Chef Yeo Kyung-rae, aka the “White Spoon” chef from Black and White Chef, is one of Korea’s top names in Chinese cuisine with over 50 years of experience! He’s also the Vice President of the World Chinese Culinary Federation and heads the Korean Chinese Culinary Federation. What’s even more impressive is how he brings youthful energy to the kitchen, competing with younger chefs and showing off his adventurous spirit. One of the coolest moments? His friendly competition with his student, Chef Park Eun-young (aka the “Goddess of Chinese Cuisine”). Under Chef Yeo’s guidance, she truly shined on Black and White Chef, giving us major mentor-mentee goals!
Chef Yeo now runs Hongbogak, a fine dining hotspot in Gangnam that’s super easy to get to! Just a quick 5-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9, Exit 4), and you’ll find yourself at the LL floor of the Novotel Ambassador Gangnam. Let’s dive into what makes Hongbogak so special!
Hongbogak (紅寶閣)
- Address: LL Floor, Novotel Ambassador Gangnam, 130 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Break: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Contact: 0507-1381-6479
- Reservations: Catch Table app ‘Hongbogak’
- Instagram: @hongbogak_official
The vibe inside Hongbogak is modern yet cozy with an elegant blend of red bricks and soft tones that give the place a high-end, luxurious feel. It’s the perfect mix of traditional and modern. You can opt for casual dining in the open space or enjoy a more private experience in one of the secluded rooms—great for family dinners, business meetings, or even engagement parties.
🍽️ Course Menus
At Hongbogak, you can go for individual dishes or splurge on a course meal. The lunch course starts from ₩100,000 to ₩250,000, and dinner goes from ₩120,000 to ₩450,000.
🍲 Signature Dishes
1.Mozaseu (Mother-Son Shrimp 모자새우) / ₩60,000 (S), ₩100,000 (L)
When it comes to Hongbogak’s signature dishes, the Mozaseu is a total standout! Just like its name, this dish features a giant shrimp stuffed with tiny, minced shrimp inside—so you get double the shrimp goodness. It’s all about that perfect, bouncy, juicy texture! Don’t forget to squeeze a little lemon on top and dip it in the sweet sauce to really bring out all the rich, umami flavors. Not only is it packed with flavor, but the presentation is on point—definitely Insta-worthy and a must-try if you’re craving something special!
2.Buldojang (불도장) / ₩130,000
Buldojang is like the ultimate luxury health soup! Packed with over 15 top-tier ingredients—think silkie chicken, abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, shrimp, mushrooms, and even ginseng—this dish is simmered for hours to create a super clean, clear broth that’s as healthy as it is delicious. It’s especially popular in the summer for giving you that extra boost of energy! Loved by foodies everywhere, this soup is a must for special occasions like engagement parties or family get-togethers. If you’re looking for a dish that screams luxury and health, this is it!
3.Tangsu Uyuk (Sweet and Sour Beef 탕수우육) / ₩48,000 (S), ₩70,000 (L)
Tangsu Uyuk is like the cooler cousin of sweet and sour pork—except it’s made with juicy beef! Picture this: crispy on the outside, super tender beef on the inside, all fried to perfection. The sweet and tangy sauce, with just the right touch of fruity goodness, takes it to the next level. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven with an ice-cold beer! Sure, it’s a bit of a splurge, but the flavor explosion makes it totally worth it.
4.Samsun Jjamppong (삼선짬뽕) / ₩28,000
Samsun Jjamppong is the ultimate seafood lover’s dream! Packed with premium ingredients like abalone, shrimp, and sea cucumber, this noodle soup delivers a super clean yet rich broth that’s not too spicy, but still bursting with flavor from both the seafood and beef. Once you take a sip, trust me, you won’t be able to stop until you’ve slurped up every last drop! It’s a total fan favorite, and some people even say it’s better than jajangmyeon. If you’re craving a bowl of flavor-packed, seafood goodness, this one’s a must-try!
5. Dongpa-yuk (동파육) / ₩90,000
Dongpa-yuk is all about those thick, juicy slices of braised pork that practically melt in your mouth! Cooked until they’re super soft and tender, this dish packs a punch with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, thanks to the sauce that soaks deep into the meat. Pair it with crunchy bok choy, and you get this amazing contrast in textures that makes every bite better than the last. No wonder it’s a fan favorite! If you’re looking for a dish that screams luxury, Dongpa-yuk is the one you don’t want to miss at Hongbogak.
If you’re into drinks, Hongbogak also offers a great selection of Chinese beers, kaoliang wine, and other liquors. You can ask the staff for drink pairings that complement your meal, and you might be surprised—wine pairs surprisingly well with the food here! 🍷🥃😉
Hongbogak, led by Chef Yeo Kyung-rae, brings a modern twist to traditional Chinese cuisine, consistently earning praise from food lovers. The refined ambiance and carefully crafted dishes make it a top spot for family gatherings, special events, or simply a memorable dining experience. Make sure to check it out for a delicious meal with a dash of elegance! 😀
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