[Seoul] Woo Lae Oak 우래옥 (Ulaeog) is one of the Seoul restaurants that I saw with a 100+ number wait list for a dinner spot (thankfully I went earlier to queue).
The Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is a renowned and popular restaurant in Seoul for several reasons.
It serves delicious and authentic Korean cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as Pyeongyang Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) and Bulgogi (marinated beef).
History plays a part. It has actually been in operation since 1946, with its name meaning Woo (again), Lae (come or return), and Oak (house).
Found tucked away in the back alleys of Euljiro 4-ga, it is not uncommon to find numerous (big) cars being valet-parked.
Groups of people would be waiting for their turn, many of them were seen with their families, such as their grandparents.
It is probably a sentimental place for many, known to be a favourite for generations, with famous politicians and celebrities being patrons.
The restaurant has a rather ‘old-school’ atmosphere, with traditional Korean decor and private dining rooms for a more intimate dining experience.
Prices are on the higher end, but customers do reflect that the quality of the food justifies the cost.
The Bulgogi Beef (37,000 Won for 150g) is a must-try dish at Woo Lae Oak. Note: minimum two servings for an order.
The top grade Hanwoo Korean beef is marinated in a sweet and savoury soy sauce-based marinade, which gives it a tender and juicy texture.
The meat is then grilled at the table, adding a fun and interactive element to the dining experience.
The beef is served with various side dishes, including kimchi, pickled radish, and lettuce leaves, which can be used to wrap the beef and create a delicious and satisfying bite.
Customers can also order the Galbi Grilled Beef Short Ribs (53,000 Won for 180g) or Sogeumgui Grilled Sirloin (62,000 Won for 150g).
The Naengmyeon (16,000 Won) is a cold noodle dish that is perfect for the hot summer months.
The noodles are made from buckwheat and potato starch, and are served in a tangy and clear-refreshing broth made from beef.
The dish is topped with thinly sliced beef and pear, which added a nice texture and crunch to the dish.
While the broth was refreshing, I found this to be rather light – this needs time to grow on me (especially when I am don’t eat Naengmyeon often enough).
The soup was very clean-tasting though, a reason why is because the chefs remove the fats during the broth-cooking process.
If you are looking for something with a bit more spice and flavour, then the Bibim Naengmyeon (16,000 Won) is a great option.
This was also my preferred bowl, and also one of the best renditions I had in Seoul.
This dish consists of the same cold buckwheat noodles, but served with a spicy sauce made from gochujang (Korean chili paste), vinegar, and sugar.
The sauce is mixed with the noodles, creating a flavourful and spicy combination that would likely wake up your taste buds.
Other dishes include Yukhoe Beef Tartare (58,000 Won), Galbitang Short Rib Soup (18,000 Won), Yukgaetang Spicy Beef Soup with Rice (16,000 Won) and Hanggukbap Beef Soup with Rice (15,000 Won).
Woo Lae Oak 우래옥 has been around for over 70 years, and has earned a reputation as one of the best Korean restaurants in Seoul for Bulgogi and Naengmyeon.
Woo Lae Oak 우래옥
62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 중구 창경궁로 62-29
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
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