In early November, years after the building’s completion, the long-awaited Seoul Prime opened in Founders Row. Seoul Prime is an upscale Korean steakhouse where you watch your meat being cooked by your server in a fire built into your table.
Their meats are well-cooked and very high-quality, with a luxury aesthetic pervading the space. Eating at the restaurant is a fantastic culinary experience, but the price tag may cause issues for restaurant-goers. Their central course, the Seoul Prime Tour, costs $47 and the appetizers cost between $14 and $30.
When I visited Seoul Prime, I ordered a serving of beef, which was expertly cooked in the table’s fire pit by the server. I ordered tteokbokki – semi-sweet Korean potato gnocchi with fish cake and herbs. I also got a kimchi and scallion pancake, which was topped with a delicious savory scallion-truffle aioli. Completing my meal, I ordered their seasonal homemade sorbet, which in my case was a fantastic watermelon; cold and crisp on the outside, merging into a chewy watermelon center.
Seoul Prime is popular, although not bustling. Despite taking reservations, it is nearly-always open to walk-ins. Located in Founder’s Row, the surrounding area is preeminently walkable, with a public space directly outside – good for meeting up with friends.
The price point is the main point of divergence between Seoul Prime and its primary Korean competitor, Firepan Korean BBQ at the Eden Center. While it has lower-quality meats and a less opulent dining experience, the pricing at Firepan is much more affordable, with the all-you-can-eat option costing either $29.99 or $34.99. Firepan also has a greater selection of sides and sauces as opposed to Seoul Prime.
For the restaurant-goer interested in a fine dining experience with highest-quality ingredients, Seoul Prime is the place to go. However, because of its impressive price tag, it may not be for those looking to save money, or eat with a larger group.
