Korean Beef Stir-fry Gochujang Brands and Their Characteristics

The Korean beef gochujang (spicy gochujang) stir-fry market is a competitive one, with traditional sauce brands and home meal replacement (HMR) brands competing, with tube-shaped and small-packaged products gaining popularity. As of 2023, CJ CheilJedang (44.17%) and Daesang Chungjungone (39.39%) are the two leading brands, holding over 80% of the gochujang market, demonstrating their significant influence in the stir-fried gochujang market.

1. Features of each major brand

1-1) Cheongjeongwon Sunchang Beef Stir-fry Gochujang/Grilled Beef Stir-fry Gochujang

Characteristics: Manufactured in Sunchang, a renowned gochujang (red pepper paste) maker, this product features a smoky, savory flavor from grilled beef. The tube-shaped packaging emphasizes portability for camping, travel, and more.

Consumer Reviews: Many people say that it is not too sweet and has a good balance of savory and spicy flavors.

1-2) Sobokko (Korean beef stir-fried with red pepper paste)

Characteristics: This premium product features a high Korean beef content of 40%. Using traditional methods passed down since 1965, we are targeting the premium beef gochujang niche market.

Consumer Reviews: Known as a premium gochujang with an excellent chewy meat flavor and great for mixing with rice.

1-3) Olban Kitchen Beef Stir-fry with Gochujang

Features: This HMR brand product is distributed by Shinsegae Food. This tube-shaped convenience food emphasizes a clean taste and a moderate beef flavor.

1-4) Master Jeongseonja's All-Purpose Beef Gochujang

Features: This is a master product that emphasizes traditional manufacturing methods and targets consumers who prefer a luxurious taste and traditional flavor.

1-5) 2nd generation artisan's Sunchang Hanwoo Yakgochujang

Characteristics: Made in the traditional way of the Sunchang region, this product aims to achieve both health and taste by adding raw deodeok and Korean beef.

2. Market Share and Trends

2-1) Dominance of two major brands:

CJ CheilJedang and Daesang (Cheongjeongwon), which lead the overall gochujang market, also hold a high market share in the stir-fried gochujang market.

Direct and premium: Premium products that emphasize the "grilled flavor" of Cheongjeongwon's grilled beef stir-fry, or maximize the "Korean beef content" of Sobokko, are popular.

Convenience: With the increase in single-person households and the spread of camping culture, small-package tube products in 60g to 100g units are the main products.

Beef stir-fry with gochujang is popular as a side dish with rice or as a substitute for ssamjang, with depth of flavor (grilled flavor, premium Korean beef) and convenience becoming key criteria for brand selection.

Top 5 Sundae Gukbap Restaurants in Seoul and Their Characteristics

The top five sundae gukbap restaurants in Seoul are Nongmin Baekam Sundae, Seoil Sundaeguk, Hwamok Sundaeguk, Yaksu Sundae, and Namsunnam Sundaeguk (or Sansugapsan). These restaurants are known for their rich broths, savory sundae, and generous toppings. Major restaurants, including Nongmin Baekam Sundae (Seolleung), are conveniently located near subway stations, making them highly accessible. Top 5 Sundae Gukbap Restaurants in Seoul

1. Farmer's Baekam Sundae (Main Branch/Gangnam, etc.)

1-1) Features: A representative restaurant in Seoul, known for its rich, deep beef bone broth and tender Baekam sundae.

1-2) Address: 40-4 Seolleung-ro 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Main Branch)

1-3) Transportation: 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Seolleung Station on Line 2/Suin-Bundang Line.

2. Seoil Sundaeguk (Boramae)

2-1) Features: A refreshing and light soup with a combination of shiitake mushrooms and homemade sundae.

2-2) Address: 10-4 Yeouidaebang-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

2-3) Transportation: 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Boramae Station on Line 7.

3. Hwamok Sundaeguk (Yeouido)

3-1) Features: A style that is generously filled with large intestine sundae and pork intestines in a clean and refreshing broth.

3-2) Address: 383 Yeouidaebang-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

3-3) Transportation: Near Exit 1 of Saetgang Station on Line 5/9.

4. Yaksu Sundae (Yaksu Station)

4-1) Features: It is famous for its clear soup with rice and its hearty sundae soup.

4-2) Address: 114 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

4-3) Transportation: Near Exit 7 of Yaksu Station on Line 3/6.

5. Sansugapsan (Euljiro)

5-1) Features: A famous restaurant for its assorted sundae, where chapssal sundae and daechang sundae are in harmony.

5-2) Address: 24 Euljiro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

5-3) Transportation: Near Exit 10 of Euljiro 3-ga Station on Line 2/3.

※Namsoonnam Sundaeguk (Dogok) and Gigeolchopung Wang Sundae (Sharosugil) are also included in the top 5 restaurants.

Usage tips :

* It is recommended to avoid meal times as most restaurants have long waiting lines.

* It is easily accessible by public transportation and can be easily visited on foot from the subway station.

Seoul's Representative Handmade Dumpling Restaurant

Seoul's leading handmade dumpling restaurants are renowned for their long traditions, distinctive fillings, and thin crusts. They are often conveniently located near subway stations, making them easily accessible. Popular examples include Myeongdong Gyoza, Jahas Sonmandu, Gubok Mandu, Gaeseong Mandu Gung, and Chwicheonru.

1. Myeongdong Gyoja (Head Restraurane)

1-1) Features: The thin-skinned, garlic-flavored dumplings served with kalguksu are a special feature. Selected by the Michelin Guide.

1-2) Address: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

1-3) Transportation: 3-minute walk from Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station (Subway Line 4).

2. Jaha Somandu

2-1) Features: Located in Buam-dong, this restaurant is famous for its simple, North Korean-style handmade dumplings and dumpling stew. The taste is refined.

2-2) Address: 12 Baekseok-dong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

2-3) Transportation: Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 3 -> Transfer to bus (7212, 1020, 7022) -> Get off at Buam-dong Community Center.

3. Gubok Dumplings

3-1) Features: Located in Namyeong-dong, this restaurant specializes in Binghwa Mandu (crispy bottom, moist top). It has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

3-2) Address: 10 Duteopbawi-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

3-3) Transportation: 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Sookmyung Women's University Station on Subway Line 4.

4. Gaeseong Mandu Gung(Palace)

4-1) Features: Located in Insa-dong, the signature dishes are the simple, unseasoned kimchi dumplings and meat dumplings.

4-2) Address: 11-3 Insa-dong 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

4-3) Transportation: 5-minute walk from Exit 6 of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3.

5. Chwicheonru

5-1) Features: Located in Seochon, this Chinese handmade dumpling restaurant boasts a 70-year tradition. Their meat dumplings and fried dumplings are exceptional.

5-2) Address: 9 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

5-3) Transportation: 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3.

Tip: All these famous restaurants have a waiting list, so it's best to avoid meal times or visit with plenty of time to spare.

Best 5 Hangover Soup Restaurants in Seoul and Their Features

Seoul's best five hangover soup restaurants boast long traditions and rich broths. Famous examples include Cheongjinok (clear beef intestines), Yongmun haejangguk (spicy beef tripe soup), Yangjae haejangguk (tender lean meat), Pungnyeon Bbaedagwi haejangguk (savory flavor), and Ildeung Sikdang (simple bones). Located in easily accessible areas like Jongno, Mangwon, Songpa, and Yangjae, they're easily accessible by public transportation.

1. Cheongjinok (Jongno)

1-1) Features: This third-generation restaurant, established in 1937, boasts a generous portion of beef (blood, tripe, and intestines) and a clear, deep broth. It pairs well with green onions and cubed radish kimchi .

1-2) Address: 32 Jongno 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

1-3) Transportation: 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5).

2. Yongmun Haejangguk (Yongsan)

2-1) Features: A spicy and refreshing Gyeongsang-do-style hangover soup with radish greens, bean sprouts, and beef. It's famous for its early morning opening.

2-2) Address: 124 Saechang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

2-3) Transportation: Near exit 6 of Hyochang Park Station on Subway Line 6/Gyeongui-Jungang Line.

3. Yangjae Haejangguk (Seocho)

3-1) Features: It is full of tender meat and blood, and the broth is rich and savory, so the meat melts in your mouth.

3-2) Address: 21 Gangnam-daero 10-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul.

3-3) Transportation: Near Exit 3 of Yangjae Citizen's Forest Station on the Shinbundang Line.

4. Poongnyeon Bone Soup (Songpa)

4-1) Features: Made with domestic pork bones, the broth is clean and rich, free of pork odor. It is characterized by a deep flavor without being overpowering.

4-2) Address: 178 Seokchonhosu-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul.

4-3) Transportation: 9-minute walk from Exit 6 of Seokchon Station (Line 8).

5. First Class Restaurant (Mangwon)

5-1) Features: This famous, long-established restaurant in Mangwon-dong serves a light and clean bone soup with plenty of burdock root. The price is reasonable and the meat is tender.

5-2) Address: 82 Bangulnae-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

5-3) Transportation: Take the village bus from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station on Line 6.