealed its natural sweetness. Each fish was impeccably fresh with no fishy smell, and the textures and flavors were distinctly different. My only minor complaint was that the wasabi portion was a bit small.
Three Bite-Sized Delicacies
This course presented three items on one plate: grilled abalone with zucchini, fried squid and lobster, and an apple-mint cleanser with omija berry. The abalone came with a savory innard sauce and was topped with seaweed—rich and deeply satisfying. The lobster tempura was perfectly crispy, and the cleanser did exactly what it should: refresh the palate for what was coming next.
Korean Beef Yukhoe
Fresh Korean beef tartare served atop crispy seaweed crackers. The sweet yukhoe sauce paired beautifully with the crunch of the seaweed. You could eat them separately or together—both ways were delicious. The quality and freshness of the raw beef was exceptional, tender and clean-tasting.
Lobster Sashimi
This special course is exclusive to the Dae set. The server brought out a live lobster for us to see before preparing it—a touch that significantly increased my confidence in the freshness. Watching them handle a living lobster right in front of us was an experience in itself. Served with caviar, soy sauce, and wasabi, the lobster meat was springy and sweet, with a clean ocean flavor.
Korean Beef Tteokgalbi Slider
A mini burger made with Korean beef tteokgalbi (beef patty). The bite-sized format made it easy to eat, and the patty was incredibly juicy and tender. Combined with the bun, it had a distinctly Korean twist on the Western burger concept.
Korean Beef Buckwheat Noodles
Cold buckwheat noodles topped with sliced Korean beef brisket and garnishes. The refreshing broth and chewy noodles cleansed the palate beautifully. These palate-refreshing courses interspersed throughout the meal kept everything from feeling too heavy.
Grilled Abalone and Scallop
Charcoal-grilled abalone and scallop, with the abalone perfectly chewy-tender and the scallop seared on the outside but moist inside. The natural sweetness of the seafood came through beautifully.
Premium Korean Beef Charcoal Grill
The main event: various cuts of 1++ grade Hanwoo, grilled tableside by our server who explained each cut and the best way to enjoy it. The marbling was stunning, and the texture literally melted in my mouth. Salt, wasabi, ssamjang, and other condiments were provided so we could customize each bite to our preference.
Lobster Ramen
For the final savory course, you can choose between Korean beef seaweed soup, cold noodles, or lobster ramen. I went with the lobster ramen. The rich broth was loaded with generous pieces of lobster meat, and the noodles had a perfect chew. It was the ideal finish before dessert, completing all 12 courses flawlessly.
Exceptional Service and Memorable Touches
Throughout the meal, the staff's attentive service stood out. With each course, they explained the ingredients, preparation methods, and recommended ways to enjoy it. The presentation of the live lobster before preparation was a performance you'd expect at a high-end establishment—it immediately built trust in the quality of ingredients.
Another impressive detail: wine corkage is complimentary. Wine enthusiasts can bring their own bottles to pair with the courses, which is a significant advantage for those who have specific preferences.
Who Should Visit DAEBOJUNG City Hall
Based on my experience, this Korean restaurant near City Hall is perfect for special occasions with people you care about. I highly recommend it if you're:
- Planning a family gathering or meal to honor your parents
- Looking for a private room for an anniversary or date night
- Organizing an engagement dinner or family meeting
- Searching for a business dinner venue with private rooms
- Wanting to experience authentic Korean fine dining with Hanwoo omakase
- Hosting client entertainment or corporate events
Whether it's a weekday company dinner or a weekend family celebration, DAEBOJUNG delivers on every front.
Final Thoughts on This Hanwoo Omakase Experience
Our meal at DAEBOJUNG exceeded expectations in every category: food quality, atmosphere, and service. The private room setting allowed us to enjoy genuine conversation and connection—something that's hard to find at busy restaurants. The Korean beef quality was outstanding, and every element from banchan to dessert showed thoughtful preparation and care.
At around 200,000 won per person for the premium set, the price point is significant. However, considering the course composition and ingredient quality—including lobster sashimi, abalone, scallops, and 1++ grade Korean beef—I found it reasonable. The special items like lobster sashimi and grilled abalone-scallop are exclusive to the Dae set, so if your budget allows, I recommend going for the full experience.
If you're searching for Korean food City Hall area or want a memorable Hanwoo omakase for a special occasion, put DAEBOJUNG City Hall on your list. It's absolutely worth it for creating meaningful moments with people who matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I make a reservation at DAEBOJUNG City Hall?
A. You can reserve through Naver or Catch Table in advance. Same-day reservations are only available by phone at 02-310-9554. Since all seating is in private rooms, I recommend booking ahead, especially for weekend evenings and dinner times.
Q. What are the price differences between the courses?
A. The Jeong set is 9 courses for 109,000 won, the Bo set is 11 courses for 149,000 won, and the Dae set is 12 courses for 199,000 won. Only the Dae set includes lobster sashimi, grilled abalone-scallop, and the option to choose lobster ramen as your final savory course.
Q. Is parking available?
A. Yes, you can use the Pacific Tower building parking garage with two hours complimentary. After that, it's 1,000 won per 10 minutes. The restaurant is also a 10-minute walk from City Hall Station, so public transportation is very convenient.