Do any of you living in Korea eat a lot of beef? Beef is a type of meat that Koreans greatly prefer, and is one of the meats commonly found in Korean cuisine. However, when it comes to beef, you can find not only regular beef but also special beef called 'Hanwoo' in Korea. So, are you wondering what the difference is between these two types of beef: regular beef and Korean beef?
Even if you have spent a long time in Korea, I think there are still many people who do not know much about Korean beef, so this time, we will look at various things about Korean beef.
Introduction to Korean beef
Hanwoo is a breed of cattle native to Korea. In the past, Korean beef was used as a labor animal to help with agricultural work, but now it is mainly raised for meat. Korean beef is a premium product preferred in Korean cuisine due to its freshness and high quality. Korean beef is characterized by its dramatic lean meat, juiciness, softness, and chewy taste. Korean beef has brown fur and horns, cows produce less milk, and bulls weigh about 466 kg and have a shoulder height of about 124 cm. The main feed for Korean beef is rice grass, and the National Korean Beef Association was established to promote the development of the Korean beef industry and the protection of the common interests and rights of member farmers.
Source: Korean beef price plummets by half... 3.41 million animals raised, highest ever (chosun.com)
Korean beef was classified as a non-endangered breed by FAO in 2007. The number of Korean beef increased from approximately 1.24 million in 2003 to approximately 2.67 million in 2014. In 2001, it was presumed to be a crossbreed between European and Indian cattle, but DNA studies in 2010 and 2014 showed that Korean cattle form a unique genetic group that is close to European cattle and distant from Indian cattle.
Korean beef is considered a cultural symbol of Korea and one of the world's finest meats, so it is used in traditional dishes, popular holiday dishes, and gifts for special occasions. In particular, Hoengseong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do is conducting a strategic marketing campaign to brand itself as the origin of the highest quality Korean beef with an environment suitable for raising Korean beef.
price of Korean beef
The price of Korean beef varies depending on region, quality, and cut, but has been generally decreasing recently.
For example, the average wholesale price of Korean beef meat in October was 18,898 won per kg, down 11.0% from a year ago. The wholesale price of Korean beef cuts (sirloin) on the 15th was 51,508 won per 1 kg, a 23.1% decrease from the same day last year (66,983 won). As of the 13th of this month, the wholesale price per 1kg of Korean beef carcass was 16,998 won, a 17.6% decrease compared to the same period last year.
The reason for the drop in Korean beef prices is believed to be a combination of decreased demand and increased supply due to COVID-19, and increased competitiveness of imported meat. According to a report by the Rural Economic Research Institute, Korean beef prices are expected to continue to decline until 2024 as the impact of COVID-19 continues and the market share of imported meat increases.
Source: Korean Beef Fund, 50 Korean Beef Restaurants with Good Prices Revealed | Aju Economy (ajunews.com)
However, it is important to note that the decline in Korean beef prices is not directly reflected in consumer prices at supermarkets or restaurants. In supermarkets and restaurants, various costs such as labor costs, rent, and value-added tax are included in addition to Korean beef, so they are not sensitive to changes in Korean beef prices.
If you want to taste Korean beef
Hanwoo is a breed of cattle native to Korea, and is fresh, high-quality, high-quality meat. Korean beef is characterized by its dramatic lean meat, juiciness, softness, and chewy taste, and can be enjoyed in a variety of cuts and cooking methods. We will tell you about restaurants that we recommend to eat Korean beef.
Yeongyang Charcoal Grilled Galbi: Located in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, this restaurant specializes in Yeongyang Galbi, the type of rib among ribs. The ribs are fresh and tender, and grilled over charcoal makes them even more delicious. The side dishes are plentiful, and the jelly and water kimchi are impressive.
Sinbi Galbisal: Located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, this is a place where you can enjoy Korean beef ribs cheaper than at a butcher shop. The ribs that the owner personally shapes and cuts are evenly marbled and juicy. Salads and sauces are also varied and delicious.
Haeundae famous beef rib restaurant: Located in Haeundae-gu, Busan, this restaurant specializes in beef ribs. Cow ribs are chewier and have a richer meat flavor than Korean beef. Potato sari and ttukbaegi soybean paste are also popular menu items.
Beef Sirloin: Located in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, this restaurant specializes in aged Korean beef sirloin. Aged Korean beef sirloin melts in your mouth and is rich in juiciness and flavor. The side dishes and soup are clean and delicious.
Beef Meat: Located in Jung-gu, Seoul, this is a fine dining-style Korean beef restaurant. You can enjoy the highest quality Korean beef T-bone steak and various dishes using beef. The atmosphere and service are also great.
