[Culinary Class Wars 2] Sensational Taste of Korean Dish and Alcohol, Haebangchon Yunjudang

If you have been watching Netflix's Culinary Class Wars 2 (Korean Title: Black and White Chef), you definitely know "The Alcohol-Brewing Auntie" or "Liquor brewing Yun-Jumo"(Sool-bit-neun Yun-Jumo). Her real name is Chef Yun Nara, and her restaurant, Yunjudang, has become one of the hottest spots in Seoul.

Located at the top of the hip Haebangchon ("Liberation Village") hill, this small, atmospheric gastropub pairs traditional Korean liquors with incredible handmade dishes. Even the notoriously strict Chef Ahn Sung-jae was captivated by her food!

Why is it so Famous?

Yunjudang is not just a restaurant; it is a place where Chef Yun brews her own traditional Korean alcohol.

• The Vibe: A cozy, modern tavern hidden in the alleys of Namsan Mountain. It feels like a secret hideout.
• The Concept: During the day, they brew alcohol; at night, they serve it with perfectly paired food.

Must-Try Menu Items

(Note: The menu has reportedly shifted from a la carte to a "Jumo's Table" pairing course, but these signature dishes remain the stars.)

1. Yunjudang "Back Meat" Suyuk (Boiled Pork Slices)

• As seen on TV: This is the dish that passed the first round in Culinary Class Wars 2.
• Taste: Three special cuts of pork (cheek meat, neck end, etc.) are boiled in clear liquor to remove any smell. The texture is incredibly chewy and tender.
• Pro Tip: Eat it with the 2-year-aged Gangjin soybean paste sauce and the fresh cham-namul (short-fruit pimpinella) salad. It cuts through the fat perfectly.

2. Cheese Potato Pancake (Gamja-jeon)

• Taste: Crispy, shredded potatoes filled with Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Grana Padano cheese.
• Best Pairing: Dip this in the Tteokbokki sauce for the ultimate "sweet-spicy-salty" combo.

3. Large Green Onion Sirloin Tteokbokki

• Taste: Made with thick Garaetteok (rice cakes) and topped with beef sirloin and large green onions. It is less spicy and more cool/refreshing than typical street Tteokbokki.

4. Jeju Abai Sundae (Stuffed Blood Sausage)

• Taste: Wrapped in makchang (intestine), these sausages are chewy, savory, and have zero bad smell.

Traditional Alcohol Pairing

You cannot visit Yunjudang without drinking!

• Yunjudang Takju (12%): An entry-level traditional wine with a pleasant fruity aroma. Shake it for a richer taste.
• Night of Namsan (13.5%): A white wine-like liquor made with pumpkin. It has a nice acidity that goes great with pancakes.

Important Visitor Information

• Current Status: Currently on vacation until January 2026. (Yes, they are taking a break after the show's massive success!)
• Reservations: Mandatory. Book via the Catch Table app. Walk-ins are not allowed.
• Location: 1st Floor, 81-1 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
• Getting There: It is atop a steep hill. There is NO PARKING. Taking a taxi or a local village bus (Ma-eul Bus) is highly recommended.
• Hours: Weekdays 17:00 - 23:00 / Weekends 16:00 - 23:00.

Summary: It is tough to get a reservation, but the combination of the warm "Jumo" (Hostess) hospitality, unique traditional booze, and that famous Suyuk makes it worth the effort. Keep an eye on Catch Table for when they reopen!

Other 'Culinary Class Wars' Chefs Restaurants

!URL[https://koreawhattodo.com/blog/1767847955508]

!URL[https://koreawhattodo.com/blog/1765170806098]

!URL[https://koreawhattodo.com/blog/1764743225015]