Korean Restaurant Near Me: DAEBOJUNG City Hall – Private Room Hanwoo Omakase with Live Lobster
When searching for a Korean restaurant near me for a special occasion, I finally found the perfect spot: DAEBOJUNG City Hall. Located steps from City Hall Station, this exceptional Hanwoo omakase restaurant has become my go-to choice for milestone celebrations. This marks my third visit, and each time I'm impressed by the innovation and quality. Today I'll share why this authentic Korean dining experience stands out among restaurants near Deoksugung.
🍽️ Reserve on CatchTable Global · 📍 DAEBOJUNG City Hall — Naver Place · ☎ 02-310-9554
City Hall Korean Food: Why DAEBOJUNG Became My First Choice
A friend first told me about this place when I was searching for Seoul Hanwoo omakase restaurants. The mention of "live lobster sashimi with Korean beef courses" immediately piqued my curiosity. It felt completely different from typical Korean BBQ spots or standard omakase, and my first visit exceeded all expectations. This isn't just a meal—it's a complete culinary experience.
Recently I've celebrated both a family anniversary and an important engagement dinner here, and every guest raved about it. The private rooms are a major advantage, allowing intimate conversation throughout the meal.
Location & Parking Information
DAEBOJUNG City Hall is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Exit 9 of City Hall Station (Lines 1 & 2). The address is B1F-4, 41 Sejong-daero 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul. You're also near major landmarks including Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Museum of Art, Namdaemun, and Eulji-ro—perfect for a post-dinner stroll or date.
If driving, use the Pacific Tower parking garage with complimentary parking: 2 hours on weekdays, 3 hours on weekends. The convenient parking makes it ideal for family gatherings and business dinners.
- Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–22:00 (Break 15:00–17:30)
- Saturday 11:30–22:00 (Break 15:00–17:30)
- Sunday 11:00–15:00
- Phone: 02-310-9554
- Reservations strongly recommended (especially weekends/evenings)
Private Room Atmosphere & Interior Design
The entrance exudes sophistication. An open kitchen lets you watch the chefs at work, while the interior features refined, ambient lighting. The private rooms are fully enclosed from floor to ceiling, blocking all outside noise. Individual climate control ensures a comfortable dining environment.
I used to prefer lively, bustling restaurants, but now I cherish these quiet, leisurely spaces where you can truly savor each dish. The private room setup is perfect for confidential conversations and important discussions.
Menu Options & Pricing
DAEBOJUNG offers more variety than you might expect, from à la carte grilled meats to lunch sets and full Hanwoo omakase courses. Key menu items include:
- Dae Set ₩199,000 (Grilled beef + 12-course menu)
- Bo Set ₩149,000 (Grilled beef + 11-course menu)
- Jung Set ₩109,000 (Grilled beef + 9-course menu)
- Weekday Bulgogi Set ₩39,000
- Weekday Sea Bream Rice Set ₩39,000
- Also: shabu-shabu, à la carte grilled items
For first-time visitors, I highly recommend the Dae Set if your budget allows—it's the best way to experience DAEBOJUNG's full capabilities. We ordered two Dae Sets this visit and paired them with highballs.
The Course: Every Dish a Masterpiece
Even the banchan (side dishes) were exceptional. The kimchi was so delicious I kept requesting refills, easily done through the tablet ordering system. Since we marked this as a special occasion, they complimentarily served champagne and grape juice, and later surprised us with a personalized dessert and Polaroid photos.
Perilla Seed Samgyetang Porridge & 5-Kind Seasonal Sashimi
The opening course featured warm porridge with chicken and perilla seeds, topped with Korean parsley oil for a fragrant touch. Perfect for awakening the palate. The sashimi platter followed with five varieties: sea bass, salmon, sea bream, tuna, and shrimp. The aged sashimi delivered a subtle, elegant sweetness.
Three Bite-Size Appetizers & Korean Beef Yukhoe
A zucchini cup concealed chewy abalone, while the tempura featured cuttlefish and lobster—crispy outside, rich inside. Apple-mint omija tea served as an excellent palate cleanser. The yukhoe (beef tartare) was mixed with Korean parsley and egg yolk, served atop crispy seaweed chips—savory, fresh, and outstanding.
Live Lobster Sashimi + Caviar
The course highlight. A live, moving lobster arrived adorned with caviar and gold leaf. If you've never tried lobster sashimi, the bouncy texture and delicate sweetness are truly memorable. The luxurious presentation elevates any engagement dinner or family celebration.
Tteokgalbi Burger
It had been ages since I'd had a burger, and this was leagues beyond fast food. The juicy tteokgalbi patty combined with fresh vegetables and cheese was phenomenal. It could easily be sold as a standalone menu item.
Buckwheat Noodles
These buckwheat noodles were light and refreshing. Using buckwheat instead of wheat flour felt healthier, and the silky texture was delightful.
1++ Hanwoo Charcoal Grill & Abalone/Scallops
The main event: Korean beef. Four cuts were served—thin skirt, shrimp, ribeye, and tenderloin—all clearly 1++ grade with beautiful marbling. The thin skirt and shrimp cuts are my favorites, and here they needed no wasabi—the pure beef flavor was sufficient. The ribeye and tenderloin were equally tender and rich. The accompanying abalone and scallops prevented any richness fatigue.
Finishing Course: Lobster Ramen & Seaweed Soup
For the finale, you choose between seaweed soup, mul-naengmyeon (cold noodles), bibim-naengmyeon (spicy cold noodles), or lobster ramen. We selected seaweed soup and lobster ramen. The ramen featured a whole lobster claw, with the innards scraped into the broth for intense umami depth. This was no ordinary instant ramen—it was elevated to fine cuisine.
Dessert
Sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch) and sorbet arrived with anniversary lettering. They also took Polaroid photos for us—a wonderful keepsake.
Service & Reservation Tips
The staff were exceptionally attentive and knowledgeable. They explained each dish in detail and grilled everything to perfection. Corkage is free, so feel free to bring your own wine or champagne.
Reservations are essential. Private rooms fill quickly on weekends and during celebration seasons, so book at least one week ahead. Mention any special occasions when calling to receive complimentary anniversary services.
Ideal For
- Anyone seeking authentic Korean dining and premium Hanwoo omakase in Seoul
- Engagement dinners, proposals, birthdays, and anniversary celebrations
- Business dinners and important company gatherings
- Those desiring a private room for quiet, intimate meals
- Food lovers wanting to try unique dishes like lobster sashimi
- Family meetings and quality time with loved ones
Final Thoughts
DAEBOJUNG isn't just a restaurant—it's a destination for creating precious memories. The greatest appeal is experiencing diverse flavors in one place: 1++ Hanwoo, fresh seafood, and meticulously prepared Korean cuisine. Among Korean Restaurant City Hall options and restaurants near Deoksugung, few match this level of quality and service.
Though this was my third visit, I was still amazed, and I'm already planning who to bring next time. If you're searching for a Korean restaurant near me for someone special, DAEBOJUNG City Hall is an unequivocal recommendation.
Tips for International Visitors
Making Reservations: Call ahead in English or use a hotel concierge. Mention "private room" and "anniversary" for special services. Weekend evenings book fast.
Getting There: Take subway Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station, Exit 9. Turn right and walk 3 minutes. Look for Pacific Tower—the restaurant is on basement level 1. Taxi drivers know "City Hall Deoksugung area."
Dining Etiquette: Staff will grill the meat for you—this is premium service, not an insult to your skills. Feel free to ask questions about each course. Chopsticks and spoons are provided; use chopsticks for solid foods and spoons for soups. It's polite to try everything served. Tipping is not expected in Korea.
What to Expect: The full omakase course takes 2–2.5 hours. Pace yourself—there are many dishes. The private rooms offer complete privacy. Ask for English menus if needed.