Korean Royal Court Cuisine- a must try! 

Whenever you watch Korean traditional dramas and the King has a large banquet of food spread out in front of him, haven’t you wanted to experience this yourself? Known as Gungjung Eumsik (Palace Food) during the pre-modern era, tje royalty had the finest regional delicacies in Korea! The eight provinces were represented each month in turn in the royal palace by ingredients presented by their governors. This gave the cooks a wide assortment of ingredients to utilize for royal meals.

Surasang setting

Main dishes served in a bowl

Sura (수라) is a bowl of boiled rice and grains. Two kinds of sura must always be served. This includes white sura.^[23]

Juk (죽) and mieum (미음) or eung-i (응이) are types of rice porridge usually served in the morning. Juk is thicker than mieumin texture, latter of which is similar to the Western gruel.

Guksu (국수) are noodles that are prepared with buckwheat or wheat flour, with the former being preferred.

Mandu (만두) are boiled or steamed dumplings. Mandu dough is made from either wheat flour or buckwheat. The dough is then stuffed with various fillings. Tteokguk(떡국) is a soup made of tteok (glutinous rice cakes)

Tang is a type of soup made with beef shank, intestines, a knuckle (bone) and beef brisket.

Jochi (조치) and gamjeong (감정) are stew-like dishes which is called jjigae in nowadays. If seasoned with gochujang, they are called gamjeong. Jochi is seasoned with salt or salted shrimp.

Jjim (찜): steamed or boiled beef, pork, and fish seasoned with vegetables. Seon (선) is steamed vegetables, tofu, and fish stuffed with fillings made with beef or chicken and onions.

Jeongol and sinseollo are similar to Western stew or Chinese hotpot. Sinseollo (which is a variety of jeongol) is boiled in meat stock with various vegetables and mushrooms in a specific cooking pot with holes. Jeongol and sinseollo are served with aburner.

Side dishes

Saengchae (생채) is like a salad seasoned with salt, vinegar, soy sauce, or mustard sauce.

Namul (나물) are any variety of steamed vegetables seasoned with hot pepper, garlic, green onion, salt, and sesame or perilla oil. Typical vegetables include spinach, daikon, royal fern, bracken, zucchini, green bean sprouts, Korean bellflower, bamboo shoots, etc. In some cases, dangmyeon (potato starch noodles) and roasted beef can be used as well.

Jorigae (조리개) hard-boiled foods with heavy seasonings. Meats, fish and vegetable are mainly used.

Jeonyuhwa (전유화) or sometimes jeon: a dish resembling a pancake. The main ingredients can be lightly battered with egg and wheat flour. Eggs, flour, and other ingredients can be mixed to make pancakes.

Gui is a generic Korean cuisine term for roasted and seasoned dishes. The main ingredients include laver, beef, the root ofdeodeok (Codonopsis lanceolata; 더덕), fish, mushrooms, vegetables, Aralia elata sprouts (두릅), etc.

Hwe (회) is raw fish or raw seasoned beef.

Jang: sauce, side dishes, and dessert also!

 Experience Korean Royal Court Cuisine Today! 

Address: 10, Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Pildong 2-ga)
서울특별시 중구 퇴계로36길 10 (필동2가)

The Korea House was opened in 1981. It is a traditional Korean building that introduces the culture and lifestyle of Koreans, where you can experience traditional architecture and a classical atmosphere. The building was built in the style of the Joseon Dynasty’s Jagyeong-jeon building at the Gyeongbok Palace. It is the only building built in the traditional architectural style. You will feel its antiquity as you enter the building.

Program Information

Traditional Performances
[Part 1] 18:30-19:30
[Part 2] 20:30-21:30

* Admission: 50,000 won.

Directions

[Subway]
Chungmuro Station (Seoul Subway Line 3 or 4), Exit 3.
[Bus]
Blue: 104, 105, 263, 371, 500, 507, 604, 700
Green: 0013, 0211
– Get off at Toegyero3-ga (Hanok Village, The Korea House).

www.koreahouse.or.kr
(Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)

Address: 94, Banghwa-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 강서구 방화대로 94 (외발산동)

Bongraeheon serves savory royal Korean dishes in a great natural environment. It was designated a Proud Korean Restaurant in 2007 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It is located in a traditional Korean building built by Lee Il-gu, a master carpenter and Human Cultural Property who participated in the restoration of Gyeongbokgung Palace. With high ceilings, the whole building has a soothing smell of pine. It’s a popular place for business dining as well as the first meeting between the parents of soon-to-be bride and groom. The restaurant specializes in course meals including gujeolpan, geonoljeolpan, sinseonno, jeonbokcho, hanbang kkorijjim, and stone baked mushrooms.

Menu

Some menu items may differ slightly in price and are subject to change without notice.

Han-jeongsik (Korean Table d’hote)
ㆍJin-yeon
ㆍVegan Menu
ㆍSoo Ra Sang
ㆍGumGang / PoongAk / Bongrae

Season Special
ㆍLunch Special Menu
– Sanyacho bibimbap (Sizzling Stone Pot Mountain Vegetable Bibimbap)
– Braised Cutlassfish with Sweet Pumpkin
– Spicy Codfish Soup Set
ㆍSeasonal Special Course (Lunch)

＊ Special lunch menu is available on weekdays. (excludes national holidays) from 12:00 to 15:00.
※ Details on the listed menu are subject to change and may vary by season. Please check details by phone inquiry or visiting the official website.

Directions

[Bus]
Get off at Gimpo Airport Station (Seoul Subway Line 5 and 9) and take shuttle bus
(at Gate No. 1 on the second floor of the International Terminal of Gimpo Airport, at the Airport E-Mart Bus Stop, or Bus Stop No. 6 at Gate 8 on the first floor of the Domestic Terminal of Gimpo Airport.)

See the hotel website for the shuttle bus operation schedule.
http://www.mayfield.co.kr/nkor/Front_eng/map/hotelbus.asp

Address:3, Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul  (Seongbuk-dong, Samcheonggak)
서울특별시 성북구 대사관로 3 (성북동)

The chef of Samcheonggak Korean restaurant religiously insists on maintaining the authentic taste of Korean cuisine and culture, combining passion and 30 years of cooking experience to present diners with the genuine taste of Korea. Traditional Korean dishes presented with Korean-style service ensure visitors a cultural experience as well as a satisfying meal.

Menu

Some menu items may differ slightly in price and are subject to change without notice.

Dinner Menu (also available during lunch)
ㆍGungjungsura
ㆍSamcheongsura
ㆍCheongcheonsura
ㆍCheonchusura
ㆍGeongangchaesiksang
ㆍSanggyeonryesura

Lunch Menu
ㆍDongbaeksura
ㆍYuhasura

General Menu
ㆍGalbi-jjim (braised beef short ribs)
ㆍGabi-gui (grilled beef short ribs)
ㆍBulgogi

À la carte
ㆍJeonbok-songi-bokkeum (stir-fried abalone and mushroom)
ㆍGalbi-gui (grilled beef short ribs)
ㆍBulgogi
ㆍHanu yukhoe (Korean beef tartare)

[Bus]
Free shuttle available at the following bus stops:
1) Gyeongbokgung Palace: Palace Museum
2) Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6: Jogyesa Temple
3) Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 5: Youngpoong Bookstore
4) Euljiroipgu Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 1: Samsung Fire Insurance Building
5) City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 2), Exit 4: Press Center
6) Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 3: Kyobo Bookstore
7) Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1: Gallery Hyundai

www.samcheonggak.or.kr
(Korean only)

Address: 309, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
(Hongji-dong)
서울특별시 종로구 자하문로 309 (홍지동

Seokparang is a restaurant built from the sarangchae, or meeting room, of Heungseon Daewongun’s byeoljang (villa) who was the father of King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty. Upon entering the main gate, gardens created with the method used in the late Joseon period and three traditional houses (hanok) can be seen. The royal cuisine served is comprised of strictly selected ingredient and traditional hand-made paste to show the chefs’ passion for their dishes. Also, traditional liquors made by craftsmen throughout the nation are available to enjoy.

Some menu items may differ slightly in price and are subject to change without notice.

Menu

Dinner
– Gungjung Sura
– Seokpa
– Manse

Lunch
– Jinyeon
– Jinchan
– Subok

* Operating hours and closed days are subject to change. Make a phone-inquiry before visiting.

Directions

[Subway]
Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 3.
Take Bus 7016, and get off at Sangmyung University Station (상명대학교).

[Bus]
Take Bus 7016, 7018, 7212, 1020, 1711, or 7022.
Get off at Sangmyung University (Stop for Segeomjeong).
The restaurant is the Korean-style house with roof tiles, across the street from the bus stop.

www.seokparang.co.kr
(Korean, English, Japanese)

Address: 54-1, Eunhaeng-ro, Wansan-gu,
Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
(Pungnam-dong 3-ga)
전라북도 전주시 완산구 은행로 54-1 (풍남동3가)

Jeonju, also known as the ‘flavorful city of Honam region’ has a lot to offer when it comes to Korean traditional food as well as royal cuisines. ‘Goong’ is one restaurant that serves royal cuisine. Located in Jeonju Hanok Village, Goong serves rich, flavorful royal dishes using quality ingredients and natural seasoning from the Honam region.
The distinguishable recipes Goong uses came from the late Hwang Hae-seong, who was the master of Korean royal cuisine. These special recipes have been passing down and adding to with the local taste of Jeonju. All cuisines are served in quality brassware made by Lee Bong-ju (Important Intangible Cultural Property holder) who was appointed as one of the country’s great cultural assets. Taste the true flavor of Korean cuisine at Goong while visiting Jeonju Hanok Village, which was dubbed ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ by UNESCO. The place is sure to provide you with a unique and tasty experience with authentic and healthy local food that will please your five senses!

Menu 

Jinsang (진상): 250,000 won
Seonsang (선상): 200,000 won
Misang (미상): 160,000 won

(* Priced at 4 person servings)

Directions

[Bus]
From Jeonju Bus Terminal, walk 395m straight to arrive at Kookmin Bank (Geumam Branch) Bus Stop.
Take local bus no. 684, 165, or 380 then get off at Jeondong Catholic Church/Jeonju Hanok Village Bus Stop. (passing 5 to 6 stops)
Go straight to Pungnammun Four-way Intersection then turn left following Taejo-ro street.
At the end of Gyeonggijeon Shrine, make a left onto Eunhaeng-no street .
The restaurant will be seen on your left.

gooong.co.kr (Korean only)

So what about going to try some amazing Royal Court cuisine on your next trip to Korea?

Information is from the VisitKorea website, as well as Wikipedia!

*
No1 in Korea / Private apartment, guesthouse & Hanok booking
https://www.mykoreatrip.com