If you find yourself in South Korea and decide to indulge in top-grade beef, chances are you’ll encounter Hanwoo, a native breed that has roamed the Korean peninsula for over 2,000 years. But it’s not just any old cow. Like the better-known Japanese Wagyu, Hanwoo boasts exceptional marbling, only with less fat content, and a distinctive, robust flavour that sets it apart.
Raised free-range in the South Korean countryside, Hanwoo cattle thrive on a diet of grain or grass and occasionally beer-enriched feed. Its high price tag is driven by quality and the fact that demand significantly exceeds supply. South Korea has even less land for rearing its indigenous cattle than Japan; and Hanwoo are smaller creatures. This scarcity, coupled with the breed’s superior attributes, places Hanwoo in the same league as Wagyu.
The importance of Hanwoo in Korea goes far beyond the kitchen. Before the 1960s, Korea was primarily an agrarian society where cattle were indispensable for farming. “Cows were the main labour force of agriculture, responsible for tasks such as ploughing fields, carrying heavy loads and other necessary duties,” explains Yoon Won-suk, executive chef at Byeokje Galbi, a restaurant in Seoul renowned for its barbecued beef short ribs since 1986. “They even played a part in solving economic problems because they were sold when a large amount of money was needed [by farmers].” These cows were so valuable that butchering them was reserved for the wealthy or elite, making Hanwoo a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Louder Than You Think
It might not shout about itself, but among the world’s most influential people, Brunello Cucinelli is everywhere. Its co‑chairman and co‑creative director Carolina Cucinelli shares why the Italian brand’s high‑end ubiquity is built on its rock‑solid values
A New Era
La Prairie unveils the first product from its new collection, the Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream, an innovative creation that represents a new chapter in luxury skincare for those seeking to maintain healthy skin
Revolutionising Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is the future of healthcare, according to Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association CEO Harjit Gill. Ahead of its Asia Pacific MedTech Forum 2024, she outlines how a digitally driven healthcare system can improve access and outcomes for all
REBIRTH RENEWAL REWARD
Renowned artist Nari Ward gives Tatler a peek into his Harlem studio as he prepares for his solo exhibition in Seoul
Blurring Lines, Breaking Boundaries
Cartier’s creative director of jewellery and watches Marie-Laure Cérède on the maison’s commitment to creating statement-making timepieces for discerning luxury consumers
Tan Yin Ling
The co‑founder of Cloop on how her social enterprise is closing the loop on Singapore’s fashion waste
THE World IS YOUR Oyster
Tatler gets a taste of the luxe nomadic life aboard the world’s most exclusive residential ship as it sails from South Korea to Japan
HAUTE HOTELS
Find out where designers, models and fashionistas stay during Fashion Week
RAISING THE STEAKS
Hanwoo, Korea’s native beef, is celebrated not only for its flavourful meat but also its rich history and deep cultural significance. We explore the qualities and traditions that make Hanwoo a national treasure—and why the rest of the world needs to know about it
The Fashion Centennial
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Loro Piana looks back on its legacy of exceptional fabrics, textile innovation and savoir faire in its fall‑winter 2024‑2025 women’s and men’s collections