A Gift Met at the End of the Bonghwa Breeze: A Travelogue of Bonghwa Hanyakwoo Plaza Infused with Vitality

Clear Air and the Scent of Medicinal Herbs, a Healthy Meal Found in Bonghwa

The first thing you notice when entering Bonghwa is the exceptionally transparent air. A faint scent of grass mixes with the breeze blowing over the mountain ranges, and I suddenly wondered how healthy the cattle raised in such pristine nature must be. The place I will introduce today is 'Bonghwa Hanyakwoo Plaza' located at 47, Nongeopin-gil, Bongseong-myeon, Bonghwa-gun. More than just a restaurant to fill one's stomach, it is a place where you can taste the sincerity nurtured by the nature of Bonghwa, so I marked it as the final stop of my trip.

The main star here, 'Bonghwa Hanyakwoo (Bonghwa Medicinal Herb Beef)', is said to have been raised on feed mixed with beneficial medicinal herbs such as Angelica gigas (Danggwi), Atractylodes macrocephala (Baekchul), and Peony (Jagyak). I was excited even before stepping inside, as it is explained that the beef has a higher oleic acid content than regular beef, resulting in a uniquely savory flavor.

A Feast of Savory Gourmet Rising from Charcoal Fire

As I opened the door and entered, a wide, open hall caught my eye. I really liked the spacious area that wouldn't feel crowded even with group gatherings or family travelers. The table spacing was generous, making it perfect for enjoying a meal while having intimate conversations with my companions.

While browsing the menu to decide what to eat, I ordered the steady-selling sirloin and special cuts for grilling. Soon after, well-heated charcoal was brought in, and meat with beautiful bright red marbling was placed on the table. As soon as the meat was placed on the grill, a cheerful 'sizzle' sound and a savory aroma of fat spread in all directions—this is the hardest moment to endure. As I put a well-cooked piece in my mouth, I could certainly feel a deep savoriness different from regular beef. Wondering if the subtle lingering umami was thanks to the cattle being raised on medicinal herbs, I even felt like I was properly nourishing my body.

Lingering Effects of a Bonghwa Trip Enjoyed with Diverse Menus

Beyond grilled dishes, the range of choices here is very wide. If you visit during lunchtime or want a light meal, Yukhoe Bibimbap (spicy raw beef bibimbap) or Bulgogi are good options. I accompanied my meal with a refreshing Yukhoe Bibimbap at the end, and the combination of fresh vegetables and savory raw beef provided a clean finish.

Bonghwa Hanyakwoo Plaza is not far from major tourist attractions in Bonghwa, making it very easy to plan a travel itinerary. I would like to recommend visiting here at sunset to have a hearty dinner after slowly exploring the nearby clear valleys or historic houses (Gotaek). Rather than arriving too late, it is better to arrive comfortably before the sun goes down completely, taking in the scenery of Bonghwa. Don't forget to take a short walk along the nearby farm paths after your meal to breathe in the night air of Bonghwa.

Small Tips for Travelers

A trip to Bonghwa is a journey that enjoys the aesthetics of slowness. After filling your stomach at Hanyakwoo Plaza, try visiting nearby forest paths or mountain temples to have a moment of quiet contemplation. There is a serenity here in Bonghwa that you can never feel in the city. It will be much freer and more enjoyable to explore the hidden gems of Bonghwa using a personal car rather than public transportation. A piece of beef filled with the clean breeze and energy of medicinal herbs in Bonghwa—it seems this will be the most memorable scene of this trip.