Buchon Yukhoe (부촌육회) is a restaurant specializing in yukhoe (Korean beef tartare), located in Gwangjang Market's yukhoe alley in Jongno-gu, Seoul. It began as a galbitang restaurant and started serving yukhoe in earnest in the 1980s. Now operated by the third generation of the family, it has consistently been listed in the MICHELIN Guide Seoul (미쉐린 가이드 서울) [article]'s Bib Gourmand (빕 구르망) [article] selection since the 2017 edition. It is both a long-established restaurant representing Gwangjang Market's yukhoe alley and the only establishment in the alley listed in the MICHELIN Guide.
Founding: Sources differ on when the restaurant opened. Some media outlets state that it opened in 1956, while records that it opened as “Buchon Sikdang” in 1965 also exist. It initially operated as a galbitang restaurant.
1980s: It began serving yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) in earnest alongside galbitang, establishing its present identity.
Present: The family business is now in its third generation. It operates two locations, the main building and an annex, within Gwangjang Market, with separate queues for each location.
2017: First listed in the MICHELIN Guide Seoul (미쉐린 가이드 서울) [article]'s Bib Gourmand (빕 구르망) [article] selection. It has been selected consecutively ever since.
Hanwoo sourced every morning: The Michelin Guide (미쉐린 가이드)[Document] described it as "a place serving savory yukhoe made with fresh domestic beef delivered every morning amid the lively atmosphere of Gwangjang Market." In addition to Hanwoo (한우)[Document] yukhoe, the liver and beef omasum are also frequently noted for their freshness.
Complimentary beef and radish soup: Once seated, diners are served a complimentary radish soup made with large pieces of radish in a richly simmered beef broth. It is a hallmark of the restaurant that appears consistently in accounts of visits.
Mild Seoul style: This is a straightforward style of yukhoe that relies on the freshness of its ingredients rather than masking them with seasoning. Its signature dishes are Hanwoo yukhoe, yukhoe bibimbap, and chopped live octopus.
Waiting: It is regarded as the restaurant with the longest queue in the yukhoe alley of Gwangjang Market (광장시장)[Document]. However, many accounts note that the perceived wait is short because preparation and table turnover are fast.
Michelin Guide Seoul (미쉐린 가이드 서울)[Document] Bib Gourmand (빕 구르망)[Document] (2017~)
Official Michelin Guide listing, Buchon Yukhoe (부촌육회) (guide.michelin.com)
Cook & Chef News, [Michelin Story] Gwangjang Market's Michelin-recognized yukhoe restaurant, Buchon Yukhoe (Buchon Sikdang opened in 1965; yukhoe introduced in the 1980s)
Siksin, comparison of yukhoe restaurants at Gwangjang Market (opened in 1956; describes succession through three generations)
Foodinko Magazine, Buchon Yukhoe Main Branch at Gwangjang Market, continuing for 60 years