‘Hamburger’, a more delicious American meal in Korea
In 2019, a pop-up store for California's representative 'In-N-Out Burger' was opened and people could be seen forming a long line. When the Shake Shack Burger (Shake Shack) first came in, there was a real wait of over 2 hours.
As world-class burgers enter Korea, the value standards for burgers are rising. Unfortunately, premium handmade burgers have caused the prices of established mass-produced burger franchises to rise.
In Korea, there are many restaurants offering homemade burgers that are comparable to those in the U.S., and there are many strong brand burgers, especially in Itaewon and Hongdae.
Introducing a handmade burger restaurant that you must visit in Seoul. Even though my girlfriend has gained weight, she is still pretty. You must go to a place like this and eat a burger.
'Downtowner' Cheongdam branch
Downtowner Cheongdam is an avocado burger restaurant located on Dosan-daero 53-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. If you're looking for a delicious burger, this might be a good choice! 🍔 If you like handmade burgers, this is a place you've probably heard of at least once. Downtowner, which started in Hannam-dong, became famous for the provocative description that it tastes better than Shake Shack burgers.
Downtowner is said to have invented the standing burger based on the philosophy that a burger should be held and eaten with both hands. As you can see in the picture, the box makes it easy to hold with both hands. In addition, the avocado burger, designed to bring out the local taste of America, has become the most popular menu item.
Location: 14 Dosan-daero 53-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Inquiries: 070-8833-3696
Operating hours: Daily 11:30 - 21:30 (last order 20:30)
How to get there: 9-minute walk from Exit 5 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station on the subway (Cheongdam branch)
Other information: In addition to Cheongdam branch, there are also Hannam branch, Jamsil branch, and Anguk branch.
Avocado Burger 9,300 won
Double Double Burger 9,800 won
Garlic Butter Fries 6,300 won
Cheeseburger 6,800 won
'I'm a Burger' Mapo Hongdae Branch
I Am A Burger is also a handmade burger restaurant that has been recognized for its deliciousness and chain stores are opening up in many places in Seoul. In the case of the Hongdae branch, it is a small store with about 6 tables, but its strength cannot be ignored.
I Am a Burger varies depending on the type of burger, but for some burgers, you can choose the weight, so you can eat a burger that suits your size. They offer two weights: 140g and 200g. You can also choose the type of bread depending on the burger.
Location: 13 Wausan-ro 30-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Inquiries: 02-338-8507
Operating hours: Daily 11:30 - 21:30 (last order 21:00)
How to get there: 11-minute walk from Exit 8 of Hongik University Station (Hongdae Branch)
Other information: In addition to Hongik University Branch, there are many chain stores such as Hannam Branch, Yeouido Branch, and Famille Station Branch.
I am a Burger (140g) 9,300 won
Onion Shrimp Burger 9,800 won
‘Beastie Burger’ Hannam-dong
This is Beasty Burger located in Hannam-dong. Beastie Burger, with the motto of Fresh & Hot, is a restaurant that delivers the taste of fresh handmade burgers using 100% pure beef chuck-eye roll patties.
This is a well-balanced handmade burger that combines fresh vegetables, cheese, and our own special sauce on a brioche bun that is baked in the store every day. It is said that word of mouth has spread among handmade burger enthusiasts, and it is loved by delivery orders and nearby residents. While other handmade burger restaurants make various attempts to find their own style or characteristics, Beastie Burger sticks to the authentic American style burger.
Location: 46 Dokseokdang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Inquiries: 02-790-0621
Operating hours: 10:00 to 22:00, daily
How to get there: 7-minute walk from Exit 1 of Hannam Station on the subway
Bacon Beastie Burger 12,000 won
Mushroom Swiss Burger 13,000 won
French fries 7,000 won
‘Jacobi Burger’ Noksapyeong branch
Jacoby Burger is a restaurant that has been around for a very long time near Itaewon, known as the battleground for handmade burgers. Those who like handmade burgers will probably have heard the name familiar, and even those who are not familiar with it may have heard of the unusual burger called the Gut Destroying Burger, which was once popular on social media.
Jacoby Burger's signature menu item is the gut-busting burger. In fact, Jacoby Burger has 15 different handmade burgers on the menu, so you can enjoy a variety of handmade burgers such as the avocado bacon burger and chili chicken burger.
Location: 38 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Inquiries: 02-3785-0433
Operating hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., daily
How to get there: 11-minute walk from exit 1 of Noksapyeong subway station
Internal Destruction Burger 25,900 won
Double Cheese Bacon Burger 12,900 won
Garlic Steak Bacon Burger 12,900 won
Avocado Bacon Burger 12,900 won
'The Famous Burger' Mapo Hongdae branch
The Famous Burger, located around Hongdae and Hapjeong, is a recently popular handmade burger restaurant. It is also famous for the handmade burger restaurant run by Mr. Loco, a rapper who is currently performing his national defense duties. I went to see it in person after hearing that it was targeting young people who like handmade burgers.
The Famous Burger has a system where you order at the counter at the entrance and sit down. Following the guidance of the hip-hop style staff, I was able to conveniently place my order and sit down. The Western-style interior reminded me of the line of handmade burger restaurants that benchmark local American styles, such as Brooklyn Burger Joint.
Location: 24, Jandari-ro 3an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Inquiries: 02-332-5201
Operating hours: Sun-Thu 12:00 to 22:00 / Fri-Sat 12:00 to 23:00
How to get there: 7-minute walk from exit 3 of Hapjeong Station on the subway (Hongdae branch)
Other information: In addition to Hongdae branch, there is also a Sinsa branch
Famous Burger (single) 8,000 won
Famous Burger (double) 11,000 won
Royal Green Burger 10,500 won
Ultimate Burger 11,000 won