Korean Restaurant City Hall | DAEBOJUNG Hanwoo Omakase Review
Planning an important gathering and wondering where to dine? When I was searching for the perfect venue for a family celebration, I discovered something truly special near City Hall, Seoul. DAEBOJUNG City Hall offers an exceptional Korean beef omakase experience in completely private rooms, and after visiting, I understood exactly why this authentic Korean dining destination has become one of the most sought-after spots in the area. Today I'm sharing my detailed firsthand experience at this premium Korean cuisine gem.
🍽️ Reserve on CatchTable Global · 📍 DAEBOJUNG City Hall — Naver Place · ☎ 02-310-9554
Why I Chose This Korean Restaurant in City Hall
I first learned about DAEBOJUNG while planning my mother's birthday dinner. I needed a place where family could comfortably gather and converse while enjoying exceptional food quality. What drew me in was that every seat is in a private room, and the Hanwoo omakase concept felt refreshingly unique. It wasn't a typical Korean BBQ joint, nor was it a formal traditional Korean set meal restaurant—it offered something elegantly in between, with refined course dining. After searching various restaurants near Deoksugung and throughout the City Hall area, I found few places that matched this combination of privacy and upscale atmosphere.
Location and How to Get There
DAEBOJUNG City Hall is located at B1, 41 Sejong-daero 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul. It's incredibly accessible—just a 5-minute walk from City Hall Station (Line 2). You can also reach it within 15 minutes from Hoehyeon Station (Line 4) or Seodaemun Station (Line 5). I drove and used the Pacific Tower underground parking, which offers 2 hours free on weekdays and 3 hours free on weekends, making it very convenient.
The location is ideal, with Deoksugung Palace, Sungnyemun Gate, and Myeongdong all nearby—perfect for a stroll before or after your meal. From the moment you enter the building, the upscale atmosphere is apparent, and the restaurant is right there when you descend to the basement level.
Private Rooms and Atmosphere
Upon entering, staff warmly greeted us and escorted us to our reserved room. I caught a glimpse of the open kitchen during the walk—spotlessly clean and impressively professional. The standout feature of DAEBOJUNG is undoubtedly that every seat is in a private room. They have 21 rooms total, accommodating up to 40 guests.
Our room comfortably seated six, and everything from the table setting to the interior design showed meticulous attention to detail. Each room has coat hooks, and once the door closes, you have a completely independent space for relaxed conversation. This setup makes it perfect for any occasion—engagement dinners, business meetings, anniversary celebrations, or family gatherings.
Dinner Course Menu Composition
DAEBOJUNG City Hall offers three dinner courses: Dae (大), Bo (寶), and Jeong (庭). We selected the Bo set at 149,000 won per person, which includes 120g of 1++ grade assorted Korean beef. The course begins with DAEBOJUNG's traditional table setting, followed by perilla seed chicken porridge, 5 types of seasonal sashimi, three bite-sized dishes (abalone, lobster, and palate cleanser), Korean beef tartare, Korean beef tteokgalbi burger, Korean beef buckwheat noodles, abalone and scallop dishes, the main charcoal-grilled Hanwoo, and finally your choice of Korean beef seaweed soup or cold noodles, plus dessert.
Each course allows modifications to the main—you can switch to king-size seasoned or unseasoned short ribs, or upgrade to sea bream stone pot rice for an additional fee. While the price point is premium, considering the composition and quality of the entire experience, it feels entirely reasonable.
Each Course, A Delightful Experience
The traditional table setting arrived first—small dishes of elegant banchan that evoked the refinement of Korean formal cuisine. The perilla seed chicken porridge was nutty and silky, perfect for awakening the palate. The five types of seasonal sashimi that followed were exceptionally fresh, each offering distinct textures and flavors that made every bite interesting.
The bite-sized abalone and lobster were perfectly sized and cooked to perfection. The palate cleanser did its job beautifully, refreshing our mouths and building anticipation for the next course. The Korean beef tartare featured finely minced fresh beef mixed with Korean pear—the fragrant sesame oil and the meat's natural sweetness were sublime.
The Korean beef tteokgalbi burger was a unique offering—tender tteokgalbi patty between buns, creating an impressive fusion of Korean and Western flavors. The Korean beef buckwheat noodles had deep, rich broth and perfectly chewy noodles that I finished completely. The abalone and scallop dish showed masterful heat control—lightly seared outside, moist and tender inside.
The main event, 1++ grade Hanwoo charcoal-grilled beef, featured various cuts including ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin. Staff grilled each piece for us while explaining the characteristics and best way to enjoy each cut. The beautifully marbled ribeye melted on the tongue, the sirloin offered wonderful chewiness, and the tenderloin was tender and clean-tasting. The alternating bites created pure pleasure. True to the Hanwoo omakase concept, the cooking methods maximized the meat's natural flavors.
For the finale, I chose the Korean beef seaweed soup—rich bone broth with tender Hanwoo pieces made it the perfect ending. The dessert was light and sweet, ideal for cleansing the palate.
Service and Reservation Tips
The staff's service was truly impressive. Never overbearing, yet appearing at precisely the right moments to assist, they provided detailed explanations of each course. Their timing when grilling the beef was impeccable, ensuring we enjoyed everything at peak deliciousness.
Reservations are essential. I called a week in advance, and weekend evening slots fill quickly, so plan ahead. To reserve your table online or by phone, call 02-310-9554. Hours are Monday-Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday 11:30am-10pm, with break time from 3pm-5:30pm. They're closed Sundays.
Perfect For
- Couples planning engagement dinners or seeking a special Seoul venue for meeting future in-laws
- Couples wanting an exceptional anniversary or date night location
- Professionals looking for business dinner or company gathering venues
- Families planning gatherings, milestone birthdays, or celebrations
- Anyone seeking guaranteed privacy in a private room setting
- Those wanting to experience the unique concept of Hanwoo omakase
I confidently recommend this to anyone searching for authentic Korean dining near Deoksugung or in the City Hall area. This isn't simply about eating beef—it's about receiving the gift of a truly special dining experience.
Final Thoughts
DAEBOJUNG City Hall delivers value far beyond a typical restaurant experience. The all-private-room setup, differentiated Hanwoo omakase menu, and attentive service create a perfect trifecta. While premium-priced, for important occasions, receiving this level of hospitality is truly meaningful.
My mother said the food was delicious and the atmosphere wonderful—she was thoroughly satisfied. This is absolutely a place I'll return to for future special occasions. If you're searching for a Korean restaurant in City Hall, I highly recommend experiencing DAEBOJUNG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are there Korean restaurants near City Hall with convenient parking?
A. DAEBOJUNG City Hall offers access to Pacific Tower underground parking with 2 hours free on weekdays and 3 hours free on weekends, making it very convenient for drivers.
Q. Do I need a reservation for the Hanwoo omakase courses?
A. Yes, since all seating is in private rooms, advance reservations are required. Especially for weekend evenings or special occasions, booking early is strongly recommended.
Q. Is this a good venue for engagement dinners or family gatherings in Seoul?
A. DAEBOJUNG City Hall features 21 private rooms accommodating up to 40 guests, making it ideal for engagement dinners, milestone birthdays, and various family celebrations.
