Discover Aged Pork Perfection at Handsome's in Sinheung Market, Haebangchon

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Sinheung Market in Haebangchon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, is a hidden gem for food lovers, known for its long-standing restaurants and small eateries tucked away in every alley. After navigating the narrow stairs and winding streets, you'll discover unexpected and charming dining spots. Among them, the aged pork belly restaurant featured on episode 36 of tvN's 'Handsome Guys' (Handsome's) stands out as a must-visit for meat enthusiasts. The clean interior and stylish decor, a stark contrast to the market's humble atmosphere, provide a unique gourmet experience beyond a simple meal.

This restaurant specializes in aged pork belly (Samgyeopsal) and aged pork shoulder (Moksal), maximizing the inherent flavors of each cut through a specialized aging process. The menu boasts aged pork belly, aged pork shoulder, pork skirt meat (Gabrisal), aged pork collar with skin (Kkeop-Hangjeongsal), and crunchy cartilage meat (Ododoksal), each offering a distinct texture and taste for a diverse culinary adventure.

The aged pork belly features thick slices of pork belly aged at a low temperature for a specific period, allowing the rich juices and flavors to deeply infuse the meat. Compared to regular pork belly, it offers a more savory and umami flavor that intensifies with each chew, characterized by a perfectly crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior. The aging process breaks down proteins on the surface of the meat, resulting in a softer texture and enhanced savory flavor, further amplifying the inherent richness of pork belly.

Aged pork shoulder is another popular choice, offering a leaner and chewier texture than pork belly. The aging process tenderizes the meat and intensifies its flavor, allowing you to fully appreciate its taste even with just a touch of salt and sesame oil. In particular, pork shoulder boasts a balanced distribution of fat and lean meat, providing a cleaner yet juicy experience compared to pork belly.

Pork skirt meat (Gabrisal) is a cut from the pork ribs, offering a delightful mix of fat and lean meat that provides a satisfying chew. It is carefully sliced along the grain to allow the juices to permeate during the aging process, and grilling it releases a subtle, nutty aroma that whets the appetite. This cut is especially appealing when lightly grilled and enjoyed in thick, chewy bites, and pairing it with fresh vegetables will fill your mouth with savory goodness.

Aged pork collar with skin (Kkeop-Hangjeongsal) comes from the neck area of the pig, boasting a chewy texture with a balanced layer of fat. The aging process breaks down proteins, making it even more tender, while offering a unique crispy exterior and chewy interior. Grilling it lightly over charcoal or a high-heat grill enhances its inherent flavor with a touch of smoky goodness.

Ododoksal is a particularly unique cut with a distinctive texture, offering a delightful popping sensation with every chew. This cut is recommended for those who enjoy slowly savoring the natural flavors of the meat, with a harmonious blend of savory fat and lean meat that is delicious even with just salt and pepper.

The secret to the restaurant's delicious aged pork lies in its low-temperature aging, regular maintenance, and tailored aging periods for each cut. The aged pork belly and shoulder are managed at a consistent temperature and humidity to maximize the flavor of the meat itself, and the aging process optimizes the balance of proteins and fats to simultaneously satisfy both chewiness and flavor. Furthermore, the restaurant uses different optimal aging periods for each cut, such as 35 days for pork belly, 57 days for pork shoulder, and 2-3 days for pork collar, to maintain the inherent flavor of the meat.

The restaurant's interior features a combination of bar-style seating and small tables, making it suitable for solo diners and small groups alike. Even during busy evenings, the staff provides prompt service and friendly hospitality, carefully monitoring the aging and grilling of the meat to ensure the best possible taste. As emphasized on the 'Handsome's' broadcast, the system of grilling and serving the aged pork at the optimal temperature allows you to fully experience the meat's flavorful juices.

The restaurant also recommends enjoying the pork with their special sauces and fresh vegetables. Lettuce, perilla leaves, chili peppers, garlic, and sesame oil with salt enhance the flavor of the meat, creating a harmonious blend of savory and umami in your mouth. Some customers even say that wrapping the aged pork belly and crunchy cartilage meat together maximizes the flavor contrast, allowing you to experience a variety of flavors depending on the combination.

In addition, adjusting the temperature of the grill is important to further enhance the taste of the aged pork. If the heat is too high, the outside may cook too quickly while the inside remains undercooked. The key is to grill it slowly over medium heat to lock in the juices. In particular, chewy cuts like pork collar and crunchy cartilage meat should be grilled to a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist interior to maximize their flavor.

In conclusion, the aged pork belly restaurant in Sinheung Market, Haebangchon, is a place where you can experience the natural taste and texture of meat to the fullest, thanks to its cut-specific aging strategies, optimal grilling techniques, fresh ingredient management, and a variety of wraps and side dishes. As featured on 'Handsome's', it offers a rich and flavorful dining experience at any time of day.

This is not just a pork restaurant, but a special space that encompasses the science of aging and cooking, cut-specific cuisine, and a gastronomic experience in a market alley. If you are a foodie visiting Sinheung Market, this aged meat restaurant is a must-visit, where you can enjoy the original taste and texture of the meat, as well as the atmosphere of Haebangchon alley, with one meal.