Woohana Jonggak: Premium Hanwoo Omakase in Private Rooms Near Gwanghwamun

During a recent trip to Jongno 2-ga to pick out a gift for my granddaughter's first birthday, my wife and I decided it was time for a proper meal together. Searching for somewhere elegant yet comfortable near Gwanghwamun, I made a reservation at Woohana Jonggak, located right in front of Jonggak Station inside Starfield Avenue. The concept of Korean beef omakase intrigued me, and the fact that every seat is in a private room sealed the deal.

🍽️ Reserve on CatchTable Global · 📍 WOOHANA Jonggak — Naver Place · ☎ 02-2158-7561

Private Room Korean Restaurant Jongno: One Minute from Jonggak Station, Steps from Gwanghwamun

Woohana Jonggak is just a one-minute walk from Jonggak Station Exit 1. Situated on the second floor (Room 203) of Jongno 33 Tower Building 1, it's easily accessible from Gwanghwamun, City Hall, and anywhere along the Jongno corridor. You can even walk from Gwanghwamun Station comfortably, which explains why it's gaining a reputation as a go-to restaurant in the area. The building has parking available, so driving is hassle-free.

They're open from 11 AM to 10 PM, with a break from 3 PM to 5 PM. Dinner reservations are highly recommended. The phone number is 0507-1481-7561.

All Private Rooms and an Open Kitchen That Builds Trust

Upon arrival, staff immediately escorted us to our private room. Every seat at Woohana is in a private room, so you can dine without worrying about being overheard or watched. They have rooms that accommodate up to 20 guests, making it ideal for company dinners or family gatherings.

What really impressed me was the open kitchen layout. Watching the cooking process unfold transparently builds natural confidence in the food. The room itself featured warm lighting and understated décor—perfect for a special occasion. They even lit a candle on our table, which added a lovely anniversary dinner atmosphere.

Course B at ₩129,000 per Person: A 10-Dish Korean Beef Omakase Journey

We ordered the 90g Course B for two. Our manager carefully explained every ingredient we'd be enjoying and checked for any dietary restrictions. A welcome glass of sparkling wine arrived, and the omakase began.

First Course – Chestnut Sweet Potato Porridge
A warm porridge topped with truffle and chestnut chips. The silky texture carried subtle sweetness from chestnut and sweet potato, gently opening the palate. Not too bold—just right for a first course.

Second Course – Four Bite-Sized Delicacies
Beef tartare brioche, lobster, sea bream, and crispy Hanwoo fritter arrived on a single plate. Each bite offered a different texture and flavor. The tartare was fresh and tender, the lobster had a nice snap, the sea bream was clean and delicate, and the Hanwoo fritter was perfectly crisp. Four experiences on one dish.

Third Course – Tuna and Uni
Tuna belly topped with pickled baby bok choy, yuzu, and uni. The soft tuna, creamy uni, and bright yuzu worked beautifully together, while the crunchy bok choy balanced everything out.

Fourth Course – Abalone
Chewy abalone served with braised radish and zucchini. The abalone had that signature bouncy texture, and the gently simmered radish complemented its clean flavor.

Fifth Course – Grilled Tilefish
Tilefish grilled with shiso was delicate yet nutty. The fish had a firm but tender bite, and the fragrant shiso cut any fishiness while adding aromatic depth.

Sixth Course – Hanwoo Sukiyaki
Korean beef and cauliflower in a sweet sukiyaki sauce. The beef's savory richness met the sweet glaze for deep, satisfying flavor. Cauliflower helped cut through the richness.

Seventh Course – Beef Jerky Noodles
Noodles with brisket and beef jerky showcased Hanwoo in yet another form. The salty, umami-packed jerky enriched the broth, while the brisket was chewy and full of beefy aroma.

Eighth Course – Personal Grill
Hanwoo sirloin and grilled vegetables arrived with an individual tabletop grill. I loved being able to cook each piece at my own pace. The sirloin sizzled beautifully, releasing a nutty aroma, and when cooked medium it delivered tender texture and concentrated flavor.

Ninth Course – Korean Table Setting
Hanwoo seaweed soup and three side dishes. The beef-infused seaweed soup was clean yet deeply savory—a warm, comforting way to wind down the course.

Tenth Course – Dessert
Cream cheese ice cream and lime-basil sorbet. The ice cream was smooth and rich, while the sorbet was refreshing with a lovely basil note that cleansed the palate perfectly.

Free Corkage and Thoughtful Anniversary Service

Another perk at Woohana is free corkage. You can bring your own wine to enjoy with the meal, which makes it popular among wine lovers. For anniversaries, they offer lettering service and Polaroid photo events—making it even more fitting for special occasions.

The manager's service was outstanding. Each course came with a detailed explanation of ingredients and preparation, and our dining pace was carefully monitored. We were able to relax, chat, and savor each dish in the privacy of our room.

Who Should Visit Woohana Jonggak

• Anyone searching for a refined Korean beef omakase near Gwanghwamun
• Professionals seeking a private room for business dinners or client entertaining in Jongno
• Couples and families planning anniversary dinners, engagement meals, or family gatherings
• Food lovers who want to experience Hanwoo and seafood prepared multiple ways
• Wine enthusiasts who appreciate free corkage with multi-course dining

Final Thoughts: Korean Beef Omakase Jongno That Exceeds Expectations

Woohana Jonggak impressed me with its ability to showcase Hanwoo in so many forms—fritters, sukiyaki, grill, noodles, soup—while also featuring an excellent range of seafood including lobster, sea bream, tuna, uni, abalone, and tilefish. There wasn't a dull moment.

The location one minute from Jonggak Station, the privacy of all-private-room seating, the transparency of the open kitchen, and the attentive service all came together for a thoroughly satisfying meal. At ₩129,000 per person, it's not cheap, but given the quality, variety, and ambiance of ten courses, it's absolutely worth it.

I'm already considering it as a venue for my granddaughter's first birthday family gathering. If you're looking for a standout restaurant near Gwanghwamun, I can confidently recommend Woohana Jonggak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is a reservation required at Woohana Jonggak?
A. Yes, reservations are strongly recommended. Every seat is in a private room and the restaurant is popular, especially on weekends and evenings. Walk-ins may face long waits.

Q. What's the price range for Korean beef omakase at Woohana?
A. Course B (90g) is ₩129,000 per person. Pricing varies by course selection. Corkage is free, so you can bring your own wine at no extra charge.

Q. Is it suitable as a business dinner restaurant in Jongno, Seoul?
A. Absolutely. The all-private-room setup ensures a discreet, professional atmosphere, and they can accommodate up to 20 guests in their largest room—ideal for corporate entertaining or team dinners. The location right outside Jonggak Station Exit 1 makes it very convenient.