A Modern Shabu-Shabu Experience: Gwanghwamun’s Hidden Gem

A Modern Shabu-Shabu Experience: Gwanghwamun’s Hidden Gem

Hello, foodies! Although Christmas has passed, I can't stop thinking about the incredible meal I had recently, so I’m here to share my unforgettable experience. If you're a fan of shabu-shabu like me, you’ll know it's not hard to find in Korea. From local neighborhood spots to big franchises like Chae Seon Dang or Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu, there are countless options. However, this time, I had the chance to visit what I’d call the "Hermès of Shabu-Shabu"—Modern Shabu House at Gwanghwamun D Tower.

 

Why Modern Shabu House?
Honestly, I felt a little indulgent spending this much on a meal, but it’s the holidays, right? With rising prices, my mindset was: "It’s only going to get more expensive, so why not now?" And I must say, the experience was worth every penny.

 

 

Here is the location
📍 Modern Shabu House, Gwanghwamun D Tower
in korean : 서울특별시 종로구 종로3길 17 D타워 리플레이스 광화문 5층

URL(Click) : 모던샤브하우스 광화문D타워점 - Google 지도

 

 

A Cozy Start to a Chilly Day
I made a reservation weeks in advance since it's a popular spot—specially around Christmas. Stepping inside from the freezing weather, I was greeted with a warm and elegant ambiance. As I approached the entrance, I noticed four Blue Ribbons proudly displayed—a rare achievement in the culinary world here. That alone reassured me I’d made the right choice.

 

A friendly staff member wearing a festive Rudolph headband led me to my table. I loved that the salad bar, with unlimited veggies and drinks, was right nearby (perfect for someone like me who adores fresh greens).

Modern Shabu House offers 9 different broths, each paired with a unique dessert. We went with the Signature Course and chose the mushroom broth, their most popular option. While waiting, I noticed thoughtful touches, like green onions, garlic, and chili peppers on each table to customize your dipping sauces—perfect for sauce lovers like me!

 

Our first platter arrived beautifully arranged with two types of pork and two types of beef. You can taste them all and reorder your favorites. I started with the beef, but to my surprise, the pork was equally tender and flavorful. As I added the fresh veggies and meat to the uniquely designed pot, it felt like an artful blend of colors and textures.

 

Pro tip: Don’t skip the salad bar for extra veggies and drinks. I personally couldn’t get enough of the napa cabbage—it’s the secret to a broth with the perfect depth of flavor. A fun surprise? Finding rice cake pieces shaped like glass noodles—a delightful twist I hadn't seen before!

Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, the staff prepared a mushroom risotto tableside, using the rich broth we’d been savoring. If you choose tomato broth, they make a tomato pasta instead—something I’m definitely trying on my next visit. The risotto was elevated with truffle oil and parsley, making it a luxurious end to an already amazing meal.

And the dessert? Mandarin orange ice cream—light, refreshing, and the perfect palate cleanser. It’s safe to say I’ll be back. My rating? 300% satisfaction!

Modern Shabu House is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the cozy, elegant interior to the impeccable service and mouthwatering food, it’s a place that leaves you completely satisfied. Whether you’re visiting Korea or live here and are looking for something special, this spot is a must-try.

Welcome to any question and comment :)